I'm not even sure how this can be an arguement. The way the SEC dominated can't be overlooked. The best the Big 10 had got obliterated and humiliated by the Gators (and I don't see the idea that Michigan would have done better holds any water). "What ifs" are useless. In all honesty,, I believe LSU or Auburn would have done the same thing to OSU. Look at what LSU did to the "Mighty Fighting Irish"
With the recruiting power of the likes of OSU, Michigan, USC, and Texas things can change quickly....but if there were a college playoff, we'd have only seen SEC teams left standing (provided they didn't have to beat each other up like they do during the season). No doubt about it, in 2006 the SEC was king.