LaMichael James Injury: Predicting Oregon's Remaining Games With James Out

As we all know at this point, Heisman candidate running back LaMichael James was hurt in last night's 43-15 victory over the California Golden Bears. It's really unfortunate considering he had one of the best games of his career, rushing for 239 yards and a touchdown before he went down.

Although suffering what appeared to be a gruesome elbow injury—which he said he popped back into place on the field—James, in his mind, believes it's not of the season-ending variety and he expects a quick return. But with injuries you just never know.

That said, let's assume James is out for the season. Here are the predictions for the Ducks' remaining games with James on the sidelines.

Vs. Arizona State

The Sun Devils are a surprise team this year and are more than capable of pulling off an upset if James misses this game. Arizona State has a decent defense that can rush the quarterback, and we've all seen how Darron Thomas plays with James not in the game.

I think the Sun Devils can score enough points behind Brock Osweiler to upset the Ducks.

Oregon lose: 35-27

At Colorado

Colorado is a bad football team that has a 1-4 record, and is terrible on both sides of the ball. I don't believe that missing James should be a problem in this game considering Oregon's backups could probably get the job done in this contest.

Ducks win: 47-14

Vs. Washington State

Washington State has a great offense, but really hasn't played against top competition yet to prove just how really good they are. The Ducks defense may not be as good as it was a year ago but they can still get after it. They'll cause the Cougars' quarterback Marshall Lobbestael problems and help this banged up Ducks team cruise to victory.

Ducks win: 34-21

At Washington

The Huskies are one of the surprise teams in the Pac-12 and they'll have a chance to upset the Ducks without LaMichael James.The problem with Washington, though, is their defense that gives up almost 30 points a game. Even without James, this Oregon team is going to score points, and against a soft defense it'll be even easier.

Ducks win: 42-28

At Stanford

Stanford can score points with anybody and have a very good defense. This was one of those games that would have been difficult to win even if James was in the lineup. Without him, I just don't see the Ducks winning this game.

Ducks lose: 35-17

Vs. USC

Don't let the Trojans' record fool you; they've struggled quite a bit this season—particularly in scoring points. They have been picking it up lately the past couple of weeks but this offense is too inconsistent to trust against a high-powered offense like Oregon's.

Ducks win: 35-21

Vs Oregon State

Can the Beavers beat anybody this season? I have the feeling that Oregon State didn't have a chance in this game whether James was in the game or not. This team is that bad.

Ducks win: 48-17

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]

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