Oregon fans get encouraging injury news on eve of CFP game vs JMU

Pete Thamel of ESPN reported Saturday morning that the Duck will get additional firepower on offense for today's College Football Playoff Game versus No. 12 seed James Madison, 4:30 p.m. PT at Autzen Stadium, televised on TNT, truTV and HBO Max.

Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant Jr. will be available to play today, Thamel said, dynamic receivers that have been out since the Iowa game. In addition, Matt Zenitz of CBS reported that Evan Stewart is nearing a return and could be available as soon as a January 1 game against Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl, should the Ducks survive and advance tonight.

Oregon is a 21-point favorite versus the Dukes, who come into the game with the nation's No. 2 defense, only allowing 247.6 yards per game. They are strongest against the run, allowing only 2.48 yards per carry. The pass defense limits opponents to 5.7 yards per attempt, but the gaudy stats have to be tempered by the fact that JMU played a schedule ranked 123rd in the country.

The defense have been disruptive, however, totaling 36 sacks and 85 tackles for loss. Defensive ends Sahir West and Xavier Holmes have gotten to the quarterback 13 times this season, six sacks for Holmes, seven for West.

Getting Bryant and Moore back makes the Oregon attack more explosive and gives Dante Moore more options on passing downs, easing the pressure on Malik Benson and Jeremiah McClellan, who have had to be road warriors in November, counted on for big plays. Now the Ducks have even more ways to attack.