When Saban got there. Granted, he doesn't play by the same rules as everyone else but that's where the want to comes into play.
I'm not advocating for ND to do the same as Bama, but Bama decided they'd turn and look the other way on a lot of stuff in order to get to where they are. The rules of engagement have changed quite a bit in the last decade, but they still don't hand out National titles. Unfortunately, unless a team gets lucky then schools have to make winning a priority. Otherwise, other institutions will. I'm not condoning it, it's just the reality of how the game is won today.