LSU runs something similar to the Pats. Your corners are likely going to get raped much like they did against Florida last year. This was the wrong matchup for the Buckeyes to land. Anyone else (save maybe USC) would have been a better choice.
Domes amplify crowd noise. Granted, it won't be as much of a factor as it should because a large chunk of the tickets are in the hands of sponsors and politicians. Another major quirk I have with events like the BCSBGatE and All-Star games. Regardless, SEC fans are loud and obnoxious. They put SoCal fans to shame. Not to mention violent (looking at you UGA fans you classless bastards).
Oh, I'm not defending their OoC at all. They smashed directional Louisiana too much for my tastes. They did, however, manage to blow out a team ranked in the top 5 and that ONE game is more than Ohio played. Not to mention the whole better conference thing.
Washington, UVA and Wake are football power schools?

You're still looking at consistant football power schools making up a handful of the USN&W top 50 academics. Top 25 is lighter. That's the point.