re: Which CFB teams are on the verge of taking the next step to elite status?

I think JP's stance is that an Elite program, doesn't have off-years. They reload and are right back in contention year-after-year. Right now, in the SEC. It's only AL & GA, with LSU just flying under. The problem is that LSU has the talent, resources and availability to field elite teams, it just hasn't happened consistently.