Everyone has already discounted the ISU 2020 FB season, let's not start attacking ISU's Final Four team as well...
That team had a roster that was constantly in flux as players were called away for service or dropped in to Ames mid-season.
For the Final Four they had to travel the day of the game and play knowing they would have to forfeit the next game even if they won due to Naval rules not allowing them to be out of town for any extended period of time. The other teams were in town the day before and were able to practice on the court. ISU first touched the court during pre-game warm-ups.
While the war gave them some advantages, it also came with disadvantages. They earned it.