College football is an oligarchy, once you come to terms with that, it’s an incredibly enjoyable sport. Before you come to terms with that, it can be infuriating that the system is set up against you. That’s where campaigns like the American Athletic Conference’s “Power 6” comes from. They’re trying to break into the ranks of the elite.
If they are able to do so, they’d essentially be Jay Gatsby. Flashy and exciting, but not necessarily respected. Yes, you have to take them seriously, but that doesn’t mean you have to like them.
Notre Dame is on the opposite end of the spectrum.