Texas Tech is set to launch its College Football Playoff journey in the prestigious Orange Bowl, where it will face off against Oregon, which is aiming to steer clear of another quarterfinal defeat after a disappointing finish in last year’s playoffs.
Both teams are making history as this matchup marks the inaugural Orange Bowl appearance for Texas Tech and Oregon alike. Notably, this encounter is the second showdown between these two programs within the last three seasons, following Oregon’s visit to Lubbock in 2023.
The highly-anticipated clash will kick off at noon ET on ESPN, featuring the No. 4 ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders squaring off against the No. 5 ranked Oregon Ducks. Texas Tech has demonstrated formidable prowess in the Big 12, maintaining a strong offensive performance, with an impressive average margin of victory of nearly 31 points per game, aside from a narrow loss to Arizona State earlier in the season.
On the other side, Oregon enters the game on the back of a seven-game winning streak, notably overcoming James Madison in their first-round matchup. However, their performance towards the end of the season raised questions, despite securing a convincing victory.
Oregon’s quarterback, Dante Moore, is anticipated to be a first-round pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, but the team’s offensive strategy leans heavily on its running game. The Ducks have averaged close to six yards per carry as a unit and showcased that effectiveness with 201 rushing yards from 26 carries against James Madison.
The critical question heading into the game is how Oregon’s run game will fare against a Texas Tech defense that has proven to be tough, allowing only 2.3 yards per carry. This formidable defense is bolstered by an aggressive pass rush, making it a challenge for opposing offenses to gain traction on the ground.
In their matchup against James Madison, Oregon utilized their team speed effectively, featuring players like Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. on the perimeter. However, the task will be significantly more challenging against Texas Tech’s well-equipped defense, prompting offensive coordinator Will Stein to devise innovative strategies to ensure consistent offensive production.
Ultimately, this high-stakes showdown promises an exciting battle as both teams aim to secure their place in the next round of the College Football Playoff.