The SEC typically has 1 or 2 outstanding teams and a bunch of solid teams. This year, they lacked that outstanding team, and had a bunch of solid teams.
Georgia was the conference champ but they were really just another one of the pack. The SEC can come out, if motivated and put a hurting on a team. Or lay an egg, just like any other conference.
For every Auburn, you have an LSU (40-3 over Miami).
For every Georgia you have an Alabama (shut down the #3 offense in the country to 10 points)
For every South Carolina, you have a Florida (defeat a tough Iowa team)
All of the situations could have easily been reversed.