I think the SEC is in for some dark days. I'd like to believe that we're heading toward a time when only Alabama and maybe one other school is nationally competitive. But I'm afraid the coaching change decisions, coupled with shady dealings at places like Auburn, is going to bring down the overall strength and standing of the conference.
If Auburn somehow loses to Oregon, next year, the SEC will be given all kinds of critique as being on the downward slide into just another conference. Mainly based on the results of one game, but more on the losses of very good football coaches, and still even more on the perceived lack of skill of some of the head coaches. If Newton goes pro and Auburn slides into oblivion as I expect, Chizik is going to look like a very, very large tool, even if Malzahn were still there.