Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State Football: 5 Questions With Scarlet and Game Expert Charlie Lockhart

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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VBR reached out to fellow FanSided site Scarlet and Game to get an Ohio State perspective on the College Football Playoff. 

It’s hard to believe, but Penn State is right in the middle of a heated debate for the College Football Playoff. Should the Nittany Lions defeat Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Saturday, they would have a case to make the final four.

Of course, fellow Big Ten schools Ohio State and Michigan seem to be standing in the way of Penn State, despite not making the championship game.

Scarlet and Game site expert Charlie Lockhart answered some questions for us to bring us an Ohio State perspective on everything from the Buckeyes’ play on the field, the loss to Penn State, and the College Football Playoff.

More from Victory Bell Rings

What is the feeling around the Buckeyes now that the regular season is over?              

Elation that Ohio State beat Michigan and the Buckeyes are ranked as high as they are. Nervousness that there is a chance they could be knocked out of the playoff by a conference champion.

Is there a concern that JT Barrett’s lack of ability to throw the ball is becoming a liability?

Yes, it’s a big concern for many. Being a former quarterback, I have a different take though. The Buckeyes will have quite a few practices to correct things with J.T. and the young wide receivers preparing for the postseason.

In your opinion, is Ohio State in the College Football Playoff regardless of what other teams do this weekend? 

I think so but I’m not 100 percent sure. The CFP Committee was fomed to pick the best four teams to play in the playoff but I’m not sure that will be the case. They put Oklahoma in over Ohio State last year when both teams were 11-1 because the Sooners won the Big 12 title. Who knows what the Committee’s thought process will be this year?

What’s the best argument for putting Ohio State in the CFP over Penn State, assuming the Nittany Lions win the Big Ten Championship?

11-1 vs 11-2. Ohio State lost at Penn State on a blocked field goal that was returned for a touchdown, but defeated the Wolverines who dominated the Nittany Lions.

On the field, what currently is the biggest strength and weakness of this Ohio State team?

The stengths are overall team speed on both sides of the ball, as well as J.T. Barrett and Curtis Samuel who just make things happen. The weakness is pass protection, especially on the right side of the line.

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