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Oregon football is gearing up for its biggest game of the season against Ohio State on Saturday night. The No. 2 team in the country will battle it out against the No. 3 Buckeyes, but may not have one of their most talented weapons.
Star defensive end Jordan Burch's status for the game is in flux after suffering a lower-body injury in practice on Thursday, sources told ESPN, per Pete Thamel.
Burch suffered a non-contact lower body injury while going through a practice drill on Thursday. He was helped from the field and appeared to be in considerable pain, sources told ESPN.
This isn't the news that Oregon needed to hear, as the Ducks will be facing one of the nation's most intimidating offenses likely without their top defensive player. There will likely be more clarity on Burch's game status leading up to the 7:30 PM ET kickoff, but the early reports signal a looming issue for Oregon.
Oregon football's defense without Jordan Burch
Much of the concern during the Week 7 contest will be how the Ducks defensive front handles Ohio State's rushing attack. Quinshon Judkins enters as one of the nation's top offensive playmakers, with 468 yards on 60 attempts and five touchdowns. The junior averages 103 rushing yards per game in his career. Oregon will also have to deal with TreVeyon Henderson, who is averaging eight yards per carry this season.
Without Burch in the lineup, Oregon's defense has to find a way to contain Ohio State's high-powered squad. The Ducks have other playmakers who are capable of stepping up to the task. Senior linebacker Bryce Boettcher is the team's leader in tackles with 32, and Matayo Uiagalelei trails Burch with 3.5 sacks. Junior defensive lineman Derrick Harmon is another key player to watch.
It'll be interesting to see if the Ducks can put pressure on Will Howard and the Buckeyes offense.
