re: Why can't Auburn maintain success.

Auburn's problem on defense has been personnel more than anything. The one year they had some studs(2010) they won it all. And though that defense wasn't necessarily elite, they seemed to always get that crucial late game stop or turnover.

Sure, some of the coaching has left a lot to be desired, but they really haven't had elite level LB and secondary folks since Tuberville left. That is where Saban and Alabama have absolutely whipped their arse.