Ten days ago Oregon fans experienced some high anxiety as reports filtered out, whispers on message boards and social media that senior edge rusher Jordan Burch had hurt his knee in a noncontact drill during Thursday practice.
It seemed like the worst possible timing with #2 Ohio State coming to Autzen. The team needed to be at full strength to counter a potent Buckeye offense. The most optimistic fans remembered the 2021 win in the Horseshoe where the Webfoots hung together for a win without Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Even so, Oregon’s top ranking seemed in doubt without their disruptive pass rusher and run stopper. That was before sophomore Matayo Uiagalelei stepped in with two of the best games of his short college career.
The aggressive, physical play of the 6-6, 275 5-star from St. John Bosco has been the story of the Duck defense in the last few weeks. Along with fellow Polynesian Teitum Tuioti he’s provided the big plays and pressure that resulted in a 35-0 shutout at Purdue and an upset win over tOSU.