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Ohio State Football: Big Ten vs. SEC, the gap in strength matters

By Thomas Scurlock

LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 28: Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes gets ready to lead the team on the field before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 28: Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes gets ready to lead the team on the field before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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Big Ten teams have made big strides in recent years but the SEC is still acknowledged as the top conference in college football.

The Big Ten or SEC conference superiority debate is a topic that always gets fan bases riled. Former Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer dipped his toes in the shark-infested waters when Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff Crew published their 2020 Preseason Top 5 Conferences.

Meyer, Rob Stone, Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, Joel Klatt and Brady Quinn all ranked the SEC No. 1 and the Big 10 No. 2. The Big 12 was the unanimous No. 3 and all but Bush had the ACC No. 4.  The PAC-12 is No. 5.

None of this is shocking.  The SEC is the strongest conference and the Big Ten is clearly a step ahead over the other three.

For those who think differently, ask yourself why you would know better than Meyer?

The better question is, why the gap between the SEC and Big Ten matters? The size matters because perception plays a significant role in determining which teams get selected to the College Football Playoff.

A loss in the SEC is not measured in the same way as a loss in the Big Ten.

The SEC heavyweights get a pass.  The Big Ten heavyweights need substantial contributing factors for a loss to be overlooked.

Whether it is fair or not, Ohio State and other Big Ten teams are held to higher standards.

The concern is, despite Ohio State’s run last year, odds of the Buckeyes’ navigating any season without a loss are minimal. While beating Michigan and winning the Big Ten should and always will be paramount, there is no denying that a season lacking a chance to win a national title rings a little hollow.

Furthermore, a season that does include a win over Michigan and a conference title should automatically qualify Ohio State for the CFP.

Justice Sueing will look to be a difference maker. dark. Next

The only way the Big Ten can chip away at the gap is to win the head-to-head matchups, dominate in nonconference play and win national titles. As it stands, that’s unlikely.  We just have to hope for more undefeated regular seasons.

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