Some valid points, but many overstated ones as well. The All PAC 12 team couldn’t play with LSU? Auburn was within three points of the Tigers and Oregon alone lead them for 59 minutes. Oregon’s defense was better at the end of their season than the start.
Yes, there is a gap. Not just with PAC 12 teams. The ACC is garbage aside from Clemson. The Big 12 champ, Oklahoma, has been beat by double digits in all but one year they have made the playoffs. And they have yet to win a game.
The SEC simply has the recruiting base, TV contracts which equal more money to hire better coaches, passionate fan bases and boosters, etc. Any given year, one of five SEC teams could be the mix for the playoffs. Most other leagues there is 1-2, if that.
It’s always been said the PAC 12 is undermanned in the trenches against the big dogs. But this looks like a skill position issue. All it takes is one magical QB season. I’m curious if LSU competes next year without Burrow or they fall to a 9-3 type of team. Auburn will be the only team with a staring QB returning from a contender in that division.