Quack Fix: With LMJ presumed out, Thomas and Thomas will need to step up against ASU

The Ducks haven't faced a tough team since the season opener against LSU. But that changes this weekend as the Ducks host the 18th ranked ASU Sun Devils, and ESPN Gameday will be in town. Of note, the Ducks opened as 15-point favorites. I would say that seems high, especially with LaMichael James also definitely out, but, I'm not betting against the Ducks at home.

• Aaron Fentress has the latest in LaMichael James Elbow Watch 2011. And basically, we don't know anything. We'll "just have to wait and see" while LaMichael continues to get unspecified treatment. If you missed it over the weekend, Fentress also had a good piece on LaMichael's injury, the reaction of his family, and his injury in high school.
• Adam Jude has a similar piece on James' injury, but also covers Chip Kelly's Sunday teleconference. Kelly talked about why LaMichael was still in the game, though I don't blame him at all for that. If LaMichael is gone, the Ducks should be in decent shape, and Kelly says he's "pleased" with the depth at the position.
• With LaMichael presumed out, De'Anthony Thomas will become even more important. He has been very good at both running back and receiver this season, but his role will become even more important.
• Meanwhile, George Schroeder says that it's now Darron Thomas' time to step up. The passing game has been a disappointment this year, but we saw some flashes against Cal, with Josh Huff and De'Anthony Thomas making some nice plays. That will need to continue.
• Against ASU, Thomas' performance will be magnified against a surprisingly good ASU secondary. Though they lost their star Omar Bolden, ASU boasts the second-best pass defense in the conference (according to opponent passing rating). Coming in first? The Ducks, who are giving up only 6.0 yards per attempt this season.
• It was a rough weekend for the Oregon volleyball team. The Ducks dropped home matches to California and Stanford. Both were top-10 teams, but it drops the Ducks to 5-3 in conference play.

Got anything else? Leave it below. GO DUCKS!