Blount a no-show at Rose Bowl media day
PASADENA, Calif. -- All the players from the Oregon Ducks and the Ohio State Buckeyes attended media day Wednesday -- except LeGarrette Blount.
Duck Ed Dickson said Wednesday morning that Blount wanted to come but that head coach Chip Kelly had him pulled off the bus before it traveled to Rosem Bowl media headquarters. Kelly called it a "mutual decision."
There or not, Blount was on the minds of the Ohio State defense as they talked about the Oregon offense.
Key to that Duck offense: LaMichael James, who set a school record for rushing yards by an Oregon freshman.
That record was formerly held by Sean Burwell, who starred for the Ducks from 1990 to 1993. From his home in Huntington Beach, Calif., Burwell reflected on his days as the star tailback for the Ducks. He was a freshman on the Bill Musgrave-led team of 1990 that defeated fourth-ranked BYU and completed the first-ever undefeated home season at Autzen Stadium -- a perfect 7-0.
Burwell remains number two on the all-time career list at Oregon for all-purpose yardage with 4,972.
And thanks to James, Burwell is now down to number two on the list of rushing yards by a freshman. James shattered Burwell's mark of 969 yards with 1,476.
While that Buckeye defense will have its hands full trying to contain James, the frosh isn't the only tailback Ohio State will face: 6-foot-2, 240-pound Bblount provides a big change of pace with a more powerful running style.
The Buckeyes are well aware of the contrasting rushing styles of the two Duck tailbacks.
"They mix it up," said Doug Worthington, a Ohio State senior defensive tackle. "They have the power running back. If the holes are gaping, then you have James getting in there and what not. If you need a couple hard yards, then you have Blount to give it to you. So, you've got to make sure to be ready for anything as far as a defense, and we know it."
