Who cares about "traditional national powers?" Nebraska is a traditional national power. That doesn't make them any less of a cupcake this year., and it wouldn't have made Nebraska any more daunting to add to the schedule when schedules were made. 'Bama's 2018 schedule was finalized and announced September, 2017. That schedule closes with LSU, Mississippi State, Citadel, and Auburn. Citadel is a soup can. But LSU, MSU, and Auburn are all strong opponents. Particularly Auburn, which beat 'Bama last season. Under Malzhan, Auburn has finished the season in the top 25 four of the last five years, twice in the top 10 . . . including a #2 finish. You also have to factor in that if you are successful at 'Bama, that means playing in the SEC championship game one week after Auburn. Sure Auburn is at home this year, but that's just an alternating year thing. And it isn't like anyone thought Syracuse would be a ranked opponent when ND scheduled them.
I do agree with you about ND's schedule being out-of-whack with the cross-country travel angle. It is unnecessarily taxing, and it was foolish to schedule it that way. So don't get me wrong. I'm just taking issue with your characterization of 'Bama's November schedule.