James hasn’t ruled himself out technically, but it’s highly doubtful he plays because the Ducks have too much at stake to risk him getting hurt again and possibly missing the season. And as good as James is, and he has had at least 200 yards in the past three games, Oregon is still loaded at tailback, led by Kenjon Barner and De’Anthony Thomas. Last season, when Barner started for James in the opener against New Mexico, he ran for 147 yards and had five touchdowns, four on the ground and one scoring catch. This season, Barner is averaging 6.2 yards per carry and four total touchdowns. Thomas, one of the nation’s best freshmen, is averaging 7.6 yards per carry and has two scores.

Arizona State is the only unbeaten team in conference play in the Pac-12 South, and with USC ineligible for postseason play the Sun Devils almost certainly will play in the conference title game. They have a very solid defense and a quarterback in Brock Osweiler who can win games by himself. ASU’s lone loss was at a ranked Illinois team. The Sun Devils outplayed the Illini (outgaining them by more than 120 yards) but had three turnovers.

Oregon has won six straight in this series, averaging 42.3 points during that span. Since their season-opening loss to LSU, the Ducks have outscored opponents 224-73. The Sun Devils have lost 15 consecutive games against Top-10 teams. Last year, Oregon won in Tempe 42-31 despite being held to just 145 yards rushing. ASU had seven turnovers in that one.

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