This conspiracy theory about Wisconsin's AD getting some secret advantage is pure fantasy. The Big Ten office operates on revenue distribution models and television contracts, not backroom deals. Every athletic director in the conference has a seat at the table, and Auburn's success has always been built on recruiting and development, not politics. The idea that Auburn Tigers need coaches who are lobbyists first is a loser's mentality. Great programs win because they out-prepare and out-execute opponents on Saturday. Look at the last several national champions, their path was through dominating the line of scrimmage and elite quarterback play, not conference committee meetings. Our focus should be on beating everyone on Auburn Tigers's schedule, not worrying about phantom influence in an office in Chicago. If we handle our business between the lines, the rest takes care of itself. All this talk about navigating politics is just an excuse for programs that can't win at a high enough level. The Tigers' formula is clear, recruit elite talent in the SEC footprint and develop it better than anyone else. That's how you gain real influence.