There are literally ZERO SEC teams that have played 6-7 ranked teams..

For future reference, this can easily be viewed at this link in the far right column labeled "POLLS".

Arkansas is the only one who has even played 5 ranked teams and they are 1-4 against them. Texas is the only contender who has played more ranked teams than ND has...they are 3-1 vs them. On the other hand Ol Miss has only played 1 ranked team, and lost. Meanwhile the other SEC contenders have played 3 ranked teams, just like ND, and only one (Tenn) has the 3-0 record vs them to match ND.

While this doesn't erase the loss to NIU it certainly helps mitigate it (as long ad ND finishes 11-1) for people who aren't biased against ND.

Link: https://www.espn.com/college-football/standings