The Democrats won't be able to sweep it under the rug. Regardless of whether the president brings it up in the SOTU or not.
The level of angst among the voters is white hot at this point. The Alito hearings sent most voters blood pressures through the roof.
If for some reason Alito is not confirmed by tomorrow the president ought to invite him to sit next to Laura in the gallery tomorrow night. Then use the SOU speech to blast the obstruction tactics.
In any case though, it looks like approval is certain. Pro Alito forces have over 60 votes to stop a filibuster, unless a half dozen or so Demo senators are blackmailed into switching sides. This would make their public relations image even worse though.