Almost 2 decades since an SEC team was left out of playoffs or title game

The 2005 Texas v USC championship game is the last time an SEC team was not in the championship game or playoffs, and the 2014 OSU v Oregon game is the only other time an SEC team was not in the championship game (Alabama made the 2014 playoffs). The 2004 Auburn team is the only undefeated SEC champion this century to be left out of the championship game.

Based on history, it seems unlikely the Playoff Committee will leave the SEC champion out of this year's playoff.