@DawgInMemphis @daveakston @StateMan08 There are several comparisons of conference strength and they always ALWAYS show the Big 12 even, better, or slightly less than the SEC. The conferences are pretty much dead even in strength. You can't compare an injury riddled Mizzou team this year with the 7-5 squad (very average) of last year. For example:
So far this year its the Big 12
http://realtimerpi.com/football/ncaaf_conf_Men.html
Last Year
http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/36233/sec-finishes-atop-football-power-rankings
(gives a slight edge to the SEC
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/fbc12.htm
Gives an edge to the Big 12
@AllTideUp Any head coach is only as good as their assistants. Chizik brought in somewhat of an all-star cast and has now lost some of the key assistants. Some of the best coaches are those that keep their outstanding assistants employed for a long period. Perfect example - Hayden Fry of Iowa.
The Big 12 an easier conference? Really? The conference rankings over the last few years have shown the Big 12 to be the equal of, sometimes slightly better, sometimes slightly less...than the SEC. As for Iowa State. I don't think you'll find an ISU supporter anywhere that isn't glad that Chizik is gone.