Bad news for the Cougars: LaMichael James and Darron Thomas appear to be back for Oregon.
The two stars missed last week’s game -- a thumping over Colorado in which the Ducks didn’t miss a beat on offense -- because of injuries. James has been absent since dislocating his elbow against Cal earlier this month; Thomas aggravated a knee injury the following week against Arizona State.
But Oregon’s PA announcer Don Essig announced that the two were starting today’s game. Before injuring his elbow, James was averaging 170 rushing yards per game; Thomas was good for 17 touchdowns through the air before hurting his knee.
However, Thomas didn’t stay the starter for long, as backup QB Bryan Bennett started the second half for the Ducks. Thomas was 8-of-13 for 153 yards and a touchdown but two picks in the first half. Thomas was not seen with a helmet, so he’s probably done for the day. There’s no word yet on if the move was made out of injury or performance.