The battle for the Alamo will feature two high-powered offenses that are adept at torching defenses and scoring points.

The Ducks (9-3) enter the game as underdogs, returning to San Antonio’s Alamodome for the second time in three years. Oregon hopes it can repeat the success of 2013, when it emerged victorious over Texas.

TCU (10-2) will have the home field advantage, essentially negating the neutral field by playing in its home state. The Horned Frogs are eighth in the nation in scoring and tenth in yards per play.

Both teams suffered injuries this season that derailed potential playoff runs, so each will look to rally with a win in the Alamo Bowl.

Here are the matchups to watch:

Oregon play calling vs TCU defense

With Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost accepting the UCF head coaching position, one interesting subtext to the game is whether he will be calling the plays. Regardless of who is doing it, the Ducks have to make a statement early by scoring. Falling behind TCU is problematic because it allows things to snowball and forces a team’s offenses out of running its normal plays. Oregon has to maintain a balance between running and passing, and find a way to get the ball into the hands of the playmakers on the field. The Horned Frogs are a defense that gives up plenty of points, so the opportunities will be there.

TCU running backs vs Oregon front seven

The Horned Frogs are better at passing the ball, but against the Ducks, look for them to incorporate the run early to try to catch the defense on its heels since so much of the focus will be on the receivers. TCU averages 218.8 rushing yards per game, and starting running back Aaron Green has had a solid year with 1,171 yards and 10 touchdowns.

TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin scans the field in the Horned Frogs’ game against Baylor. (Kelsey Ritchie/ TCU 360)

Players to watch:

Oregon:

Vernon Adams Jr.

It’s been a strange season for Adams, as a finger injury kept him from being able to play the full year. But when he has been on the field, Adams has looked impressive. He leads the nation with a passer rating of 179.57 and has thrown for 2,446 yards and 25 touchdowns.

DeForest Buckner

Buckner has been one of the most talented defensive ends in the nation this season. He has totaled 77 tackles and 9.5 sacks this season en route to winning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.

TCU:

Trevone Boykin

Boykin is TCU’s best player. He ranks ninth in passer rating (161.52) and second in total offense per game (380.6) in the nation. He put up 3,575 yards and 31 touchdowns this season. He is also dangerous on the ground, with 612 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. Like Adams, he suffered an injury that forced him to miss some time, but is projected to be fully healthy for the Alamo Bowl.

Josh Doctson

The big question on the minds of TCU fans is whether star receiver Doctson will be able to play. He missed the final two games of the season due to a wrist injury, but if he can suit up, Doctson will should play a crucial role. Boykin’s favorite target had quite the season, with 79 receptions for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Follow Christopher Keizur on Twitter @chriskeizur