The stakes don’t get much higher than this. After a statement win over No.
12 James Madison, Oregon now sets its sights on a marquee College Football Playoff quarterfinal showdown with No. 4 Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl on New Year’s Day.
It’s a heavyweight clash between two 12-1 programs, each carrying conference titles and championship aspirations into Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
For the Ducks, this is a chance to return to the national semifinal stage for the first time since 2014 - back when Marcus Mariota was lighting up defenses and Oregon was defining what fast-paced, high-powered football looked like in the playoff era. This time around, it’s a new cast, a new conference, and a new opportunity to prove they belong among the sport’s elite.
Let’s break down what to expect on Jan. 1 - and what Oregon needs to do to keep its title dreams alive.
Kickoff Details
- Matchup: No.
5 Oregon vs. No.
4 Texas Tech
- Date: January 1
- Time: 9 a.m. PT
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, FL
- TV: ESPN
Three Keys to the Game
1. Dante Moore’s Poise Under Pressure
Oregon’s success hinges on the play of quarterback Dante Moore, and this matchup is going to test his mettle. When Moore is on - when he’s decisive, accurate, and in rhythm - the Ducks’ offense hums.
But we’ve also seen what happens when he struggles, like in the lone blemish on Oregon’s record against Indiana. That day, Moore was sacked six times, threw two picks, and the offense managed just one touchdown.
Texas Tech’s defense is no joke. The Red Raiders rank among the nation’s best in scoring defense, sacks, tackles for loss, and turnovers.
They don’t just stop you - they take the ball away and make you pay for mistakes. Moore doesn’t need to be perfect, but he has to be efficient, protect the football, and make smart decisions under duress.
If he can do that, Oregon’s offense has the firepower to crack even the toughest defenses.
2. The Ducks Need a Pass Rush Surge
Oregon’s defense has been solid, but the pass rush hasn’t always been a game-changer. Averaging under two sacks per game and sitting outside the top 50 nationally in total sacks, this unit has room to grow - and there may be no better time than now.
The Ducks have talent up front, especially with edge rushers like Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti, but opposing offenses have been scheming to neutralize them - quick throws, max protection, you name it. Still, Oregon needs to find ways to disrupt Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton, who’s been steady and efficient all season. Pressure doesn’t always mean sacks - collapsing the pocket, forcing early throws, and making Morton uncomfortable could be just as valuable.
3. Special Teams Could Be the X-Factor
In tight, physical playoff games, special teams can swing momentum - and Oregon has a weapon in senior kicker Atticus Sappington. He’s already delivered in the clutch this season, drilling three field goals in a rain-soaked win over Iowa and four more in a critical rivalry win against Washington.
Against a defense like Texas Tech’s, points may be hard to come by. That means Sappington’s leg could be the difference between a stalled drive and a scoreboard boost. If he stays steady, Oregon has a reliable safety net in what could be a lower-scoring, grind-it-out kind of game.
What to Expect in Miami
Texas Tech comes in with one of the most balanced teams in the country - a top-tier defense and an offense that can beat you in multiple ways. Their only loss came without their starting quarterback, and they’ve been rolling ever since.
But Oregon is battle-tested. That win over James Madison wasn’t just a warmup - it was a reminder of how dominant this team can be when it’s clicking. They’ve got size, speed, and a quarterback who, when locked in, can go toe-to-toe with anyone.
This isn’t just a playoff game - it’s a measuring stick. Can Oregon break through and return to the national spotlight? Or will Texas Tech’s defense prove too much?
One thing’s for sure: the Ducks are walking into Miami with confidence, momentum, and something to prove.
Ticket Info
Looking to be part of the action? Tickets for the Orange Bowl showdown between Oregon and Texas Tech are available on StubHub.
College Football Playoff Schedule (2025-26)
- First Round: Dec. 19-20
- Quarterfinals: Dec. 31-Jan.
1
- Semifinals: Jan.
8-9
- National Championship: Jan.
19
The countdown to kickoff is on. Oregon’s path to a national title runs through Miami - and it starts with a New Year’s Day showdown that promises fireworks.