Notre Dame has THAT team this year, a good, solid team loaded with experienced players, and kudos to them, they have had an excellent year. But they just don't have the raw talent and athleticism that the other teams in the playoff do.

"Peak ND" is what you're seeing this year: 12-0, but they'll still get spanked in the CFP. I'm not sure what could make them any better, except for a truly elite QB. And even that probably wouldn't be enough.