We're ranked 8th in F+ a slight improvement from the last 10 years of 10-15th ranked ad naseum results on aggregate.
We're still way too far away from the tier 1 quality of teams and would need nothing short of a miracle in order to take 4 games vs the teams we'll likely be facing in the playoff that are gatekeeping a national title trophy.
And fans aren't stupid. They see the writing on the wall and are already preparing themselves psychologically for the inevitable playoff pantsing that will be coming live on national TV.
"Things are great at ND Football! We hosted a home game in the 12 team playoff!"