re: what is the factor that is keeping us from consistently dominating?

The primarily reason has nothing to do with us. Unfortunately, the premier program in the nation is our own division. No one has beaten Bama more than we have since their current coach arrived in T-Town, but it is simply a very difficult thing to do.

Secondary reasons: OL's that have been a bit less impressive than anticipated and the dip in QB play after the Perrilloux dismissal.

Possible reasons I deem insignificant: Players leaving early. Except for last year, this wasn't something we saw a disproportionate amount of. "Our head coach" - Miles is fine. He may not be an elite in-game coach, but he recruits well and generally has the team well prepared. Indeed, he compares VERY favorably to all but the elite coaches. Sure, most disinterested observers would take Saban or Spurrier over Miles. But how about Richt? Freeze? Muschamp? Miles is a very good, if not elite coach, and based on results, you could argue "elite" more easily than "merely good."