James will NOT enter the draft. Not after this season. While he's frequently called the leader in the weight room at Oregon, he's currently more like a Ken Simonton, then a Sproles. Sproles played four years at K-State. Currently, James is having the time of his life in Oregon with his two best friends - Barner and Thomas, who are also just SO. I wouldn't expect James to go any higher than 3rd or 4th round anyway. He needs to develop.
Any fan who has followed Oregon/OSU for more than a few years knows the Civil War is not something to overlook. It's normally played very competitively with the home team having an advantage. Oregon has won the last two. This year, I don't see Oregon State matching Oregon's speed or depth. James Rogers is out for the season. This is also a Beaver team that is allowing 460 yards a game - and nearly 300 of those in passing yards (did you see what Thomas just did in the air to UCLA?). Also, Oregon State has allowed more TD's than they have scored. That doesn't bode well when you play one of the top offenses in the country.
Keep in mind, Oregon State gave up nearly 500 total yards to the lowly Huskies - the Huskies lost pretty handily to ASU, while Oregon handled ASU rather well.
I'm a fan of nearly 30 years and I never overlook the Civil War. I'm currently more focused on USC next week and enjoying the development of Thomas - an extremely gifted and young QB. But, as it stands today (injuries, etc.) I don't see this years CW being anything but a blowout. Ducks by 30+.
Also, keep in mind that Lache Seastrunck signed with Oregon last year. He was the 4th rated RB in the nation and as a high school senior, is about 5'11, 190 and runs a 4.40 (Oregon recruits speed). He received offers from LSU, Florida, Auburn, Oklahoma, Texas, etc - and he's dynamic. James WILL be around, but Oregon has depth like you wouldn't believe - including Barner and Alston at RB who have been burning good defenses all season and a 5th year SR QB, Nate Costa who would be a starter on any other Pac10 team.
