Washington State @ Oregon preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 9, 2010 ) Oregon 43, Washington State 23

THE STORY: Oregon running back LaMichael James continues to say he can play “if the team needs me.’’ If that's the only criteria, James probably will not play Saturday when the No. 7 Ducks host Washington State. James has missed two games since dislocating the joint in his right elbow against California. Oregon, though, should have quarterback Darron Thomas back. He injured his knee against Arizona State two weeks ago and missed last week’s 45-2 victory at Colorado. The Ducks will again be without All-American cornerback Cliff Harris, who is still having trouble grasping the rules of the road.

TV: FSN, Root. LINE: Oregon -34.5

ABOUT OREGON (6-1, 4-0 Pac-12): The Ducks’ depth was never more evident than last week, when Kenjon Barner and Tra Carson combined for 201 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Bryan Bennett has also filled in admirably for Thomas, especially in the second half of Oregon’s 41-27 victory over Arizona State on Oct. 15. Harris was suspended again after he was pulled over by police Monday and charged with driving with a suspended license and two other violations. Harris was also ticketed in June for going 118 miles per hour while driving with a suspended license on Interstate 5.

ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE (3-4, 1-3 Pac-12): The Cougars have lost three straight since rallying for a 31-27 victory at Colorado on Oct. 1. Quarterback Marshall Lobbestael will replace Jeff Tuel for the second time this season after Tuel went down with a left shoulder injury in last week’s 44-21 loss to Oregon State. Lobbestael’s top target is sophomore wide receiver Marquess Wilson, who is 11th in the nation with 109 yards per game. Lobbestael has 15 touchdowns and five interceptions in seven games. Tuel also missed time with a broken clavicle.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Ducks have won 21 straight home games and six straight overall since a season-opening loss to LSU.

2. Oregon averages 48.1 points per game – fourth in the nation – while Washington State allows 30.4 points.

3. The Ducks are seventh nationally with 537.3 yards of offense per game.

PREDICTION: Oregon 52, Washington State 14 -- The Ducks continue to steamroll toward a meeting with Stanford in two weeks which will determine the Pac-12 North title and a trip to the inaugural conference championship game.