"it's not meant anything to the winner or loser"
Really? Last year, it kept the loser out of a Bowl. This year, it will again keep the loser out of a Bowl, and the winner for selection. I'd say it means at least something. This is a big game.
It hasn't meant anything in terms of impacting the race in the SEC East is my point. Going to a lower tier bowl game is big.....I guess.