https://247sports.com/Bolt/Paul-Finebaum-makes-shocking-pick-for-College...

Finebaum had an explanation for picking the Buckeyes.
"Stephen A., this is going to come as a big surprise to you but they playoff teams are selected in December - they aren't selected on the first day of Autumn. You just have to be patient. I've been wrong about Ohio State before - like last year - but I think they're going to come back and they get Penn State at home. That's a difference-maker in the Big Ten."