There is not flexibility to skip a higher ranked team for a lower ranked team for an. at-large spots. Some lower ranked teams can qualify for an auto - bid based on conference championships or other conference bowl tie ins . The only bowl tie in this year that can potentially impact things is the Orange Bowl which pits the conference champ of the ACC vs a non-conf champ from the SEC or BIG10.

A more detailed description can be found here:
https://www.cougarboard.com/board/message.html?id=25021146