they played 9 conference games – the upper/mid teams (see Missouri, LSU, Ole Miss) would definitely have another loss. And (this year) Bama and TA&M would also see another L on the resume. The fact that the SEC rarely travels or has 8 home games just insulates them from being beaten more.

The very top of the SEC is very, very good. But, the rest of the conference is beatable. This is why the vast majority of titles has been won by an SEC team (see Alabama, Georgia and LSU).