LaMichael James Injury: Outlook of ASU Game Without Oregon's Starting RB

We all remember the injury to Oregon running back LaMichael James, who went down with a nasty injury to his arm last week in the win over the California Golden Bears. James immediately played it off like the injury was no big deal and claimed it wasn't a season-ending injury and he should be back soon. 

Well, soon is never soon enough when a player as good as James is down and the rest of the season remains in question. It looks like Ducks fans will have to continue to hold their breath as starting quarterback Darron Thomas says James won't be ready to go in this week's big matchup against Arizona State.

"I'm all right," Thomas said. "We've got Kenjon (Barner) in the backfield with me. He is a step behind LaMike, doing the same things. We've got Tra Carson doing well for us. I can't wait to see him play. And De'Anthony (Thomas), everybody knows about De'Anthony."

We all have to remember James is still listed as questionable and it's hard to believe what a player says. Until we hear anything from a coach or somebody of higher power, we have to assume his status is still up in the air.

However, this is really not looking good if you're an Oregon fan and it may cost the Ducks a win this weekend.

Sure, the Ducks still have great players like De'Anthony Thomas and Kenjon Barner, who bring the speed and the inside game that James has, but it's impossible to replace a player as good as James and nobody will be able to stretch the field like he did.

This will also put more pressure on a shaky quarterback in Darron Thoma,s who looked lost without James in the game against LSU. Thomas isn't a great passer at all, completing under 60 percent of his passes and has no true No. 1 wide receiver.

The Ducks are going up against a solid defense in Arizona State that gives up fewer than 20 points a contest. It has 10 interceptions on the season and its 16 sacks show it can get after the quarterback.

This game is not going to be easy, and without their best player, it's going to be just that much harder.

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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