Oregon’s one underrated defensive star could win the game for Ducks against Ohio State in new Big Ten rivalry
We know that Jordan Burch is a man on a mission for the Oregon Ducks this year, taking his game to a new level while catching the eyes of the NFL scouting community with his combination of size, length, and athleticism. He's capable of wrecking games.For Oregon, having multiple guys that can get after the […]
We know that Jordan Burch is a man on a mission for the Oregon Ducks this year, taking his game to a new level while catching the eyes of the NFL scouting community with his combination of size, length, and athleticism. He's capable of wrecking games.
For Oregon, having multiple guys that can get after the quarterback on Saturday against Ohio State will be a massive boon to their chances, and it might just be Matayo Uiagalalei that rises to the occasion.
Last week, Uiagalelei recorded three pressures, two hurries, and a sack, bringing his sack total on the year up to a very respectable four in five games. Like Burch, Uiagalelei is in the middle of a season that is propelling him to a new level. He's bigger, faster, stronger, and is taking advantage of his opportunities opposite Burch.
Defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi is doing a fantastic job of mixing up the looks, lining Burch and Uiagalelei up at multiple positions off either side of the defense. Where Uiagalalei plays slightly more often, though, is on the left side of the defense, opposite the right side of the offensive line.
That's the weak spot for Ohio State, and an area Uiagalelei can attack. Buckeyes right tackle Josh Fryar is still a good player – everyone on the Ohio State team is – but he's more exploitable than standout left tackle Josh Simmons. When picking your Josh, pick Fryar, who has allowed three pressures over the last two games.
For Uiagalalei, the breakout needs to continue against elite competition. He can't disappear in this game. If Oregon wants to be taken seriously, their pass rush has to prove that they can do it against the highest level of competition, starting with their matchup against Ohio State.
Follow along all year for more Oregon Ducks coverage on A to Z Sports. You can find me on X @JonHelmkamp, as well as follow our main page @AtoZSportsNFL for all the latest news.
