I think you are overlooking the fact that SEC schools oversign their classes every year. That has now changed. Expect the SEC to come back to the pack over the next few years.
Exactly, this whole SEC run, while ESPN blows themselves over it all day, is cyclical, just like anything else in college sports. At some point in time, someone is going to crack the code on how to tap into their talent down there, and then it's game over.
Things can change quickly on the college scene. While the SEC as a conference will probably be strong for years to come, individual teams can change in short order.
Before Urban Meyer left Fla there was no end in sight to their success. Tennessee seemed to string together strong teams year in and year out. While it's doubtful the NCAA will find any wrongdoing in their cashcow teams, that possibility exists. Saban could decide to retire for health reasons as could Miles. Life has a way of evening out teams success level. Who could have foreseen Nebraska's fast tumble out of the top ten in 1997 before Tom retired. It seemed like there was no end to the pipeline, running backs and great qb's who would come here to play.
Don't think Nebraska can't find it's way back to the top ten consistantly. A few players on defense who have the light go on in the Pelini system and an upgrade at a few positions on offense, improvement in special teams and we'll be on even ground with the 2nd tier teams. Today I'm putting teams like Alabama, LSU, Okla St, Stanford and Oregon in the top tier...possibly USC as soon as they come off probation. 2nd tier would include teams like Georgia, Arkansas, probably Okla if they hadn't lost Broyles, Boise St (most years), Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio St (again most years) West Virg looked lightning fast, and probably Virg Tech.
If we played 12 games against the teams I mentioned we would probably win 2 0r 3 games at most. My hope is we can get on even footing with better recruiting. Last year and I think this year will be the start of the turnaround. In a few years our coaches will have matured enough to see the finer details they seem to be missing now. Better days are ahead!