When: 3:45 p.m. Saturday

Where: Alamodome

Line: Oregon by 7.5

TV: ESPN

Radio: KYKN-AM 1430

Twitter: @petemartiniSJ

Four Down Territory

No need to worry about Boykin

A big focus for Oregon was going to be how to contain TCU star quarterback TrevoneBoykin. But with his arrest and suspension, that no longer is the case. This is a major setback for the Horned Frogs.

Pound the ball

TCU allows more than 180 rushing yards per game, and the Ducks can exploit that with Royce Freeman and company. Being able to consistently run the ball will be key for Oregon.

Secondary needs to step up

With TCU missing Boykin, Oregon’s much-maligned secondary has a chance to have a big game. That will be important heading into the offseason. For Oregon to compete for a national championship next season, the secondary will need to take a major step forward.

Start the game fast

TCU’s confidence took a hit this week with Boykin’s arrest. It will be important for the Ducks to jump out to an early lead and not allow the Frogs to get into the game. TCU still has talent, but if Oregon can psychologically keep them down, then the Ducks can cruise to victory.

Key matchup

Oregon LBs Joe Walker and Rodney Hardrick vs. TCU RB Aaron Green

With TrevoneBoykin suspended and Josh Doctson out, TCU could rely more heavily on Green. Walker and Hardrick have 154 combined tackles, and stopping Green before he gets to the second and third levels will be key.

Who has the edge?

Rushing offense

With Royce Freeman leading the way, the Ducks are one of the nation’s best running teams. Edge: Oregon

Passing offense

TCU star quarterback TrevoneBoykin is suspended and won’t play. Edge: Oregon

Rushing defense

The Ducks have a slight edge in the numbers. Edge: Oregon

Passing defense

Oregon has the third-worst passing defense in the nation. Edge: TCU

Special teams

Aidan Schneider is one of the nation’s top kickers, and returners Bralon Addison and Charles Nelson are threats every time they touch the ball. Edge: Oregon

Injuries

Both teams are a little banged up, but TCU is without star receiver Josh Doctson. Edge: Oregon

Coaching

Gary Patterson built a strong program at TCU, and Mark Helfrich probably did his best coaching this season at Oregon. Edge: Oregon

Intangibles

Vernon Adams has a playground style that can create big plays out of nothing. Edge: Oregon

The bottom line

The losses of TrevoneBoykin and Josh Doctson will really hurt TCU.Edge: Oregon

By the numbers

287

The Ducks average 287 rushing yards per game, which ranks fifth in the nation.

27

Vernon Adams has accounted for 27 touchdowns this season.

16

Royce Freeman has scored 16 touchdowns this season.

11

With QB TrevoneBoykin and WR Josh Doctson out of the game, TCU will rely heavily on RB Aaron Green, who has scored 11 touchdowns.

2

This is Oregon’s second Alamo Bowl in the past three seasons.

Prediction

Oregon 43, TCU 24

TCU is missing its two best offensive players, quarterback TrevoneBoykin and receiver Josh Doctson. They still have talent, but those losses are huge. And the shock of Boykin’sarrest will have an impact on TCU’s confidence.

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