I am advocate that ND should not be picked for the CFB Playoffs if they play just 12 Games, while others play 13! It is unfair unless they go 12-0 and the same goes to the Big-12 Teams.
ND needs to negotiate with the ACC to qualify for the ACC Conference Championship Game if they are higher ranked than other ACC Teams and they will have to share part of their Attendance and Bowl Winnings in return or join the Conference and bring a Top program with them to make it 16 Teams.
I love and respect watching ND Football and it is Honor & Privilege to play against them, but they need to play a 13th Game just like any Team in ACC, SEC, B!G, and PAC-12! Same with Big-12, unless one Team is Undefeated being the only exception for them and all Independents!