The Oregon Ducks made fans a little nervous late in the fourth quarter at Autzen Stadium against the Ohio State Buckeyes after running back Jordan James was unable to get the ball away from the two-yard line on third down with 1:51 to play. to hit line.

After that play, Oregon still trailed 31-29 and had to settle for a field goal instead, giving the Buckeyes plenty of time to answer with one of their own.

But the defense held firm, and the rest will eventually be written off as “history.”

Despite failing to reach the red zone on its final offensive attack, No. 3 Oregon held on to a thrilling 32-31 win over No. 2 Ohio State, and James was a big reason why. He finished the game with 23 carries for 115 yards and a touchdown while adding a catch for six yards.

After the win, Oregon coach Dan Lanning said that James made him a promise before the game.

“Jordan, man. He runs like he’s mad all the time and we see that every day in practice,” Lanning said. “Before the game started he came up to me and said, 'Coach, I've got you,' right, and I know when he says he means it. And he took advantage of the opportunities he had today and that's what he did.” Be the first to explain to you the schematic advantages that coach (Will) Stein and the offensive staff created and the blocking that coach's group created (A'lique) Terry scored. I'm going to go back and watch again In this movie I'm going to see how many times we see eleven guys with their hats on someone, right. This gives us an opportunity to have a big win and Jordan was really proud of him tonight.

James has been a bell in the Ducks' backfield this season. He has now received 20-plus carries in three straight games to start Big Ten Conference play, finishing with at least 100 yards and a touchdown in all three contests.

It seems like the Ducks listened to Nick Saban's advice. The former legendary Alabama head coach said on ESPN's “The Pat McAfee Show” on Friday that Oregon had to run the ball to beat Ohio State.

“To beat Ohio State, you have to be able to run the ball,” Saban told McAfee. “In the last six games they lost, the opposing team ran more than them because they will try to run the ball. So if you can control the line of scrimmage, you have a chance. Now Oregon can do it.” ? Can they keep up with the front runners? That will be the big question.”

If the Ducks want to keep their championship hopes alive, James must continue to be the focal point of the offense.