Word came out today that formerly suspended Oregon RB LeGarette Blount has been reinstated by the Pac-10, and will be eligible to play when the Ducks host Arizona State next weekend.The former junior college player thundered onto the scene in 2008, rushing for 1,003 yards and 17 touchdowns. His future, both in college and in the NFL, appeared bright coming into the season until his infamous punching of Boise State's Byron Hout after the Ducks 19-8 loss in the first week of the season. Since his initial suspension, Blount has been practicing with the scout team, though Head Coach Chip Kelly hinted that a return might be possible if Blount complied with a number of rules.
Here we are heading down into the last two weeks of the season, and Blount is back. It is not as if the Ducks have really missed his presence though; freshman speedster LaMichael James has carried the rock 149 times for 1,043 yards, at a staggering 7 yards per carry.
The Ducks dominated the mighty USC Trojans 42-20 on national television just two weeks ago, and appeared destined for a possible national title run before falling to Stanford this week, 52-40. Still, sitting atop the Pac-10 standings and with a possible Rose Bowl in very clear sight, Blount should only add more fire to an offense currently churning out 233 yards per game on the ground and over 410 yards per game overall. Coupled with the speedy James, the two will form a very tough duo that few teams will be able to stop.
Still, there is the question of the morality of the decision to allow Blount to play again. While Blount's reinstatement means he's complied with all of the rules set forth by Chip Kelly at the time of his suspension, there are still those who believe he should have been suspended for the duration of the season, instead of being allowed to play again. Regardless of who is right or wrong though, Oregon just got a major weapon back onto the field for this weeks game against Arizona State. If the Ducks hope to close out the season as Pac-10 champs, he'll be a valuable asset as they take on the Sun Devils, and then their hated rivals Oregon State, to finish the year.
2 comments:
It's fine that he came back. Oregon can go lose to a superior team in the Rose Bowl.
It will be interesting to see if Oregon can beat Oregon State first. The Beavers have come on very strong (as always) and are actually putting up some solid offensive numbers this year.
Another shootout in the Civil War maybe?
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