SAN ANTONIO, Texas – With kickoff fast approaching, here are a few keys to today’s game for both teams.

Oregon

1. Stay strong against the Longhorns’ defensive line. 

A major storyline heading into this bowl game is Oregon’s ability to match up against a strong Texas defensive line led by all-American and Hendricks Award-winner Jackson Jeffcoat. “Jackson Jeffcoat is one of the many, many things that make them really good on defense, two great corners that can cover anybody,” Helfrich said in Sunday’s press conference. In the spotlight for Oregon is offensive lineman Tyler Johnstone, who will have the challenge of containing Jeffcoat. Johnstone said early in the week that he believes facing talents like Stanford’s Trent Murphy and UCLA’s Anthony Barr have prepared him for today’s battle. In Saturday’s press conference both Marcus Mariota and Byron Marshall said injuries are not a concern for today’s game and if the Ducks can establish a run game they should have no problem getting on the scoreboard.

2. Run defense must step up. 

Texas’ offense is undoubtably a run-first. Although Texas lost its top running back Jonathan Gray to injury early in the season, junior Malcolm Brown has stepped up into the position for the Longhorns. “Somebody had asked how do you prepare for a Malcolm Brown, how do you prepare for the offensive line, like most people we don’t have those guys laying around,” Helfrich said on Sunday. “We don’t have a Malcolm Brown on our team let alone the third guy or fourth guy that can simulate that guy in a scout team situation.” The Ducks’ struggle against the run was a factor in their two losses this season. A possible disadvantage for Oregon today is the health of linebacker Derrick Malone, who was seen in a red non-contact jersey on Thursday’s practice and could be questionable today.

3. Discipline and Composure. 

Playing with discipline and avoiding crucial turnovers will help the Ducks secure a victory today. In Oregon’s two losses of the season, they committed two turnovers in each game. Smart and error-free play should make it easier for Oregon to be standing on the podium at the end of the game. Bowl games often mark the end for some players and coaches. The same can be said for the Ducks today with the announcement of defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti’s retirement and senior stand out wide receiver Josh Huff playing his final game in green and yellow. This will be the last game Aliotti will coach after 21 years leading the defense and Huff needs 88 yards to break the Oregon record for receiving yards in a single season. In addition, with Austin, Texas only about 80 miles away from San Antonio, the Longhorns are expected to have the bigger crowd, creating a road game atmosphere for the Ducks.

Texas

1. Keep Oregon’s running game in control. 

Many Texas defensive players stated in their press conference on Saturday that Stanford’s success against Oregon is something the Longhorns hope to achieve when facing the Ducks today.  “The Stanford d-line, they get to the quarterback,” defensive end Cedric Reed said. “They put Mariota in situations where he was very uncomfortable.” Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost said on Saturday: “Marcus is healthy and ready to go,” and if that is the case the Longhorns will need to control not only Mariota but the overall run game of the Ducks if they hope to be successful today.

2. Win third downs. 

Texas offensive coordinator Major Applewhite spoke on Friday about the talent and experience of Oregon’s secondary. “They have great players, very athletic, fast,” Texas offensive coordinator Major Applewhite said regarding Oregon’s defense. “When you look at third downs, they can be very effective in third-down situations and get some turnovers.” Texas quarterback Case McCoy agreed with his coach that Oregon’s secondary is a threat in today’s match-up. “They play together very well. They trust their safeties to make plays … and you can see they know what they’re doing back there,” McCoy said.

3. Avoid turnovers, control possession. 

For Texas to really be successful against Oregon they will need to slow down the high-octane Oregon offense and control possession. Turnovers while playing Oregon could haunt Texas when facing Oregon’s explosive offense.

Follow Beth Maiman on Twitter @bethamaiman