Michigan had a couple things going there way. You know, that whole cheating thing. Also, COVID gave an extra year to players, they were a very senior team and convinced a bunch of guys to come back and compete for a NC and it worked. Not saying you can't still get a senior team without COVID.
Honestly, it's the only blueprint I see working for ND in today's college landscape. We aren't going to get 5 star playmakers all over the field, endless 5 star DL and LBs like the Georgia's and Bamas of the world. We'll have to be a mature team that has all the pieces come together the same season (thank you Captain Obvious).
I've said it before and I'll say it again, had ND convinced at least one of Alt/Fischer to come back, AND we could have stayed relatively healthy (our poor defense), we'd have had a real shot, maybe even been a favorite this year.
But, those small things are likely to be the difference between us winning and not winning a NC this year.