Few coaches have found success in two Power 5 conferences like Urban Meyer did in the SEC and the Big Ten. During his six seasons at Florida (2005-10), Meyer helped launch the SEC’s incredible seven-season run of BCS Championships, winning two himself at Florida. After five years at Ohio State, he now sees the two power conferences as even.

“I don’t think there’s a gap at all,” Meyer said when asked at Big Ten Media Days on Monday. “And that’s no disrespect to other conferences, but I’ve coached in the SEC East when that was one of the strongest in the country. And I think the Big Ten East right now is every bit as strong as I can remember the SEC East.”

With Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State all in the Big Ten East, it’s easy to see why Meyer is reminded of battling for the SEC East title against Georgia and Tennessee. This year, the two conferences clashed in the postseason twice (SEC wins in the Music City Bowl and Outback Bowl), but not in the College Football Playoff. Clemson spoiled any hope for a classic Meyer vs. Nick Saban showdown by knocking off the Buckeyes in the semifinals.

Perhaps the Big Ten media should be asking about a gap with the ACC.