Alamo Bowl: No. 15 Oregon vs. No. 11 TCU

When:

3:45 p.m. PT Saturday, ESPN, in San Antonio

Records:

Oregon (9-3), TCU (10-2)

Horned Frogs this season:

The Horned Frogs were riddled by injuries on defense to start the season, and though leading tackler Travin Howard has flourished at linebacker, the attrition is perhaps best shown by the fact he was a backup safety to start the year. In all, 16 TCU defenders made their first career starts this season. Yet TCU's 4-2-5 defense under Gary Patterson -- who has five No. 1 defenses to his name in his career -- will always be well-coached and has excelled in particular on third down by allowing opponents to convert on just 28 percent of opportunities, which is seventh-best nationally. On offense, the second-year in the Air Raid under co-coordinators Sonny Cumbie and Doug Meacham has turned TCU's offense into a load, as well, behind senior quarterback Trevone Boykin, who has 40 combined touchdowns this season. How TCU moves the ball through the air is worth watching, however, given Boykin won't have the services of receiver Josh Doctson, whose 132.7 yards per game led the nation, due to his recovery from a broken wrist.

Star power:

Trevone Boykin, senior quarterback. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder has thrown 17 touchdown passes against zero interceptions in the red zone this season and at one point earlier in the fall he passed for at least 300 yards and rushed for 40 in seven consecutive games, which was the longest of any FBS quarterback in the last two decades (Marcus Mariota had three such games), according to TCU. Once regarded as an elite athlete but a project at quarterback, Boykin's immediate success in the spread offense has led to 27 career victories, which is tied for fifth among active FBS quarterbacks.

Did you know:

In the second half of their last eight games, the Horned Frogs have allowed just 59 combined points.

Threat level (1-5 scale):

5. The Horned Frogs remain vulnerable on defense even after having four weeks to get healthier, but the offense can score with anybody in the country -- five consecutive games this season with 50 points -- if this game turns into the shootout most expect. The Ducks will counter with their habit of playing well on the road. They're 4-1 away from Eugene this year, with the only defeat by three points to then-No. 6 Michigan State.

-- Andrew Greif

agreif@oregonian.com