Report: Oregon star DE Jordan Burch questionable vs. Buckeyes
EUGENE, Ore. — Ohio State has been preparing to take on a supercharged Oregon front that’s led by potential All-American defensive end Jordan Burch on Saturday night.
Well, it might be led by Burch on Saturday night.
According to ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel, Burch is now questionable for the massive No. 2 vs. No. 3 matchup after sustaining an injury in practice this week. Burch pops out more than anyone else in his defense on film; he has seven tackles for loss and five sacks — a Big Ten high — through five games. He was a one-man wrecking crew against Michigan State last week.
Ohio State knew it would have its hands full with Burch. Now, though, it may not.
“Burch is very, very good,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. “He’s very athletic, strong, good pass rusher, good against the run. … They have some good guys up front. So it’s going to be a great challenge for our offensive line and for everybody. I think each week, again, it’s ramped up so that’s been good, but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
The Ohio State offensive line has been really good through five games this season, giving up just one sack on quarterback Will Howard, who is currently the least-pressured quarterback in the sport.
Burch is a towering 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds, a first-round frame and athleticism to match it. If he plays, the challenge will be immense for Ohio State.
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“I think his athletic ability for such a big player,” Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly said, when asked Tuesday about what makes Burch so special. “He’s listed at 6-5, 290, but he plays defensive end. Most guys that big are the interior defensive linemen. So he’s a really athletic guy. He had a huge game against Michigan State last Friday night, really kind of showed up. I think he’s really starting to embrace that role that [defensive coordinator] Tosh [Lupoi] and Dan [Lanning] have put him in.”
Of course, the Ducks have one of the best rosters in all of college football. Burch isn’t the only star on this defensive front; Matayo Uiagelelei and Michigan State defensive tackle transfer Derrick Harmon, among others, will challenge this Ohio State offensive line.
Burch will too — if he plays. But he’s now questionable for the massive showdown in Autzen Stadium. Ohio State will need to be ready for the Ducks defense either way.