There is maybe 5 or 6 bluebloods. Notre Dame isn't more important than the others. If Ohio State, Michigan, Texas, Alabama, or USC want to go independent, I'm sure rules would be put in place to address that as well.
There are plenty of reasons people don't like Notre Dame. The world revolving around them isn't one of them, no matter what people try to claim lmao.
They finished with a higher strength of schedule than multiple p4 at-large playoff teams this year, with a relatively down schedule. The issue regarding a conference is not having other schools shill on your behalf (for their benefit and your own, appearances mean money). In the case of the SEC and ACC, they also happen to be TV partners with ESPN...you can take a guess who they want in the playoffs lol
Yes lol I'm pretty sure. The AP, the coaches, all the different statistical rankings, and even the committee would have Notre Dame at 10-2 or better against that schedule lol
In 2023, Florida State had twenty plus players opt out of their bowl game after an undefeated season. Most of them werent starters. It seems petty clear this is probably going to be a thing moving forward.
The number of guys sitting out is going up. The number of teams choosing not to play is going up.
Why ask a question when the answer is in front of you?