It's still really too early to get caught up into the playoff debate web at this point, but for the sake of discussion... The idea that if Bama makes it to Atlanta, but loses, and they are left out, is not really based in any solid reality that we can point to. The 12 team playoff is not a 4 team playoff, but even in the 4 team playoff we saw the Committee place high value on teams that reached their conference championship games, even if they lost. And while I admit that under this new format, there is some unknown territory, based on how they've handled things in the past, and based on what Bama's analytical numbers would look like if they win their next 2, I just don't see them leaving UA home, barring an absolute disastrous showing in the SECCG. That said, if Bama has a rematch with the Vols in Atlanta, I'd be a tad nervous of Bama advancing (as of now), if the Vols were to win again. But on that same token, if Bama went 0-2 against the Vols this season, they don't deserve s shot at the trophy.
One other thing I'll mention... for those wanting Bama to just claim a seed 9-12... that's fine. But you're then looking at Bama playing on the road, and possibly in a cold weather game, which wouldn't be ideal. If they could luck up and get Miami? Sure. But don't overlook the difficulty of this team going into a cold weather environment on the road, even against a lesser team. Either give me a 5-8 seed, or give me the SECCG win and bye.