One of the most entertaining things about college football is the SEC, though not necessarily the play. No doubt the conference has great talent and teams. But to hear the players talk, it's like they're in the NFL and all other NCAA teams and conferences are J.V. high school squads.

Recently, that was evident from the way the Arkansas Razorbacks talked both before and after their Cotton Bowl game against the Missouri Tigers.

Arkansas, of course, is from the SEC while Mizzou comes out of the Big 12. The Razorbacks started early, stating that though Mizzou's heralded tight end combo of All-American Martin Rucker and his counterpart, Chase Coffman, were talented, they "weren't really worried about it." In the same article, published in the Northwest Arkansas Times, Arkansas safety Matt Hewitt added a lot more fuel to the fire:

"Usually teams that go against this offense use soft coverages, and guys are getting open easily out there. They're going to get a rude awakening Jan. 1, because they're going to see the press man and a lot of blitz schemes coming after them. They forget they're going against an SEC team."

Though Arkansas interim coach Reggie Herring reportedly chastised his team for their comments, the damage was done, and Mizzou had already taken notice.

Then, even after a resounding 38-7 beatdown that saw the Razorbacks allow Missouri running back Tony Temple to gain 281 yards (second most in any bowl game ... ever) and score four touchdowns, they still refused to give credit to a team from the lowly Big 12 Conference. At least according to Razorbacks fullback Peyton Hillis:

"They played very hard. They outplayed us. As far as the talent level, I think we have played a lot better teams."

I shudder to think what would happen if Arkansas had actually faced a good team. Then what would the score have been?

Florida was at it a bit, as well. After losing in the Outback Bowl to Michigan in a game everyone expected them to dominate, Florida QB Tim Tebow offered this explanation of the game's outcome:

"They came out ready to fight. They heard a lot about the SEC and wanted a piece."

Yeah, that was it. Because they were playing a SEC team, they were motivated.

Still, you have to love the delusions of grandeur associated with all things SEC football. From the rabid, sometimes frighteningly obsessed fans to the southern media, it's the one thing they seem to have that they can hold on to. And if that's true, then good for them. It's nice to have something to be passionate about. Still, at some point, doesn't reality set in?

(Photo: Flickr)