Oregon’s defense has been a strength all season long, but if there’s one area that’s consistently tested them, it’s size at the wide receiver position-and that issue was on full display again in their 51-34 win over James Madison.
JMU wideout Nick DeGennaro made the most of his opportunities, especially in the second half when the game was largely out of reach. Still, the 6-foot-1, 196-pound receiver gave the Ducks’ secondary fits, hauling in five catches for 90 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown.
He also showed off his versatility with a trick-play strike-launching a 50-yard completion to fellow wide receiver Landon Ellis. Oregon bit hard on the double pass, and Ellis made them pay.
This isn’t a one-off. The Ducks, despite boasting one of the top pass defenses in the country-No. 5 nationally, allowing just 158 yards per game and a passer rating of 103.17-have shown cracks when matched up against bigger-bodied receivers who can win one-on-one matchups downfield.
Take their game against Iowa. Late in the fourth quarter, with the Hawkeyes backed up on 3rd-and-5 from their own 12, Oregon gave up a 40-yard strike to tight end DJ Vonnahme, who found a soft spot down the middle and turned it into a chunk gain. Or look at their only loss of the season, when Indiana’s Elijah Surratt-6'2", 209 pounds-torched the Ducks for eight catches, 121 yards, and a crucial 8-yard touchdown fade that gave the Hoosiers a 27-20 lead in the fourth quarter.
And it’s not just Surratt. Washington’s Denzel Boston found the end zone twice against Oregon.
USC’s Ja’Kobi Lane, a 6-foot-4, 200-pound target, racked up 108 yards on six catches. Then there’s Tanook Hines, who had his best game of the year against the Ducks, pulling in six receptions for 141 yards.
So while Oregon’s secondary has been statistically elite, the film tells a more nuanced story. When matched with tall, physical receivers who can win contested balls and stretch the field, the Ducks’ coverage unit has had to scramble.
That could be a major concern heading into their matchup with Texas Tech.
The Red Raiders bring a trio of big-bodied receivers who thrive in vertical concepts and can go up and get it. Senior quarterback Behren Morton has been slinging it all year-and all career, really-with 8,849 yards and 71 touchdowns to his name. He’s not a runner (just -6 career rushing yards on 182 attempts), but he’s a pocket passer with a strong arm and a deep ball that can punish even the smallest coverage lapse.
Morton’s top three targets? All trees.
Caleb Douglas (6'4", 210 lbs) leads the group with 846 yards and seven touchdowns on 54 catches, averaging 15.7 yards per grab. He’s a true boundary threat who can stretch the field and win in the red zone.
Reggie Virgil (6'3", 190 lbs) has been a consistent chain-mover with 676 yards and six scores on 55 receptions. He’s a smooth route-runner who can beat you underneath or over the top.
Coy Eakin (6'2", 210 lbs) rounds out the trio with 626 yards and six touchdowns. He’s coming off a two-touchdown performance in the Big 12 Championship win over BYU and has a knack for showing up in big moments-especially at AT&T Stadium, where he’s now won both a state title and a conference crown.
That’s a lot of size, a lot of production, and a lot of pressure on Oregon’s secondary.
The Ducks will need to get home with their pass rush to disrupt Morton’s timing. That starts up front, where Oregon’s defensive line has to find ways to win against a Texas Tech offensive line that’s only allowed 17 sacks all season. If Morton has time to scan and launch, those tall receivers are going to get their chances.
Adding to the challenge is Texas Tech’s ground game. Running back Cameron Dickey brings balance to the offense with 1,095 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the season. He’s a downhill runner who forces defenses to respect the box, which only opens up more room for those downfield shots.
Still, for all their firepower, the Red Raiders have had some red zone struggles. They’re scoring touchdowns on just 56% of their trips inside the 20-ranking 12th in the 16-team Big 12. They’ve settled for field goals 23 times in 64 red zone possessions, a stat that could loom large in a tight postseason matchup.
For Oregon, the formula is clear: tighten up in the red zone, generate pressure on Morton, and find a way-any way-to limit the impact of Texas Tech’s towering trio of receivers. Because if the Ducks can’t win those matchups on the outside, it won’t matter how good the rest of their defense is. The Red Raiders have the size and the scheme to make it a long day.