Key individual matchups in Oregon vs. Washington: Top prospects clash

Troy Fautanu vs. Jordan Burch and Brandon Dorlus

Another anticipated matchup to look forward to is Washington’s offensive tackle, Troy Fautanu, blocking against Oregon’s defensive linemen, Brandon Dorlus and Jordan Burch.

Burch and Dorlus are very versatile defensive linemen. According to PFF, of Dorlus’ 100 snaps this season, 70 have been from the interior. 100 have come from the edge.

Even though the majority of Burch’s snaps come from the edge, he has also flashed as a defensive tackle and linebacker.

Both defensive linemen have been productive this season. Through five games, Burch has 15 tackles, three sacks, and six tackles for loss. Dorlus has two sacks, ten tackles, and two tackles for loss.

The talented defensive linemen will have their hands full rushing against Washington’s Troy Fautanu. In 199 pass-blocking snaps, the left tackle has allowed one sack this season but has not given up any additional QB hits beyond that.

Along with being an accomplished left tackle, Fautanu, like a star wrestler from the 1990s and 2000s, has an original signature move. He can be seen on several occasions pointing at edge rushers he has gotten the better of. It is very subtle, and you might not see it unless you look for it.

An offensive lineman must have supreme confidence in his ability as a pass rusher to pull that off. This is especially so when he is protecting a potential first-round quarterback and knowing all eyes are on him whenever he allows a sack.

Another scout-worthy aspect of this matchup will be when Burch and Dorlus line up next to each other. That could allow us to see how well Fautanu handles twists and stunts from two NFL-caliber defensive linemen. How well tackles, guards, and centers work with their teammates when identifying and passing off twists and loops is an underrated skill when evaluating offensive line play.

If you are a fan of the trenches, you should be excited about watching Fautanu square off against Burch and Dorlus all game.

There is a lot of talk surrounding the talent on the field. There are a lot of players in this game who will hear their names called early in the 2024 NFL draft. Washington defensive ends Bralen Trice and Zion Tupuola-Fetui will apply pressure to Oregon’s signal caller as they attempt to improve their draft stock. Oregon quarterback Bo Nix, wideout Troy Franklin, and running back Bucky Irving hope to put on a show to lift their team over the Huskies.

But the individual matchups between Washington’s receivers and offensive line versus Oregon’s defensive line and standout cornerback are worth keeping a close eye on if you are a fan of college football and the NFL Draft.