Quite possible.
Though honestly I do feel he probably had a few moments there where he questioned whether he might want to stay closer to home (i.e. the Tenn and Florida flirtation). But I like your theory as well--much juicier!
Thats ok they can enjoy finishing second to (name your SEC team here). That is what you all do right.
At least they get to play in the national title, but yeah, I agree with your overall point: they will get head-bashed by whatever SEC team they play. If Ohio State would have played Alabama this year, I have no reason to suspect that the outcome would have been any different from the Notre Dame game. Ohio State is good, but in a Big Ten way: that's a special kind of good.
Bama is far and away the best team in the country, has been for 3 of the last 4 years, so I'm okay with being 2nd to Bama for the time-being. Bama is also the best college football team historically, I have a lot of respect for what they've been able to do. :hi:Thats ok they can enjoy finishing second to (name your SEC team here). That is what you all do right.