EUGENE, Ore. — Oregon coach Chip Kelly likes to say that in running backs LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner, the Ducks have option No. 1 and No. 1a — because Barner is so close to James’ skill level that he can hardly be considered backup material.
That means Oregon doesn’t expect to lose a step in James’ likely absence when the ninth-ranked Ducks host No. 18 Arizona State tonight.
James dislocated his right elbow in Oregon’s 43-15 victory over California on Oct. 6. The nation’s top running back appeared smiling outside the locker room after the gruesome-looking injury, explaining how he’d popped the elbow back in place.
This week, the junior wouldn’t rule himself out of the game against the Sun Devils, but it is very doubtful he’ll play because there’s too much at stake — not only for the Ducks but for James’ future after college.
Barner, James’ best friend, was hampered earlier this season by an ankle injury, but he has run for three touchdowns in three games. Last season, when Barner started for James in the opener against New Mexico, he ran for 147 yards and had five TDs, four on the ground and one scoring catch.
In addition to Barner, the Ducks (4-1, 2-0 Pac-12) have two talented true freshmen, De’Anthony Thomas and Tra Carson. Thomas, who has also played at wideout and is the Ducks’ leading receiver, has six touchdowns this season, four via passes.
So exactly what adjustments will the Ducks make without James? “Nothing changes,” Kelly said simply.
And that, coincidentally, is exactly how Arizona State sees it.
“You take Barner, you take De’Anthony Thomas — who we tried to recruit — and they’re something special. They’re solid in all areas,” Sun Devils coach Dennis Erickson said. “They’re not going to try to change anything.”
Led by All-American linebacker Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State (5-1, 3-0) is ranked second in the Pac-12, behind Stanford, in total defense, allowing 349 yards. Its rushing defense allows an average of 119.7 yards a game.
