Every week during football season, our sports staff will discuss different topics surrounding an upcoming game. Today, sports editor Beth Maiman and sports reporters Andrew Bantly and Jonathan Hawthorne discuss Saturday’s matchup between Oregon and Utah.

1) What are the keys for each team to win?

Beth Maiman — The Ducks will have to hit the field with thoughts of the Stanford game behind them. If Marcus Mariota is healthy, the offense should run efficiently like it has in many games this season. Unfortunately for Utah, Oregon will have something big to prove after the loss and could be a very motivated team. Utah will need to control Oregon’s fast-pace offense.

Andrew Bantly — Without Travis Wilson the Utah offense is weak, at best. Mariota will also have to stay healthy because if he is out, the Ducks offense will have to depend, more than usual, on the run. The Utes defense needs to keep Oregon’s offense in check. As they did at Stanford, where they held the Cardinal to 21 points, Utah will be looking to get to the quarterback. Led by defensive end/linebacker Trevor Reilly, the Utes lead the Pac-12 in sacks and are fourth in conference in rushing defense.

Jonathan Hawthorne — With Utah’s announcing that starting quarterback Travis Wilson did not make the trip to Eugene, the Ducks will look to absolutely shut down the Utes on offense. Wilson gives Utah the ability to run and without that, the Utes will be embarrassed on the road, especially in the hostile Auzten stadium environment. Sophomore Adam Schulz, who is Wilson’s backup, has completed 22 of 45 passing attempts for 247 yards including one touchdown and one interception this season. Oregon needs to get its offensive “mojo” back early, especially after seeing what happened last week in Palo Alto. For the Ducks, the key lies in confidence — when that Harley roars right before kickoff, the Ducks need to be ready to go. No more thinking about what could’ve been.

2) Will recently named starting kicker Matt Wogan impress Ducks fans in his first game as the No. 1 kicker?

Beth Maiman — I am not certain that Wogan will have the opportunity to impress fans that often, but I think he will receive a warm welcome when his name is echoed through Autzen during the starting line-up. Wogan will most likely only be kicking extra points today.

Andrew Bantly — No. Wogan likely won’t have the opportunity to kick that big-time field goal. This game should be over by halftime.

Jonathan Hawthorne — Wogan will kick a field goal for at least 35 yards as fans in Autzen get an opportunity to see Oregon’s new talented freshman kicker. Although Helfrich doesn’t usually believe in settling for a field goal, he will understand that it’s crucial to assess Wogan’s ability with the pressures of the game.

3) Will Mariota’s play be limited by his MCL injury, and will he continue his streak of no interceptions so far this season?

Beth Maiman — Mariota will go out there as he would any game, but I do think if he is still banged up, the coaching staff may put a few limitations on him. If the Ducks have a comfortable lead towards the end of the third quarter, I would not be surprised to see someone else in at quarterback for Oregon.

Andrew Bantly — I think he will. He will start as usual and likely play the whole first half. But if this game turns into a blowout-type game for the Ducks, head coach Mark Helfrich will take Mariota out earlier than usual.

Jonathan Hawthorne — I don’t think Mariota will show any signs of an injury. He has demonstrated that when it comes to game-day, he’s always ready to go. He will continue to impress viewer by continuing his extremely impressive streak of zero interceptions.

4) What will be the storyline after the game?

Beth Maiman — The run game could flourish today. Out of all the running backs I see Thomas Tyner having the best day.

Andrew Bantly — Ducks return to form at Autzen. De’Anthony Thomas has his first big game since Tennessee.

Jonathan Hawthorne — I think that after the game, fans will be talking about the Oregon running backs. Marshall, Tyner and Thomas will combine to run for more than 330 yards, adding to their average so far this season of 302 yards per game.

5) Who wins today’s game and what will be the final score?

Beth Maiman — Oregon wins 56-13

Andrew Bantly — Oregon wins 58-20

Jonathan Hawthorne — Oregon wins 48-10.

Follow Beth Maiman on Twitter @bethamaiman
Follow Andrew Bantly on Twitter @abant3
Follow Jonathan Hawthorne on Twitter @Jon_Hawthorne