Oregon’s Backfield Nearly at Full Strength Ahead of Orange Bowl Clash with Texas Tech
As Oregon gears up for a high-stakes Orange Bowl showdown against No. 4 Texas Tech, the Ducks are expected to have their full complement of running backs-good news for an offense that’s leaned heavily on its ground game all season.
Freshman standout Jordon Davison, who exited Saturday’s win over James Madison with what appeared to be a lower leg issue, is on track to suit up for the bowl game. Head coach Dan Lanning gave a positive update following Monday’s practice, saying, “I think that he’ll be in good shape for this next game.”
That’s a big sigh of relief for Oregon fans.
Davison has been a key piece in the Ducks’ offensive puzzle this season, logging 98 carries for 625 yards and 13 touchdowns. His blend of vision, power, and burst has made him a reliable weapon, especially in the red zone.
Against JMU, he was rolling-racking up 90 yards on just 10 carries before coming up limping after a late-game tackle. Though he stayed in for one more play (which was ultimately wiped out by a holding call), he needed help leaving the field afterward.
Still, the early signs are promising, and barring any setbacks, Davison should be ready to go when Oregon takes the field on January 1.
The Ducks' running back depth has been a quiet strength all year, and it’s about to get even deeper. Makhi Hughes, who’s been redshirting, is back in the mix for the postseason. That gives Oregon six available scholarship backs heading into the Orange Bowl-a luxury most programs would kill for in late December.
And they’ll need every bit of that depth against a Texas Tech defense that’s been stout all season. The Red Raiders come into the matchup 12-1, ranked No. 4 in the country, and hungry to prove themselves on the national stage.
Oregon, also 12-1 and ranked No. 5, knows what’s at stake. This isn’t just a bowl game-it’s a statement opportunity. And having a healthy Davison in the backfield could be a major difference-maker.
**Orange Bowl: No. 4 Texas Tech vs.
No. 5 Oregon**
📍 *Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla. *
📅 Thursday, January 1
⏰ *9 a.m.
PT kickoff*
📺 ESPN and ABC
💻 Streaming options: DIRECTV (free trial) or Sling (day pass for $4.99)
Note: Streaming availability may vary by region-especially outside the Pacific Northwest.
With two 12-1 teams, elite talent on both sidelines, and College Football Playoff implications swirling, this one has all the ingredients of a New Year’s Day classic. And if Oregon’s backfield is truly at full strength, don’t be surprised if the Ducks come out flying.