re: It is in LSU's long term interest to lose to Bama

As far as conference perception goes, I think the ACC and Pac12 are quickly closing the gap. And beginning next season, the final four will be based on opinion and perception only. At that point it will be every team for itself. The only thing conference wise that will matter is that you won your conference...I would be surprised if we ever see a non-conference champion in the four team playoff going forward.