1. Had they met in the playoff, I think the result would be different. I think of how Ohio State played during the regular season last year and cranked it up in the playoffs. I see IU in the same light now. Funny that in both instances, both teams smoked Oregon after a close regular season game.
2. The ACC went all out the last two weeks of the season to promote Miami, especially the last 48 hours of conference championship weekend. They were definitely in the conversation, and I think they were always in. Maybe folks on the committee deny that, but the shift in the rankings with two weeks ago sent the message.
3. Cannot argue that point, but I do think IU is that good.