LaMichael James' Heisman Hopes All but Dashed After Loss to LSU

LaMichael James was a candidate for the Heisman trophy in 2010, finishing third in the voting to the 2011 first overall pick, Cam Newton.

James was picked by many to be the one hoisting the trophy in New York come December. Many felt his explosiveness, along with Oregon's ability to score at will, would help him run away with it.

With a fairly soft schedule and a new conference championship game to help build his case, it was in the bag.

That was until he met the LSU Tigers defense.

Saturday night marked the second annual Cowboys Classic in Dallas. The stage was set for James to make his case. However, the Tigers had their own objection and suffocated James' ability to skate through holes or break to the outside and down the sidelines.

James was limited to just 54 yards on 18 carries, scoring once on a three-yard scamper in the second quarter. He caught six passes for 61 yards, gaining more yards receiving than rushing for the first time in his Oregon career.

This marks the second straight game that James was not able to break 60 rushing yards in a single game. In the BCS title game last January, James was shut down by the Auburn Tigers, holding him to just 49 yards on 14 carries.

Saturday night marked the second lowest amount of rushing yards with at least 10 carries for James in his career, the lowest coming against Auburn in last year's title game.

Although LSU is no cupcake by any means, LaMichael James' Heisman hopes dropped dramatically. This is one of those games the voters go back and look at and say this made the difference.

Now, it is the first week, and the rest of Oregon's schedule is favorable for James, who has at least 100 yards in a game against each opponent the rest of the year.

Arizona State and California were the only two schools to hold James under 100 yards rushing last season, and ASU gave up his only score between the two schools.

Both those games were on the road. James will have those defenses in Eugene, where in 2009 he combined for 268 yards and four touchdowns.

The Heisman race is obviously anything but over. However, this may be the game that decides James' trophy chances.