And in 2017, your premise is simply wrong. Bama opened the season against Florida State. By year end Bama had beaten two teams that finished in the Top-5, as well as playing an SEC schedule and opening with FSU. They lost to Auburn away by 8 points on Nov. 25. The only teams with legitimate gripes about being left out were Wisconsin (who had also just lost their first game to Ohio State on Dec. 2), Ohio State (two losses--one more than Bama) and UCF (don't be silly). While you may not like their non-conference schedule, think about Ball State, Northwestern, Vandy, Temple, Miami OH, Nevada, Duke, Army, UMass, Virginia on ours. Yes, I do think we schedule tougher. But the SEC schedule going into each season is expected to be very, very tough (even if some in hindsight prove a little soft).
You cannot be referring to any other seasons in which Bama were chosen for playoff game(s):
2014: Bama lost early (not late as you say) to a ranked Ole Miss team and finished the season with one loss. They played West Virginia to start season. Chosen for playoffs.
2015: Bama lost early (not late) to a ranked Ole Miss team and finished the season with one loss. They played Wisconsin to start season. Chosen for playoffs.
2016: Bama was undefeated in the regular season. They played SoCal to start the season. Chosen for playoffs.
If there was a single instance in recent history of Bama being blown out (like all other teams with the exception of Clemson), perhaps you would have a favoritism or double-standard point. But that just does not happen and they deserve everything they have earned.