I believe that OU would not be....and has not been....on the level of LSU, Ohio State or Clemson even if they had gone undefeated. The Big 12 is not a strong conference and it is one reason why OU is painted into a corner by being a member of the Big 12, even with its recent dominance.
To agree with WNAS, the game yesterday could throw a wrench into Grinch's recruiting in the next few years as he tries to remove the influence of Mike Stoops on OU's defensive game. LSU, like Alabama, Georgia and Clemson, reveals there is a long road ahead for Grinch.
I could almost guarantee you that OU would be more likely to recruit better athletes if we were in another conference..