re: If Nick Saban hadn't been hired at Alabama, would AU be where they are?

Yep, and as much as Alabama people hate to admit it, losing to Auburn trumps pretty much anything short of SEC and National Titles. Curry is a prime example.

While I loved some of the games in the mid-late 90's when we were both 9-3 fringe Top 25 programs, the current scenario with both of us being top level programs and competing for titles is much more fun big picture.