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On the case for inclusion in the top 10, they are undefeated. However:

Their strength of schedule isn't particularly impressive: Phil Steele has them at 42 (ND #22), and ESPN Power Index has them at 26 (ND #5).

Their quality W, I guess, is Clemson, then ranked #12. But, they barely beat Wake, and gave up points to and were in close games with a number of schools with losing records.

They are not in the top 50 for total D. Outside top 50 for both rushing and passing D. They are allowing a good amount of scoring by opponents.

They are #19 in total offense (vs. ND at 21), but I would hardly call them an offensive juggernaut. They are #12 in rushing offense.

Feels like this is an effort to prop up the ACC, or some future GT opponent, among other things. Of course, they end the season with Georgia who will curb stomp them, so that should take care of this.

Not making the case that ND should be ahead of them, but they don't really seem like a worthy top 10, if anyone is paying any attention. They do play Pitt and NC State so there should be ample opportunity to compare if they do manage to win out or end up 11-1.