Oregon Football: 5 Key Players for Ducks To Get Back to Rose Bowl in 2012

In the first ever Pac-12 Championship Game, the Oregon Ducks will square off against the UCLA Bruins in the friendly confines of Autzen Stadium.

To the victor lies an appearance in the Rose Bowl.

Favored to win by 32 points, Oregon is expected to cruise past a deflated UCLA Bruin team en route to yet another appearance and Pac-10/12 title.

Though the Ducks will probably win just like everybody thinks, expect it to be a closer affair than many are anticipating as the Bruins will play inspired football as they look to send their head coach off with a big win.

Don't expect the Ducks to take the Bruins lightly, however, as they should play their own inspired football for four quarters in hopes of asserting their national prominence once again.

Here are five ducks who can help them do just that.

RB LaMichael James

More than anybody else on the Ducks offense, LaMichael James is what makes Oregon so dangerous.

For the three years he has been apart of the nation's top offense, LaMichael James has done nothing but impress. 

He is a threat to break through for a touchdown on every play and will without a doubt play a huge role for the Ducks Friday night against the Bruins.

Expect him to have a huge game for the Ducks in what may be the final home game of his outstanding Oregon career.

QB Darron Thomas

As I have stated previously, Darron Thomas may be the most underrated quarterback in the nation.

He operates one of the more complex offenses in college football and has performed admirably in his first two years leading the Ducks.

When Thomas is able to establish a rhythm, he is one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the nation and will play a huge factor in the Pac-12 Championship against the Bruins.

WR DeAnthony Thomas

One of the most exciting players of the 2011 college football season is also one of its youngest.

DeAnthony Thomas, a true freshman from California, has been a breakout star at Oregon and should continue to flex his muscles against UCLA.

One of the fastest players in the college football, Thomas is used primarily as a wide receiver, though he does line up in the backfield at times. 

Thomas uses both his breakaway speed and cut-back ability to blow past defenders. 

Expect Oregon to utilize Thomas' services in this game to blow it wide open.

RB Kenjon Barner

Overshadowed by his best friend and fellow running-back LaMichael James, Kenjon Barner (pictured left) is one of the most underrated backs in the nation.

When he does get the opportunity to touch the ball, he is extremely productive and is a threat, just like James, to break a touchdown at any moment.

Mainly used in packages with James in the backfield, Barner is a versatile player and is rumored to be even faster than James.

If LaMichael is unable to perform to his best for any reason, the Ducks can rest assured that Barner is a more-than-stable replacement for the Ducks.

DE Dion Jordan

Switching to the defensive side of the ball, Dion Jordan is arguably the anchor of an Oregon defensive line that has begun to find its groove at the exact right time.

Jordan, who was once considered to be a slot receiver for the Ducks, has molded into one of the better defensive linemen in the Pac 12.

Jordan uses his sheer size and frame to disrupt opponents and should be fueled by the rowdy Autzen crowd as he causes trouble for Kevin Prince and the Bruins.