LaMichael James had one of his most productive games as a Duck last week against Portland State, rushing for 227 yards and two touchdowns on just 14 carries.
However, as even James would admit, the Viking defensive unit barely holds a candle to what he’ll face on Saturday at Arizona State.
The Sun Devil defense is led by sophomore linebacker Vontaze Burfict, the reigning Pac-10 Defensive Freshman of the Year.
Thus far this season, Burfict has totaled a team-best 23 tackles, along with three tackles for a loss and one forced fumble.
At 6 feet 3 inches tall and 245 pounds, Burfict cuts an imposing figure on the field, and will have his eyes trained on the elusive James.
Further adding to the intrigue of this matchup is the history between the two players.
Last year, James rushed for 150 yards and three touchdowns in a 44-21 victory over the Sun Devils.
Though Burfict hardly stopped James in his tracks, he did lead the team in total tackles that game with eight and also forced James to fumble in the third quarter.
This year, both players once again appear to be at the top of their games. If the matchup this year is even half as interesting as last season’s, viewers could be in for quite a treat.
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Players to watch: No. 5 Oregon Ducks at Arizona State
Daily Emerald
September 22, 2010
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