Looking back at the post Bryant era, Perkins inherited a Bryant team that had gone 8-4 in 1982. Given that Bryant's health was deteriorating quickly, 8-4 was probably the ceiling for that 1982 team. Perkins' first season in 1983 was a transitional year and he matched the record from 1982. A few bounces go our way, and maybe 83 is a little better.
But 1984 is where we just knew that things were different at Bama. And the loss to Vanderbilt was the point where it was realized. I have accepted that the 2020 national championship may very well be the last one in my lifetime. And if it is, then it is. I witnessed two golden eras in Bama football history. So, I obviously can't complain. I just hope like crazy that we aren't headed into another time of only having a coach for 3-4 seasons at most before we are looking for another one.