Joel Klatt rips CFP committee's Ohio State rationale 'you didn't watch'

FOX Sports commentator Joel Klatt largely disagreed with the College Football Playoff selection committee's claims about Ohio State's defensive play, one of the factors that weighed into Ohio State landing one slot outside the CFP bracket .

While speaking on ESPN, selection committee chair Hunter Yurachek mentioned that some of the coaches in the selection room expressed concern for the Buckeyes' defensive front throughout the season.

"Let me tell you what was not the largest problem for Ohio State was their defensive line," Klatt said on "The Joel Klatt Show" Nov. 4. "In fact, if you have watched Ohio State, you would know that their defense largely has been playing better because of their defensive line. I hope that [Yurachek] just misspoke in that moment. Because that was just red flags all over there."

Klatt pointed to the issues with Ohio State's offensive line as a larger concern to the overall quality of the Buckeyes' play.

"I'd probably nod along if you told me that the offensive line and their penalty issues, and their lack of physicality and short-yardage inside the 1-yard line," he said. "I'd nod along with you. But if you tell me it's the defensive line's fault that they're ranked No. 12, you didn't watch."

OSU Buckeyes face USC Trojans in Big Ten football. See the photos

Ohio State committed 11 penalties for a loss of 75 yards against USC. The offensive line committed four penalties for a loss of 17 yards: a false start from Austin Siereveld and holding infractions by Gabe VanSickle, Phillip Daniels and Carson Hinzman. The Buckeyes also struggled in pass protection, allowing 18 pressures to quarterback Luke Fahey, according to Pro Football Focus.

Ohio State's defense struggled on two explosive plays: a 69-yard touchdown reception and a 70-yard reception that set USC up at the 3-yard line. Before the game, the Buckeyes were one of two FBS defenses that had not allowed a play over 40 yards.

Ohio State also played without standout nickel back Jay Timmons , who was out with an injury.

"This is very apparent that this is about Luke Fahey and Julian Sayin's injury, and nothing else," Klatt said.