Matayo Uiagalelei Discusses Rose Bowl Prep, Facing Ohio State Buckeyes

Oregon Ducks defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei met with reporters in Eugene on Friday to preview the upcoming matchup against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl.

Below you’ll find some of his key quotes and the full video of his press conference.

On what he remembers from the first Ohio State game

Uiagalelei: “I remember a lot of explosive plays from both sides of the ball. Just good competition. Both sides.”

On his emotions late in the first game against Ohio State

Uiagalelei: “Just felt connected with my brothers on the defense. We still made mistakes on that very drive, but felt like we were just connected, willing to do anything to win.”

On what he’s most looking forward to about facing the Buckeyes

Uiagalelei: “I’m ready to face anybody. Could have been Tennessee, could have been Ohio (State). It’s gonna be fun, a rematch against Ohio State. Every game’s fun to me.”

On benefit of first-round bye

Uiagalelei: “Just gave us more time to prepare. Just gave us a leg up. Just all comes down to execution during the game but I definitely feel like it’s gonna help us with that extra week.”

On the difference between getting the quarterback down this year compared to last year

Uiagalelei: “Just emphasizing finishing on plays and in practice. Even throughout the winter, emphasizing finishing the drill. Just every little thing. I feel like it adds up. And just an extra year of experience. Just feel like it—I don’t know just knowing the game, knowing what to expect. Just kind of that.”

On what makes #74 (Donovan Jackson) and #70 (Josh Fryar) effective as tackles, what he remembers about the matchups

Uiagalelei: “I feel like—I haven’t seen 74 face-to-face at tackle. I know he’s really good at guard. So I know he’s pretty athletic. But 70, I feel like he’s big and athletic. And I feel like they’re just a solid group.”

On importance of pressuring Ohio State QB Will Howard

Uiagalelei: “I think it’s definitely one of the main keys, just bringing pressure on the QB. Making it hard for him to throw the ball all night.”

On how effective him and Jordan Burch can be together

Uiagalelei: “Jordan I feel like he’s a freak. He’s gonna come in and make plays that I don’t feel like anyone else can. Just having him back this game. I forgot he was out that last game. I feel like our whole defense, we’re gonna be prepared and ready.”

On areas he wants to improve after self-scouting Big Ten championship

Uiagalelei: “Feel like biggest for the front, stopping the run. We gave up a lot of rushing yards against Penn State. And it’s just like little things, like gap integrity stuff and technique stuff. We put a big focus on that throughout this break.”

On looking forward to going to LA for this game

Uiagalelei: “It’s gonna be a fun opportunity. Of course growing up in Southern California that’s like the bowl game your whole family watches. But at the end of the day it’s another game. It’s gonna be pretty fun, it’s a great opportunity.”