you look at out of conference games and award 9, 6, or 3 points for each win (depending on the strength of your opponent (tier 1 wins = 9 points, tier 2 = 6, and tier 3 = 3 points). Second, you look at margin of victory in conference games, whoever had the higher margin of victory is awarded an additional 3 or 6 points. Which ever of the two conference champs had the higher point value gets to go to the playoffs. It would encourage sos out of conference games, but would also award success in conference.

Not even sure if I love this idea. I think I'd rather have conference championship games. But it was the first idea that came to mind.