I've run the numbers, based on how teams performed in 2012, to determine non-conference Strength of Schedules for the top 5 Valley teams this year. Really hurts to lose the Jays from the league; in VB they are going to a much, much, weaker conference in the Big east.
Looking at this year's opponents, I've combined the Pablo and RPI's from last year for those teams to come up with an average SOS rating. Remember when Doug E wanted each men's team in basketball in the Valley to average at least 150 or lower in SOS in non-con?
WSU 94.5
UNI: 95.5
Ill St: 103
MSU: 135
SIU: 167
I think Redbirds and Shocks have upped their schedule strength a tad, Panthers and Bears have dropped a bit, Salukies probably status quo.