I wouldn't go that far. ND is playing much better, specifically their OL which is where UC abused them the most. However, that game was much worse than the final score of 24-13. 2 missed FGs for UC, both of which weren't long by any stretch. Then the drive in the 3rd Qtr that set up ND's 1st score was inside the 25 for the Bearcats with a chance to go up 20 or 24-0.
If the two teams played five times right now, UC would win at least 3, likely 4 with a very strong chance to win all 5. ND couldn't handle Myjai. ND couldn't handle Pierce. Whyle was MIA in the passing game earlier in the year. I don't care what their recent scores have been or looked like, UC proved it on the field that they're better than ND. So there is absolutely zero chance that 11-1 ND, makes this Playoff field over 13-0 UC. Hell, I would argue if UC finishes the regular season 12-0, but loses on a last second FG type situation to 11-1 Houston in the American Championship, they still should make the Playoff over ND.