Pretty good list...
For me, I would start by looking at where were the weaknesses under each coach.
The biggest weakness for any of them, IMHO, was defensive line under Earl Bruce.
While Auburn had Bo Jackson, we had Keith Byars. Jackson would have been a step up from Byars IMO, but not a huge one.
Quick, name the defensive linemen that Ohio State had while Tennessee had Reggie White.
Time's up.
If we'd had Reggie White in front of Chris Spielman and Pepper Johnson...