Oregon @ Colorado preview

THE STORY: The status of No. 8 Oregon’s two biggest stars, running back LaMichael James and quarterback Darron Thomas, remains uncertain as the Ducks enter Saturday’s road game at Colorado. Thomas, who exited last week’s game against Arizona State with a left knee injury, told reporters that he expects to play. James has been out since dislocating his right elbow Oct. 6 against California and is doubtful. Oregon and Colorado haven’t met in the regular season since 1987 but have played three times in bowl games since 1996. Oregon won the most recent meeting in the 2001 Fiesta Bowl 38-16.

TV: FSN, Root Sports. LINE: Oregon -30.5

ABOUT OREGON (5-1, 3-0 Pac-12): The Ducks, who are 10th in the first BCS standings, had to turn to backup quarterback Bryan Bennett last week in their 41-27 victory over Arizona State after Thomas exited the game in the third quarter. Oregon trailed 24-21 when Bennett entered, but the freshman quarterback led them on four scoring drives, including a pair of third-quarter touchdowns. Bennett completed 2-of-5 passes for 22 yards, so he wasn’t asked to do much, but he did help the offense stay on the field. The Ducks' offense has scored 41 or more points in all five of their wins since suffering a season-opening 40-27 loss to No. 2 LSU.

ABOUT COLORADO (1-6, 0-4): The Buffaloes are still seeking their first Pac-12 victory since joining the league in the off-season. In the last two games, the Buffaloes haven’t come close. They lost 48-7 at Stanford on Oct. 8 before falling 52-24 last week at Washington. Defensively, Colorado has struggled, allowing 31 or more points in all six of its losses. The Buffaloes rank 113th in scoring defense and are giving up 36 points per game. Running back Rodney Stewart exited last week’s game in the first quarter with a sprained knee and will be out 2-for-4 weeks, a devastating blow to an offense that will struggle to keep pace with the Ducks’ high-powered offense.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Oregon has won seven straight Pac-12 road games under coach Chip Kelly. Overall, the Ducks have won 15 straight conference games.

2. The Ducks have had four straight 300-yard rushing games.

3. Colorado has allowed 500 yards or more in consecutive games for the first time since 1983. The Buffaloes gave up 562 last week against Washington and yielded 553 against Stanford.

PREDICTION: Oregon 51, Colorado 10 - Regardless of who lines up in Oregon’s backfield, the Buffaloes don’t have the personnel to slow down the Ducks.