LaMichael James to the NFL: Why He Just Gift-Wrapped the Pac-12 for USC in 2012

Things have appeared to change in the Pac-12 conference in a matter of days, as LaMichael James has decided he will forgo his senior season and enter the 2012 NFL draft.

If James was to return for his last year at Oregon, the Ducks probably would be the overwhelming favorite to win the conference again.

Now that he will no longer be in Eugene, the USC Trojans should be the favorite to win the conference.

Oregon will be losing a running back who has rushed for over 1,500 yards three seasons in a row.

Sure, it has great players to replace him, like De'Anthony Thomas and Kenjon Barner, but neither has proven he can carry a team for the whole season.

Thomas is way too small to carry the workload, as his 5'9", 160-pound frame is at risk of injury every time he touches the ball.

Barner has all the talent in the world to replace James but still needs to prove he can last a whole season being "the man."

Quarterback Darron Thomas has already proven he can't be productive without a solid running game. He has thrown for over 200 yards only six times this season.

Thomas only completes 61 percent of his passes and, even as a junior, still makes careless decisions at times.

USC has the majority of its team returning, including wide receiver Robert Woods.

Quarterback Matt Barkley may also put the NFL on hold and return with hopes of winning a national championship.

The defense that only gave up 23 points per game and got better as the season went along will return up to eight starters.

If USC wasn't on probation this season, it would have had the opportunity to win the Pac-12 and knock off the Ducks.

The Trojans were clicking on all cylinders and may have had a chance to reach the national championship if it wasn't for certain circumstances.

The Trojans will be back next year and will likely play Oregon in the Pac-12 championship game.

Without LaMichael James, I like the Trojans' chances.

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