Heisman Trophy Hopeful, LaMichael James, has been the Oregon Ducks most explosive weapon this season accounting for over 30% of the total offense. James leads the nation in rushing with an average of 170.4 yards per game and is tied in second place for punt returns with an average of 19.33 yards per return. He has already accounted for 1,148 yards and touchdowns. This weekend against the Arizona State Sun Devils, however, the Ducks will have to play without James after he suffered an elbow injury in Oregon's last game versus Cal. The injury is not season ending, but we do know he can't play against ASU Saturday. The Ducks have great depth at the running back position with Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas, who are both already major contributors to the Ducks offense. They will need them and quarterback Darron Thomas to fill James shoes. ASU's defense is not terrible, but hasn't been great either this season:Arizona State Defensive StatisticsTotal Defense: 41; 349.00 yards given up per gameRush Defense: ranked 40; 119.67 yards rushing given up per gamePass Defense: ranked 75; 229.33 yards passing given up per gameScoring Defense: ranked 24; 19.50 points given up per gameVontaze Burfict is a player the Ducks will need to know where he is located on the field at all times...and I would say AVOID HIM! The guy has been a beast so far this season with 29 tackles, 4 sacks, and an interception. The linebacker will be looking to wreck havoc in the Ducks backfield, and is capable of doing so if not accounted for by the offensive line. The Sun Devils offense is led by six foot eight quarterback Brock Osweiler. For the season, Osweiler has completed 142/213 passes (66.7 CMP%) for 1,677 yards, thirteen touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also scored two more touchdowns on the ground. The leading rusher for ASU is Cameron Marshall with 102 carries for 420 yards and eight touchdowns. Their leading receivers are Gerell Robinson and Aaron Pflugrad with 26 catches each. The Ducks defense has been shaky after losing so many players from last year:Oregon Ducks Defensive StatisticsTotal Defense: 83; 404.60 yards given up per gameRush Defense: ranked 86; 173.80 yards rushing given up per gamePass Defense: ranked 76; 230.80 yards passing given up per gameScoring Defense: ranked 45; 22.60 points given up per gameASU's offense can score points and are averaging 35.33 a game. The Ducks defense will have to step up and get off the field. They can't just expect the offense to be able to outscore the Sun Devils. The offense is going to be great, but without James they won't be as explosive. Barner and Thomas are absolutely great players, but they neither have the experience nor can they carry the leadership role of James. Autzen Stadium in Eugene, OR at night - Thomas Boyd/The OregonianCurrently, the Ducks are favored to win by sixteen points. The game is in Autzen Stadium at night and I feel confident Barner and Thomas will fill in the void just fine in this game, but I don't think the Ducks can cover the spread without James. He means to much to this team. Can the Ducks win without LaMichael James?
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