Notre Dame hasn't, and probably won't ever, recruit on defense at the level of Alabama right now. Things can change in the future obviously, but it seems like that just won't ever be in the cards for ND in current environment. So to me, the only way ND wins a title in this day and age is with elite play at QB. That's the equalizer. Clemson beat Bama two years ago because Trevor Lawrence played out of his mind in the title game.