Jordan James earns Ducks Wire Player of the Game with stunning rushing performance

The Oregon Ducks picked a spectacular 31-10 win against the Michigan State Spartans on Friday night, but it certainly wasn’t mistake-free. Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel threw two goalline interceptions, and the Ducks secondary got beat deep a few times — although they weren’t punished.

But in a game where Oregon’s passing offense and over-the-top coverage were shaky, running back Jordan James stepped up and played a perfect game, leading the offensive unit for 60 minutes. James’s spectacular performance earns him the Ducks Wire Player of the Game.

James, a true junior from Tennessee, got going early against Michigan State, rushing for 41 yards on the first play of Oregon’s second drive of the game. It was Oregon’s longest rush of the season, but it was the first of many for James on Friday night. He finished the night with 24 carries, for 166 yards and a TD.

What makes James so good is his efficiency in running the ball. Last season, as the Ducks’ frequently-used backup RB, James averaged 7.1 yards per carry — the most in the Pac-12. This season, with much more volume, James is averaging 6.2 yards per carry. Tonight, he averaged 6.9.

James’ Week 6 performance brought some national attention to his talent, and he threw himself into the Doak Walker Award (given to the nation’s best RB) conversation. If not for Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, James may be at the top.

If James hadn’t played an inhuman game, the Player of the Game award certainly would’ve gone to Jordan Burch. The senior defensive end played by far his best game as a Duck, with 4 tackles and 2.5 sacks. And with the way he clogged up the run game, plus the constant pressure he put on MSU QB Aidan Chiles, Burch’s presence was felt plenty on the plays where he didn’t make the tackle.

The Oregon Ducks were glad to have the…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/jordan-james-earns-ducks-wire-043742903.html

Author : Ducks Wire

Publish date : 2024-10-05 04:37:42

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