If you're comparing cycles, then our cycle most resembles where we were in 1998, coming off 3 straight losing seasons (94-96) and probation to go to back to back bowl games.
Auburn made a mistake in firing Tuberville, and as soon as Malzahn takes another job, they may find things more difficult. LSU is still winning, but I could see them going into flux if Miles has a weak season and they are forced to change coaches. However, that window is going to be short lived. First off, Bama is still strong and will be until Saban leaves.
If Saban were to leave, you might have a 3 or 4 year period in there where the window is open for the bottom half of the West (Ole Miss, MSU, Arkansas), but that window won't be long.