If you need a refresher on the potential threat that No. 18 Utah poses this week when it faces No. 13 Oregon, look no further than the teams’ last matchup in November 2014. While the final score doesn’t portray a close game, the Utes overpowered Oregon in the game’s initial stages. So much so that Utah was about to take a 14-0 lead in the second quarter.

However, as Utah wide receiver Kaelin Clay ran toward the end zone for what was to be a 79-yard touchdown pass-and-catch, the momentum quickly shifted. Clay, as he began his celebration, dropped the ball at the one-yard line. After a brief scramble for the ball, Oregon linebacker Joe Walker scooped it up and ran 99 yards in the other direction. The play resulted in a 7-7 tie and sparked a 51-27 win for the Ducks.

But how the first phases of the game went last year shows what Utah is capable of. The Utes have a dark horse Heisman candidate in running back Devontae Booker, and their defense has only allowed 18.3 points per game this season.

The clash between Oregon’s ground game and Utah’s front seven on defense should be entertaining as well. The Utes have only allowed 105.7 rushing yards per game this season, and may be the most physical Pac-12 team Oregon faces.

Here’s how they stack up:

Oregon offense vs. Utah defense

Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost told reporters Monday that Vernon Adams Jr.’s broken index finger has “no risk anymore of furthering the injury.” That’s good news, as Adams showed plenty of potential in his first two starts in a Ducks uniform. The graduate transfer has averaged 277.5 passing yards per game while also displaying an ability to run, accounting for 100 rushing yards in two games. But turnovers became a problem for Adams when Oregon faced Michigan State. In the first three games of this season Utah has shown a knack for capitalizing on those type of mistakes. The Utes have forced eight turnovers.

In addition, the Ducks’ rushing attack was back in form against Georgia State last Saturday. In the first half alone Royce Freeman ran for 101 yards and one touchdown. But the Utes’ physicality in the trenches is something to take note of. The unit has been dominant in games against non-conference opponents.

Oregon has rushed the ball with ease against Georgia State and Eastern Washington. But its ground attack did not have as much success against Michigan State. If that problem persists against a rugged Utah team, it could be an interesting game.

Oregon defense vs. Utah offense 

Utah’s Booker is averaging 115 rushing yards per game and 4.1 yards per carry. But the Utes’ aerial attack is a different story. Travis Wilson started at quarterback to begin the season, but sat out last week with a sprained left shoulder. His replacement was Kendal Thompson, and the two have combined to average 167 passing yards per game this season. It makes for an intriguing matchup, considering that the Ducks’ secondary has been their weakest point of the defense.

Opposing offenses have averaged 316 yards through the air this season against the Ducks. While the unit felt like it was progressing after an impressive fight against No. 2 Michigan State two weeks ago, concerns continued to mount last week against Georgia State. However, the Ducks, like Utah, have created eight turnovers this season.

Follow Justin Wise on Twitter @JustinFWise