I don't get this SEC is so great BS that keeps coming up. The SEC as a whole is no more dominant than the other conferences. They have had 3 dominant programs (Bama, LSU, Florida) and 1 great season (Auburn). That is not a dominant conference. I take nothing away from the Championships but it was on the backs of basically 3 schools. They have consistently 6 competitive programs each year out of 12 and a few good years thrown in once in a while by other schools.
I will give that conference this: They know when to lose. They play tough games at the front of their schedule so that if there is a loss, it won't hurt as bad at the end of the year. Case in point is Alabama. They got back to #2 in the BCS after being at #4 by beating Western Carolina in week 12 Florida finished their year beating LA Layfaette and Jacksonville St and Florida State.
I think the B1G needs to take notice of this and front load the schedule. Especially with a new TV deal and possible further expansion in the works.