Oregon RB Jordan James Had the Perfect Reaction to Achieving This Career Milestone

For a running back, the thousand-yard season is the gold standard of performance. Last year in the FBS 45 backs achieved it, the year before, 39. So far in 2024, 20 backs have hit the thousand mark, including Oregon's Jordan James.

James' tough running was a vital part of the Ducks 16-13 road victory over Wisconsin. In the fourth quarter he bounced a counter play outside for an 11-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 13-13.

In their game-winning field goal drive that started at the 6:49 mark from the Home 43, James took the ball for 9, 12, three and three yards down to the Wisconsin 16. The heavy dose of James set up a keeper by Dillon Gabriel, down to the Badger 6. Three plays later, Atticus "Automaticus" Sappington drilled a 24-yard field goal to make it 16-13.

For the game, the 5-10, 210-pound junior pounded out 121 yards on 25 carries, giving him 1,067 on the year. His longest run from scrimmage on that brisk night in Camp Randall was just 14 yards-- a lot of tough running went into reaching the century mark.

After the game reporters asked him how he felt about reaching 1000, the 29th player in program history to do so.

“It means a lot,” James said. “I want to thank my offensive line; that's not possible without those guys and what they do up front.”

It's a me, me, me world. Every day we read stories of athletes declaring "I'm him," or striking the pose for an award or a viral social media moment. It was nice to hear a football player remember that it's a team game, and nothing he does is possible without the big guys who pave the way.

The current Oregon offensive line is among the semi-finalists for the Joe Moore Award, the top honor given to o-line units across the country. In the last three seasons the Quack Attack has featured a thousand-yard rusher in each. 2024, James, 1067. 2023, Bucky Irving, 1180. 2022, Irving, 1058. Over that same period the Duck o-line has given up 22 sacks in 3 SEASONS. Washington's o-line has allowed 24 this year, 14th in the Big Ten.