You guys are positing game outcome scenarios that are possible if not likely.
However, you're manufacturing a false narrative that 11-1 ND would be left out by the playoff committee, even though years of CFP and BCS data shows that 1-loss teams finish top-10 100% of the time (actually Top 7). ND got into the CFP only a few years back over an undefeated Ohio State.
There is no cabal. The committee is sourced broadly with no apparent bias for SEC/BIG or against ND.