Bowl impact on BCS, playoffs

Thirty-five bowl games have come and gone.

In the grand scheme of things, only one result really mattered, but that doesn't make everything aside from Alabama's thrashing of Notre Dame meaningless. Including the Crimson Tide's statement win, there were a few results from the bowl season that could be significant for next season's BCS race and even for the playoffs down the road.

Here's a look at four storylines following this season's bowl games, including the SEC's increased prowess and the BCS selection committee's potential dilemma.

SEC increases its leverage

Alabama's domination of Notre Dame swept Florida's loss to Louisville under the rug and silenced any questions about whether the SEC is still the biggest and baddest of college football conferences. Remember, the national champs lost one game in league play and nearly lost two other times to SEC opponents, so even if the Tide were the best team in the conference this season, it wasn't by much.

To read more about the bowl season's impact on the BCS and future playoffs, become an Insider today.

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Brad Edwards

ESPN Insider

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• Analyzes college football and the BCS as part of ESPN's Stats & Information Group
• Analyst for both College GameDay on ESPN Radio and the ESPN College Football app