You highlight the real problem the highest level of college football has. Only 4 teams have any shot at winning the natty each year. (I'd add LSU to your above mentioned list of AL/GA/OSU.) Clemson, Oregon, and Auburn have nice teams on occasion, but let's not talk exceptions which prove the rule. That's it. I mean... THAT. IS. IT.
Is that exciting? Is that entertaining?
So yeah, it may as well be us getting thumped in a big money game as opposed to Illinois or Purdue, or whoever else you'd list from the other 99% of D-1 college teams.