A funny thing happened on Saturday.
LaMichael James, he of Heisman runner-up fame, the player branded as “The Candidate” in Autzen Stadium’s swanky new player introductions, scored three touchdowns in as many fashions against Nevada. It was an offensive triple crown of sorts, including a power run at the goal line, a 44-yard catch down the left sideline, and, most spectacularly, this 58-yard punt return just minutes into the third quarter:

After an anemic performance the previous week against LSU, Saturday’s showing had to be a breath of fresh air for both James and Duck fans alike. The Candidate was alive and well.
That wasn’t the funny part. What struck me, as I looked back on my coverage of the game, was that I made no mention of James in either of the two stories I wrote. This was partly because of Darron Thomas (who had a school record-tying six touchdown passes), and partly due to a simple case of journalistic oversight while trying to meet deadline.
But mostly, it was because this happened:

I do everything I can to remain objective in the press box, but I couldn’t help gasping (audibly) when I watched this play in real time. I’ve re-watched it about ten times now, and I remain utterly mesmerized by it.
Just watch Nevada’s No. 24 at the five second mark. De’Anthony Thomas jukes the defensive back so forcefully that he runs a good five yards before he can even turn to give chase. By that time, Thomas is in the open field, and Gus Johnson is joyfully losing his mind (quick aside: it should be a rule that whenever Johnson calls an Oregon game at Autzen, his voice is wired throughout the whole stadium. Would anyone object to this?).
That play, along with an earlier 62-yard run and his first touchdown catch for 24 yards, captured the imagination of Oregon faithful that day. It wasn’t that Darron Thomas and LaMichael James were any less effective (in fact, both had arguably more impact on the game than De’Anthony did).
It was, instead, a simple case of the youngest star shining the brightest. Do you remember the first time you saw James play? I recall being enthralled with his spectacular name, then finding myself in awe of the swift cuts he made on a dime, the raw power he packed into such a small frame.
James is the older, wiser star now. He remains just as effective, but we know all of his moves, and exactly what to expect when he suits up on Saturdays.
Thomas is the wild card, the spark plug on what was already on electric team. We’re two games in, and it’s already been a roller coaster ride filled with peaks (the aforementioned runs) and valleys (three fumbles so far).
Where the path leads next, I’m not sure. What I do know is that Thomas is the Oregon player most likely to prompt egregious violations of press box etiquette, and that, to a journalist, is the very definition of exciting.