Why do people keep saying a 2-loss or 3-loss team gets in over us? There aren't 2 spots. There are not 4 spots. There are 12 teams that make it. Multiple 2-loss SEC and BIG teams can be ranked higher than us, get into the playoffs, and ND still gets in.
There will be attrition at the top as teams play each other.
There will be attrition at the top as they lose games they shouldn't.
If you look at historical BCS and CFP rankings, there are barely any 2-loss P5 teams that don't make Top 12.
NIU was a bad loss. But it was a bad, EARLY loss, and if it ends up being a bad ONLY loss there is approximately 0% chance ND misses CFP.