"As with almost any endeavor, it starts with money. The SEC spends more on its football programs than do other conferences: 10% more than the Big Ten, better than a quarter more than the Atlantic Coast and a third more than the Big East, according to 2009-10 filings with the NCAA." "So it appears to be perfectly legitimate — and even a compliment — to call SEC football programs "the best teams money can buy." (Insert Cecil Newton joke here if you wish.)"