re: From here on out what makes the season: successful, on par or a failure

A good coaching staff should beat teams that have less talent than their team does.

Bama and (arguably)A&M are the only remaining opponents that are more talented.

That means 9-4 is the worst acceptable record since 8-4 will get a bowl opponent that is less talented.

9 wins is possible but will obviously require big improvement on defense.