Someone posted the link earlier, but ND is lumped in with Wazzou and Oregon State. Only conference p4 championship and best g5 conference winner gets a spot. The others are up for grabs and will be based on strength of schedule. The TV deal also pays significantly less for cfb for independents. The Committee can vote in their best teams, but doesn't have to be the best 12. So I am sure if there Is a sec or b1g team with same record or one more loss than independent team that has more p4 wins they will be selected over ND. The Committee would still vote ND in if their record and sos puts them in the top 10. Espn, the espn cfp committee, sec, and b1g are doing everything they can to separate the Sec and B1g from the other conferences and teams and pack the playoffs.