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I'm guessing the undefeated reigning undefeated national champ has NEVER been ranked lower than 2nd in the final poll

Ehh, I already said one - 2014 FSU.  After winning it in 2013, Winston threw a bunch of INTs and FSU had a bunch of close games to end the season.  They were 3rd in the final playoff rankings. 
Those games were against unranked teams....however, Clemson has been destroying everyone down the stretch.  Much like Alabama has been given the benefit of the doubt at every turn, so too, would Clemson if this was 2003.  
Clemson only moved down to #2 this year after their close win over UNC.  The times they moved down to 3 and eventually 4, were after blowout wins.  I made this poll because if this was 15 years ago, I don't believe Clemson would move down (the current top-tier Clemson program).

Ehh, I already said one - 2014 FSU.  After winning it in 2013, Winston threw a bunch of INTs and FSU had a bunch of close games to end the season.  They were 3rd in the final playoff rankings.
Those games were against unranked teams....however, Clemson has been destroying everyone down the stretch.  Much like Alabama has been given the benefit of the doubt at every turn, so too, would Clemson if this was 2003. 
Clemson only moved down to #2 this year after their close win over UNC.  The times they moved down to 3 and eventually 4, were after blowout wins.  I made this poll because if this was 15 years ago, I don't believe Clemson would move down (the current top-tier Clemson program).

I thought we were talking pre-CFP.

If it was before computers/BCS?

OSU would be playing Oregon in the Rose. LSU would be in the Sugar, probably against Clemson.

If it was before computers/BCS?

OSU would be playing Oregon in the Rose. LSU would be in the Sugar, probably against Clemson.

From 1968 until the Bowl Alliance went into effect, the Orange Bowl included the Big 8 champion.  The other team was usually either the SEC runner-up or the ACC champ.
Clemson might have been playing OU in the Orange Bowl.
OTOH, there were times during the pre-Bowl Alliance era when special arrangements were made.  #1 Nebraska playing #2 Bama in the 1971 (season) Orange Bowl while #3 Big 8 runner-up OU played SEC runner-up Auburn in the Sugar Bowl is an example.

perfect

They would all have a chance at a title, hoping for upsets if you were #3

or hoping your victory was more impressive regarding opponent to jump the others

If it was during the BCS computer era, 1 vs 2, and big, bad Clemson was left out - do you think it would be enough to create additional tweaks to the BCS system or blow the whole thing up?

The whole mindset of the voters is different now, with the playoff.  In the past, you'd often (not always) get a pass for a close win.  As long as it wasn't a trend, you were safe on your perch.  "Everyone has a close call" was an oft-used phrase.  

But now, because 4 are 'in' instead of just 1 or 2, they're more likely to demote you for a poor showing...because the consequences are nill.