EUGENE -- It's been 435 days since Royce Freeman started getting questioned regularly about the inevitability of breaking LaMichael James' rushing record.
The first recorded instance came at media day in August of 2016, when Freeman was asked the question from a child reporter.
"How do you feel about being so close to breaking LaMichael James' career record?" Freeman was asked.
At that point, it seemed like the coronation would take place by the end of the season. Freeman entered the 2016 season coming off one of the best rushing seasons in Oregon history -- 1,836 yards and 17 touchdowns -- and a repeat year would put James' record firmly in his hands.