IMO, there is little comparison between those teams and the current batch (2009-). In 1961 Bama played what would have been 2 ranked teams, 1 in the regular season and then Ark in the bowl. The top ranked team was number 9. Techinically, the regular season opponent was not ranked, but I included GT because they received votes in a year in which there was only a top 10 during the regular season, then top 20 at the end. The 1966 team also played no officially ranked teams in the regular season since there was only a top 10 reg season and final poll. But I include OM and UT because they too received votes. The top ranked team was number 6 in the bowl. So, we see the schedule was relatively weak. It was common in those days.
It was a regional game without question.
But in my view that goes out the window when you look at what we did in bowl games when we had the opportunity.
The 2009 team played 6 ranked teams, including 4 in the top 10; '11 played 6, including 2 in the top 5; '12 played 6 ranked teams, including 4 in the top 10 and 3 in the top 5; '15 9 ranked teams, including 5 in the top 10, 3 top 5; 16 10 ranked teams, including 4 in the top 10; '17 6 ranked teams, including 4 in the top 10 and 3 top 5. Each of those years except for '16 (Bama was number 1 all year, til the final poll), Bama played and beat the number one team.
Yes, but by definition you're going to play more now.
There was no SEC title game in 1966.
There was no four-team playoff.
And there was no 25 ranked teams, either (as you note).
In no way am I dissing you - and I actually AGREE with you - but the reality is that comparing now with 1961-66 is like comparing those teams back then with 1892-1898. It really can't be done.
It's remarkable what Bama has done averaging 7.2 ranked teams vs the 60s teams who totaled 5 in the two years mentioned. I.e., almost triple the number of ranked teams per year. The Saban teams have played 23 top 10 teams (20-3), 15 top 5 teams (13-2) and 6 number 1 teams (5-1) in those 6 years vs 2 top 10 (2-0) and 0 top 5 teams in '61 and '66.
It's no doubt amazing, but it's also the product of the modern time.
I mean, we faced ten ranked FBS foes in 15 games in 2016.
That's why I could care less about who we played last year or this. We've lined up the monsters and beat them.