Can we survive without James?

As I thought, we absolutely can. Barner and DAT were amazing tonight. We have so much talent at that position that we can afford to live without James for a little bit.

Now, the more pressing question, can we survive without our QB? I'm not so sure. I like Bennett, but he hasn't shown anything through the air.

 

We may as well sit James against lowly Colorado.

 

Bennett has showed very strong arm in practice. Strong and accurate.
I think it was the Miso St game he was like 7/8 (or something close to that).

Yes, there is life. Look at our schedule.

 

If we can run the ball this well against the ASU run defense, I like our odds against Colorado.

 

Don't want to sound like I'm already banking the W - but, next to a bye (to get LMJ and Thomas healed) a Colorado team is a welcome opponent. It's not a bad place to play, minus the elevation. The Buffs are giving up over 400 ypg and have a secondary that seems to frequently be out of position. Our basic spread should give them fits. Offensively, their rushing game is either the worst or second worst in the Pac - it's a tossup between them and Oregon St. But, I believe they are averaging less than 90 rushing yards per game. They are just not very good.

Following that we get the Cougs at Autzen. Cougs have been on a downward slide after the unfortunate injury to one of my fav - outside of Oregon - players, Tuel. Cougs have dropped three out of the last four - by some significant margins - and their only victory was barely eeked out against the might 1-6 Buffs.

GREAT time to get our team back to full strength!

 

Can we survive without James? It really depends on how bad Thomas is hurt. With Thomas close to 100%, we should be able to beat the Buffs and Cougs without James. If they are BOTH out, nothing is a guarantee.

 

I was hoping Carson would get a few more carries. He ended up with only 1.

 

I was hoping both he and DAT would get more carries. Fortunately Barner heated up in the second half because he wasn't doing so great for the first two quarters.

 

Although the next two games are not a lock, they are at least very winnable even without Thomas and LMJ. And I think there is still a good chance that one or both players are back by next week. We should learn more later today or tomorrow.

 

Don't bet on it. Moseley is tweeting the Ducks are tight lipped and he expects nothing to leak out. LOL, torture on fans but difficult for opposing teams to prepare for. I respect Chip's policy and feel in a lot of ways it protects the player.