Orange Bowl Preview: Texas Tech’s Breakout Season Faces Oregon’s Firepower in Playoff Clash
The College Football Playoff is finally here, and the stage is set for a high-octane showdown in Miami. The No.
4 Texas Tech Red Raiders, fresh off a Big 12 title and one of the most impressive seasons in program history, are set to square off against the surging No. 5 Oregon Ducks in the Orange Bowl.
Game Info:
- Matchup: No.
4 Texas Tech vs. No.
5 Oregon
- Bowl: Orange Bowl - College Football Playoff Quarterfinal
- Location: Miami Gardens, FL
- Date: Thursday, January 1
- Time: 12:00 PM ET
- TV: ESPN
- Betting Line: Oregon -1.5 | O/U: 52.5 (FanDuel)
Let’s dive into what makes this Texas Tech team tick, and why they’ve got a real shot to keep this dream season alive.
The Joey McGuire Era Hits a New Gear
Joey McGuire’s fourth season in Lubbock has been nothing short of a breakthrough. After three solid but unspectacular campaigns, McGuire’s Red Raiders took a massive leap in 2025, finishing 12-1 and capturing the Big 12 crown with a win over BYU in the conference title game.
That lone blemish on the record? A loss that came without starting quarterback Behren Morton. Since then, Texas Tech rattled off six straight wins, including that championship rematch, and they’ve looked every bit like a team built for the moment.
McGuire’s leadership, combined with smart portal additions and a revamped coaching staff, has this team peaking at exactly the right time.
New Faces, Big Impact: A Look at the Coordinators
Both of Texas Tech’s coordinators are in their first year, but you wouldn’t know it by the results.
- Offensive Coordinator Mack Leftwich has crafted a balanced, explosive offense that’s been efficient through the air and dangerous on the ground.
- Defensive Coordinator Shiel Wood has brought stability to a unit that’s held its own in a high-scoring conference.
This coaching trio has been instrumental in taking Texas Tech from good to great.
Offensive Firepower: Balanced, Explosive, and Deep
Texas Tech’s offense has been humming all season, and it starts with quarterback Behren Morton. The junior signal-caller has been sharp and steady, completing 67% of his passes for 2,643 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. His 8.8 yards per attempt and 162.5 passer rating speak to his efficiency and ability to push the ball downfield.
But this isn’t a one-man show.
- Cameron Dickey has been the workhorse in the backfield, racking up 1,095 yards and 14 touchdowns on 5.5 yards per carry.
- J’Koby Williams adds a dynamic change of pace, with 787 yards and 6 touchdowns of his own.
And don’t sleep on the quarterbacks’ legs-Will Hammond, who filled in admirably when Morton was out, added 299 rushing yards and five scores of his own.
Through the air, the Red Raiders are deep and dangerous:
- Caleb Douglas leads the group with 846 yards and 7 touchdowns on 15.7 yards per catch.
- Reggie Virgil, Coy Eakins, and tight end Terrance Carter Jr. have all been reliable targets, combining for over 1,800 yards and 17 touchdowns.
- Even the running backs get involved in the passing game, with Williams and Dickey combining for over 500 receiving yards.
This is an offense that can beat you in a lot of ways-and they’ve done just that all season.
Quarterback Depth: A Quiet Strength
While Morton is the clear starter, Texas Tech’s QB room has proven to be a strength. Will Hammond stepped in during Morton’s absence and kept the offense moving, throwing for 680 yards and 7 touchdowns. Mitch Griffis, though used sparingly, has been lights-out in limited action with a 72.2% completion rate and nearly 10 yards per attempt.
That kind of depth is rare-and valuable-especially in the playoff gauntlet.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just another bowl game. It’s a playoff quarterfinal, and Texas Tech is one win away from a shot at the national title. But standing in their way is an Oregon team that’s just as hot and just as hungry.
The Red Raiders have already taken down the Big 12. Now they’re looking to prove they belong in the national conversation-and maybe even in the championship game.
Final Word
Texas Tech has been one of the best stories of the 2025 college football season. From a solid program to a legitimate title contender, they’ve made the leap with a blend of talent, toughness, and top-tier coaching. Now comes their biggest test yet against a high-powered Oregon squad in Miami.
It’s the Orange Bowl. It’s the College Football Playoff. And it’s a chance for Texas Tech to show the nation just how far they’ve come-and how far they still might go.