re: How different would this conference be if Saban had never come to LSU?

As much as it pains my old arse to say it, you're going too far back in time. Why not ask what would the SEC be like if Spurrier never got the head job at Florida? What if Bear Bryant thought Texas A&M was good enough for him and his family?

Truth is, there's not a lot today that would exist if Saban hadn't gone to LSU.

As for 2000-2005, LSU probably hires someone else that builds them into a respectable program. The area was too ripe for recruiting for LSU to say in their 90s version.