I have a long-standing argument that I think has been proven time and time again over the last 30-35 years: Big Ten media bias and an interwoven group in the fabric of CFB that pull strings for the B10. Really seeing it come into fruition now the last 2-3 years.
I have never been impressed with the B10 teams even in the years where they had supposed close to top national teams. I bet and won big in the 07 Nat. Champ. game because I knew better than believe the BS. The team that "beat" Miami was definitely a GOOD team, but through a combination of stuff (including BS call) they won that year. They've had SOME good teams, but over the last 50 years (modern college football) they've been the most over hyped poser of a football conference of any conference.
Seriously.... the Old Big 8, SW conference, of course the SEC, Pac 10 and even the ACC for small pockets in the last 50 years produced definitive "best teams". Even ND had more than a few legitimate top national teams in that span.
Now- with all the changes. Big Ten commish heading up the playoff committee. All the old big ten/northeast journalism schools and people involved in CFB in certain jobs spread thoughout like cancer.....they've always gotten inaccurate (positive for them) results in AP/media and even coaches polls. At least after 50 years, the last couple they're finally legitimately relevant.