Ohio State football has a big, fast, and physical challenge in front of them from the Oregon Ducks
The top matchup of the weekend will be between the (2) Ohio State Buckeyes and (3) Oregon Ducks on Saturday night. This will be Oregon’s first major test since joining the Big Ten conference, attempting to prove they are ready to threaten the hierarchy of the conference against the school most people project to win […]
The top matchup of the weekend will be between the (2) Ohio State Buckeyes and (3) Oregon Ducks on Saturday night. This will be Oregon’s first major test since joining the Big Ten conference, attempting to prove they are ready to threaten the hierarchy of the conference against the school most people project to win it in Ohio State. Both teams are also viewed as major threats to win a national championship this season, and this could give a nice gauge for just how good they really are.
On the Ohio State side, it is a squad loaded with talent everywhere. That includes on the offensive line, where left tackle Josh Simmons and center Seth McLaughlin have been playing the best football of their careers. Starting left guard Donovan Jackson is also one of the better overall players on the Buckeye roster. That group has really taken a nice step forward this season under Justin Frye.
On Saturday, they will be facing up against a stellar Oregon defensive line, with this matchup potentially being the difference between who will come out on top on the scoreboard. The Ducks have an argument as the top defensive line in all of college football so far this fall. They have been playing at an extremely high level.
They are led by former South Carolina transfer Jordan Burch, who is in his second season with the program. After a solid debut in 2023, Burch has taken his game to a whole other level this season. So far this year, Burch is tied for second on the team in total tackles. He has also recorded seven tackles for loss, five sacks, four pass breakups, and three more quarterback hurries.
At 6-6 and 280 pounds, Burch is a massive EDGE who possesses the length and physicality to do everything you would expect from a defensive end his size. Good luck moving Burch at the point of attack when he gains extension. The thing that takes you off guard about Burch is his movement skills. The amount of range he has, coupled with his closing speed, are beyond impressive at his size.
While Burch might be the biggest name of the group, he is far from the only defensive lineman playing at a high level. Former Michigan State transfer Derrick Harmon has also been fantastic. At 6-5 and 310 pounds, Harmon has lost about 15 pounds since he played for the Spartans, and it is really paying off. He looks like a completely different athlete from what we saw in 2023. Harmon has recorded 19 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks for the Ducks.
Then there is former Houston defensive tackle transfer Ja’Maree Caldwell, who isn’t stuffing the stat sheet, but is playing really good football for Oregon as well. Playing the nose tackle position, Caldwell plays a spot that is never going to get major notoriety. So far this season, however, he has been a handful for opposing offensive lineman. He is densely built and powerful at 6-1 and 325 pounds, with quickness that can take you off guard.
You can also include underclassmen Matayo Uiagalelei into this conversation as well. The former five-star has had a ton of flash plays as a sophomore so far. If he becomes an even more impactful player down the stretch of the season, Oregon has a chance to have arguably the best defensive line in college football. That would be massive for the team as they attempt a title run.
For now, they should be able to give the Buckeyes all they can handle this weekend. If they do, they have the talent to get their first huge win in the Big Ten conference. They will need to dominate to propel the team to a victory.
