Red Raiders Ready for Orange Bowl Test Against Oregon’s Stout Defense
As the No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders (12-1) gear up for their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, there’s no mistaking the challenge that awaits them in the Orange Bowl: the No. 5 Oregon Ducks (12-1), a team that’s built its identity on physicality, speed, and defensive discipline.
And if you ask the Red Raiders, they’re not just preparing for Oregon’s defense - they’re preparing for a mirror image of themselves.
“Oregon’s got an amazing D-line,” said offensive lineman Sheridan Wilson. “They’re really well-coached, high-effort guys with great technique.
But we go against what we believe is the best D-line in the country every day in practice. So yeah, they’re very similar to us.”
That’s not just confidence talking - it’s been the Red Raiders’ reality all season. But now, they’ll face a Ducks defense that’s held opponents to two touchdowns or fewer in nine of their 13 games. In their most recent outing, a 51-34 playoff win over James Madison, Oregon had built a commanding 48-13 lead by late in the third quarter before resting their starters.
“They’re strong at every level,” said offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich. “But the strength of that defense starts up front.
Their defensive ends are big-bodied, high-motor guys who can rush the passer. And their two starting defensive tackles - those guys are elite.
It’s going to be a real challenge to handle them.”
But Oregon’s defense doesn’t stop with the front four. Leftwich also pointed to their athleticism at linebacker and in the secondary, calling the unit “pretty complete” with “not many weaknesses.”
Still, Texas Tech’s offense isn’t backing down from the moment. Quarterback Behren Morton sees an opportunity - not just a wall.
“They’re a really good football team - big up front, physical, long in the back end,” Morton said. “Their DBs cover a lot of ground.
But I also see places where we can attack. For us, it’s about sticking to what we do best.
We don’t need to go outside of our comfort zone. Just play Red Raider football, play to our standard, and we’ll find our chances.”
One area Tech knows it has to clean up? Red zone efficiency.
While the offense has moved the ball well between the 20s, finishing drives has been a different story. In their 29-7 win over BYU back in November, the Red Raiders settled for five field goals. Even in their Big 12 Championship win over BYU earlier this month, kicker Stone Harrington was called on for four more.
It’s become enough of a theme that the team has started calling the red zone the “No Stone Zone” - a playful but pointed reminder that field goals aren’t the goal.
According to Leftwich, the issue often comes down to penalties and negative plays that put the offense behind the sticks.
“When we haven’t scored in the red zone, it’s usually because of a negative play on first or second down, or a penalty,” he explained. “That’s been a problem - getting into too many third-and-long situations down there. And when the field shrinks, that’s when those mistakes really hurt you.”
For all the talk of schemes and matchups, there’s also a deeper layer to this one. The Ducks are chasing redemption - whether it’s a shot at a semifinal rematch with No. 1 Indiana, the only team to beat them this season, or a chance to erase the sting of last year’s playoff disappointment, when they entered as the top seed but were bounced by Ohio State in a 41-21 loss.
Texas Tech, meanwhile, is writing a new chapter. A first trip to the CFP.
A chance to prove that their rise isn’t a fluke. And a belief that their best football is still ahead of them.
Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT on Thursday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
The stakes? A trip to the national championship - and a chance to make history.