Even back when I was an SEC-hater, it was clear that they were generally at a higher level.
Does the SEC have some shady (at best) ways of doing things? Do they have a disproportionately high number of current or future criminals playing on the teams? Do they ignore academic standards for athletes?
Maybe. Probably. Could be. I don't know. Very few people actually do know, and they're not talking about it.
What I do know is that, as a football fan, I sure do enjoy watching SEC football.