Someone should do a search but I think this thread pops up every year about this time. College basketball largely sucks until conference play. Too many mismatches and players are learning new systems etc. This thread won't reappear in March.
It is time to scale back the non-conference or make it meaningful. I would love a BCS coach to say there is no merit in playing cupcakes and schedule a non-conference schedule comparable to their actual conference schedule. if that is not possible, increase the conference schedule to home and home games with every member and reduce the non-conference accordingly. A 26 game Big conference schedule would be awesome (and fair).
The conference season ramps up the atmosphere and intensity but right now the quality of play is still really bad. Its the combo of constant whistles and bad play. I think the biggest thing they could do is extend the 3 point line. May lead to decreased shooting but it would open up the floor a bit, especially against zone teams