AUSTIN -- It's understandable if some Texans notice that there's a debate Friday night between Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and his Democratic opponent Lupe Valdez and ask, "Why bother?"

Every credible poll shows Abbott with a double-digit lead over Valdez. He also enjoys a fundraising advantage of more than $50 million, and few people are paying attention to what is usually Texas's marquee election contest.

But American democracy can be like a sports event. You play the game because anything can happen, right?

"This is in many ways like the Alabama football team playing Baylor," said Rice political scientist Mark Jones. "It's not a question of who's going to win, but how badly will Valdez get beat."

Underfunded and behind in the polls, Valdez, the former Dallas County sheriff, is looking for a punch that can turn around the course of the election. The debate, to be held at LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, gives her the chance for quick, statewide exposure. And she'll have Abbott a few feet away from her.

"If she looks remotely gubernatorial, it will be a plus for her," Jones said, adding that the Democrat will be introducing herself to voters whom she's been unable to reach during the low-key race for governor.

For his part, Abbott is expected to use the debate to tout his record as governor and step up outreach to Hispanic voters and other demographic groups to which Republicans have limited appeal.

The governor, who in 2014 beat former Texas Sen. Wendy Davis by 20 percentage points, wants an even better result against Valdez, considered by most observers as a far weaker candidate than Davis.

Here are the keys to the debate for both candidates:

Lupe Valdez

Prove that you belong on the stage

For her entire political career Valdez has overcome perceptions that she's either unqualified or not ready for prime time.

In the past she's risen to the occasion, as when she delivered a powerful speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

But a debate is not a speech, and Abbott will try to set traps to test Valdez's knowledge of critical state issues. That means Valdez must be precise with economic figures, policy platforms and even social issues. Though not as experienced on the debate stage as Abbott, she has to hold her own.

Create a memorable moment

Former Dallas sheriff and Democratic candidate for governor Lupe Valdez, right, speaks as protesters show opposition to the family separation policy enforced on immigrants at the U.S./Mexico border on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, outside the Dallas office of U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions. The event was named the "Dallas Keep Families Together Demonstration." (Ashley Landis / Staff Photographer)

By now most political observers have heard Democratic Senate nominee Rep. Beto O'Rourke's "true to form" quip after incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz gave him crocodile praise at their first debate last week.

Valdez has to find a way to have a positive moment that Texans will be discussing long after the debate is over.

Such moments are often organic, not planned, which means Valdez must be alert for the opportunity and quick to deliver a punch.

Avoid the big gaffe

Any candidate has to avoid gaffes at a debate, but given Valdez's reputation, she can't afford to play into stereotypes -- fair or unfair-- that have followed her through her years in public service.

Valdez should put Abbott on the defensive by pointing out Texas lags behind most of the nation in health care, doesn't adequately fund public education and is viewed by some as intolerant of minorities, as well gays, lesbians and transgender Texans.

This debate will offer few opportunities for Valdez to win over Republican voters, so she must focus on energizing Democratic base voters. The material is there to put Abbott on the defensive, unless she fumbles it away with a memorable gaffe.

Greg Abbott

Stay patient

With such a big lead in the polls and the expectation that he'll carve up his opponent, Abbott has to let the debate evolve naturally, then take advantage of his opportunities to form contrasts. He shouldn't go on the attack, since Valdez has the most to prove.

He'll have some tough questions to answer and will need to stay composed.

Stay positive

Since he's the incumbent, Valdez will likely make the debate a referendum on Abbott and Republican policies. She'll hit him with his positions on immigration, transgender issues like the so-called bathroom bill, health care and the governor's embrace of President Donald Trump.

Abbott must then steer the conversation to the state's economy, while explaining why conservatism works for all Texans, including minorities. Valdez will make that hard, given the state's struggles on issues like health care and education.

The governor also has to avoid being too aggressive with Valdez, an underdog who could become a sympathetic figure with roughhouse politics.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott greets Attorney General Ken Paxton and his wife Angela Paxton before speaking at a Collin County Republican Party event Monday, September, 3, 2018, in McKinney. (Ryan Michalesko / Staff Photographer)

Avoid the fringe

In the past Abbott has allowed himself to be pulled into ultra-conservative issues that rile moderate and business-minded Republicans. Examples of that include his support for the bathroom bill proposal that critics said would have discriminated against transgender residents. And there's also the 2015 incident when Abbott ordered the Texas Guard to monitor the federal Jade Helm military exercises.

Abbott should, if possible, rise above fringe issues and focus his answers on being inclusive and bringing Texans together.