EUGENE — One of Arizona State’s biggest challenges this weekend at Autzen Stadium will be containing Oregon’s ground game, which is ranked among the best in the nation.

The No. 14 Ducks, with their distinctive spread-option offense, are leading the Pacific-10 with an average of 233.6 yards on the ground per game. They’re the ninth-best rushing team in the country.

Redshirt freshman LaMichael James averages 115.9 yards a game overall, and 135.5 yards in conference games to lead Oregon. Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli is the team’s second-best rusher, with an average of 61.4 yards a game and nine touchdowns.

Both will create problems for the Sun Devils (4-5, 2-4 Pac-10).

“It’s making sure that you are disciplined enough to know your assignment and patient enough to know that they are going to move the football and to not try and make plays that you’re not responsible for,” Arizona State coach Dennis Erickson said.

Arizona State has the best rush defense in the Pac-10. The Sun Devils are ranked sixth nationwide, allowing just 87.44 yards per game.

— From wire reports

College Football