LOS ANGELES — When asking the Ohio State offense about the key difference in Oregon’s defense ahead of Wednesday’s Rose Bowl, Jordan Burch is the name that frequently comes up.
The senior defensive end was sidelined during their first matchup on October 12 due to a meniscus injury sustained in practice. However, he will return to the field for the top-seeded Ducks as they face the eighth-seeded Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
“I’m really excited. I know they are eager to challenge us again. Regardless of the opponent, I was ready to compete,” remarked Burch about his comeback.
After missing significant time in October because of knee and ankle injuries, Burch has had an impressive season, racking up 30 tackles, including 11 for loss, and 8 1/2 sacks over the nine games he participated in.
Alongside teammates Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti, Burch strengthens what is regarded as one of the finest pass rush units in college football. The Ducks led the Big Ten in sacks, boasting a total of 40, and have been rated fifth for pass rush effectiveness nationally by Pro Football Focus with a grade of 89.0.
“We all recognize he’s an exceptional player. Having him back boosts our full strength,” stated coach Dan Lanning. “With talented athletes like Jordan who can perform at a high level, paired with quality players around him, we’re able to showcase our best performance.”
Burch is expected to face off against Ohio State’s left tackle Donovan Jackson, who has transitioned from a starting position at guard. The Buckeyes have struggled with consistency on the offensive line, experimenting with five different starting combinations due to injuries this season.
Ohio State has lost two senior starters to season-ending injuries: left tackle Josh Simmons and All-America center Seth McLaughlin.
“I believe Oregon boasts one of the most formidable defensive lines in the country. Burch, as an edge defender, is exceptionally talented,” commented Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.
In other news, a lighthearted incident emerged when McLaughlin sparked conversations on social media by lighting a cigar on Ohio State’s sideline during the final minute of their victory over Tennessee, which ended 42-17 in the first round of the playoffs.
Having transferred from Alabama last season, McLaughlin explained that lighting cigars is a tradition after the winner of the Alabama-Tennessee game, held annually on the third Saturday in October.
“It was just a playful jest with friends at Ohio State and some Alabama pals. I mentioned I’d do it if we won, following the tradition,” recalled McLaughlin, who played ten games before suffering an Achilles injury that ended his season prior to the Indiana match in November. “The fans from the North and those of Tennessee weren’t particularly thrilled, but it was a fun moment. I aim to support the team and not be a distraction during such times.”
Questions loom regarding who will start at right guard for Oregon in the Rose Bowl, especially after Marcus Harper II returned from a knee injury during the Big Ten title game, having missed the previous three matches. Dave Iuli started against Penn State, with Harper entering the game as a substitute and playing 34 snaps.
Harper began the season at left guard before shifting to right guard, where he started seven games before his injury against Michigan on November 2. Iuli had split reps with third-year sophomore Kawika Rogers for two matches before taking the majority of snaps in a decisive victory over Washington on November 30.
In Ohio State’s previous encounter with the Ducks, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles acknowledged his role in the eight plays yielding 25 yards or more.
“I felt we weren’t at our sharpest, and I take responsibility for that,” Knowles admitted. The usually solid Ohio State secondary allowed 341 passing yards, with 252 of those coming from seven explosive plays. For context, the Buckeyes have given up an average of 124.5 passing yards in their other twelve games.
“You can learn from mistakes, but you mustn’t dwell on them. The game moves too quickly; if you’re fixated on past errors, you’ll miss what’s coming next,” Knowles added.
