re: Is the West really THAT much better than the East?

I don't know if Florida could really contest anyone in the country. After this weekend we should know that. Ole Miss also looked squeamish against Boise State so I'm not a believer there either. Texas A&M is one of those teams that often only does well if their system can match up well. Unlike an Alabama or LSU that will consistently beat almost everyone else they haven't proven much. Although a beatdown of the Gamecocks in Williams-Brice certainly looks good.