re: Compare the Big Ten to the SEC this season...using Massey Poll

Penn. state won their conference. LSU and Ohio state didn't. Penn State also beat Ohio State head to head.

Who should be in the playoffs is not he same as "who would win this matchup on a neutral field". Better teams lose to inferior teams every week. Raw talent is never the sole decider of a game. Matchup, dispersion of talent (where that talent is on the roster), depth, luck, and scheme also play a big role.

I think LSU would win on a neutral field against Penn State, even though LSU would likely lose to several other teams (Washington, Michigan, Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, ect.)

Record does matter, but so does strength of schedule, so does winning your conference, so does head to head record.