The Oregon Ducks were facing their real first Big Ten opponent as they hosted the Michigan State Spartans in Eugene during Week 6 of the 2024 season. While the first quarter saw some offensive sluggishness but defensive prowess, one Duck had a standout start to his Big Ten career.
Jordan James, the third-year Duck, exploded as Oregon first took the field, bypassing nearly every single Spartan that was on the field.
With his first carry, James burst past the defensive line and amassed a resounding 41 yards on just one play. A few plays later, James was knocking down Spartans left and right as he earned a first down.
Oregon fans, and football fans in general, responded accordingly to James' performance in the opening minutes of the Big Ten matchup
BIG run for Jordan James!#GoDucks | #RatedProspect
— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) October 5, 2024
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The Ducks donned their all-yellow uniforms and welcomed Michigan State to the West Coast and the newest area of Big Ten country.
My goodness, Oregon’s Jordan James just knocked the soul out of the defender. The definition of a truck stick. pic.twitter.com/m0Xjd4a0GR
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) October 5, 2024
James' run that knocked down a handful of players along the way earned rave reviews from fans as they took notice of the demolition zone James was bringing to the field at Autzen Stadium.
Jordan James is playing some big-boy football tonight. I just know @Jonathanstewar1 is somewhere smiling.
— Zachary Neel (@zacharycneel) October 5, 2024
During the game, commentators and fans were even comparing James to some Oregon running back room legends like Bucky Irving and Jonathan Stewart, who both left their mark on the Ducks' football program.
At the end of the first quarter, the Ducks were up by just 7 points but James had already earned 83 yards on just 8 carries. As Oregon and Michigan State headed in to the second quarter, the Ducks led 7-0.