From now until kickoff in Arlington, Texas, we'll be counting down from 100 to 1 until Alabama and Michigan get the season started. Today, we move to No. 79 and what it means to UA football.

There's great, and then there's all-time. The Alabama Crimson Tide in 1979 were the latter.

Coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant's boys were the best team in college football to close out the decade, and in 2008 they were voted the greatest SEC team of all time. Now I'm certain some of you are saying, "Wait, what about the 1992 team with its historic defense?" and sure, you might follow up with the fact that it was a fan poll done to promote a wireless telecommunications company. But take a closer look at the numbers and decide for yourself:

In 1979 ...

• Won 12 games for the first time in Bryant's tenure, including wins over three ranked teams (Tennessee, Auburn, Arkansas)
• Set a team record for rushing attempts (763), first downs by rushing (213) and rushing offense (344.7 ypg)
• Allowed just two rushing touchdowns in 12 games (UA gave up three in 2011-12)
• Intercepted a school-record 25 passes
• Led the nation in scoring defense (5.3 ppg), rushing defense (101.9 ypg) and passing defense (78.2 ypg)
• Led the nation in scoring offense (32.9 ppg) and total offense (428.9 ypg)

In 1992 ...

• Went a perfect 13-0 under Gene Stallings, including wins over four top-25 teams (Tennessee, Mississippi State, Florida, Miami)
• An efficient running game that ranked in the top 25 overall (208.9 yards per game)
• A not-so-efficient passing game that included 10 interceptions and ranked in the bottom 50 in total passing
• 22nd in the country in points per game (28.2)
• Led the nation in total defense (200.2 ypg), scoring defense (8.62 ppg), passing defense and rushing defense

In 2011 ...

• Went 12-1 under coach Saban, including wins over four top-25 teams (Penn State, Arkansas, UF, LSU)
• A ground-it-out running game that finished in the top 20 in total rushing with 214.5 yards per game
• A proficient passing game (16 TD, 8 INT) that finished 35th in passing efficiency
• 20th in the country in points per game (34.8)
• Led the nation in total defense (183.6 ypg), scoring defense (8.15 ppg), passing defense (111.5 ypg) and rushing defense (72.1 ypg)

Of the 1979, 1992 and 2012 teams, which was the best? Vote inside The Tusk.