I raised this question for a not unlikely future scenario where a 1-loss ND is vying for a playoff spot with other 1-loss teams who will be playing in Championship games while ND is sitting at home. I happen to think ND is disadvantaged in that scenario. I don’t even think that is debatable. I was exploring a possible mitigation option that would allow ND to play and impress in that final impression weekend. A poster pointed out that it isn’t allowable. I completely agree that ND is “in” this year without the “13th data point,” and likely would be in most years if undefeated.