OK, here's my interpretation of the rankings...

the committee WILL take the SEC champ. That's why LSU is 6th, despite it's record. LSU is in position to be on the edge, and would jump if they can upset #1.

LSU is NOT competing with Tennessee for a slot, they are competing with Clemson and USC (as conference champs). As of now, LSU (as SEC champ) is in ahead of the ACC and Pac 12 champ. They are behind undefeated Big 10 and Big 12 champs.

Georgia... I see them as in, period. Undefeated UGA as SEC Champ is #1. If they lose to LSU in Atlanta, they immediately become the top at-large prospect, ahead of Tennessee, and the loser of Michigan/Ohio State.

Tennessee- as of now, they are the top at-large team, and look to be in if UGA wins in Atlanta. Like I just said, if you have to choose from them and UGA with both having 1 loss, that changes.

If TCU falls, I'm not sure if that will elevate at-large, or conference champs. Clemson/USC might slip in at that point.

My best guess is that they will take 3 champs, and 1 at-large this year. SEC will be in, either as #1 overall with UGA, or lowest seeded champ with LSU; SEC will be the at-large with either UGA or Tenn.