As Texas Tech gears up for its College Football Playoff quarterfinal showdown with Oregon in the Orange Bowl on New Year’s Day, the Red Raiders know exactly what kind of challenge lies ahead. Sitting at 12-1, just like their opponent, Tech enters the matchup with momentum, confidence, and a healthy dose of respect for the Ducks.
During a Saturday press conference at Jones Stadium, several Texas Tech coaches and players shared their thoughts on the upcoming clash, offering a glimpse into their preparation and mindset heading into one of the biggest games in program history.
Defensive Coordinator Shiel Wood: “They’re going to test every part of your defense”
Shiel Wood didn’t mince words when asked about the Oregon offense. The Ducks, known for their speed, versatility, and creativity, present a layered challenge that goes beyond just talent.
“They're explosive,” Wood said. “They can run it, they can throw it deep, and they’ve got great personnel.”
But it’s not just the players that make Oregon dangerous - it’s the scheme. Wood pointed out how the Ducks use shifts, motions, and multiple formations to create confusion and force defenses into tough decisions.
“They do a great job of creating conflict - in the run game and the passing game,” he explained. “You’ve got to be able to handle all the movement just to match the numbers. And then they’ve got great guys up front and skill guys who can make plays.”
In short, this is one of the most complete offenses Texas Tech has faced all year - and Wood knows it. “It’ll be a great test for us.”
Special Teams Coordinator Kenny Perry: Aggression and Execution Lead to Big Plays
Texas Tech’s special teams have been a weapon all season long, particularly when it comes to blocking kicks - five in total this year. According to Kenny Perry, that success starts with mindset and preparation.
“We’ve always tried to be aggressive,” Perry said. “Some of it’s the mentality of the guys doing it. Oliver Myles has been really good - his get-off and athleticism have been huge.”
Perry also credited a renewed emphasis on punt return and punt block units during the offseason. “We made it a bigger focus last spring.
I just felt like it was something we had to get better at. We worked it hard, and I think it showed this year.”
Wood on the Big 12 Title Game: “Our Guys Were Locked In”
Looking back at the Big 12 Championship win over BYU, Wood described a defense that came in laser-focused, especially given the rare scenario of facing the same opponent twice in a short span.
“Our guys were hungry,” he said. “They were locked in. To hold that team to seven points - that was an outstanding job by our players and staff.”
One of the standout performers was linebacker Ben Roberts, who bounced back from injury to deliver a game-changing performance, including multiple interceptions that earned him MVP honors.
“Ben had a tremendous game,” Wood said. “He fit the defense, played with great leverage and execution, and let the plays come to him.”
Wood emphasized that Roberts' success wasn’t just about instinct - it was about preparation.
“He does a great job studying. That allowed him to be in position to execute on gameday.”
Ben Roberts on Oregon’s Versatile Weapons: “They Can Do It All”
Inside linebacker Ben Roberts has spent plenty of time studying Oregon’s offense, and what stands out to him is how versatile the Ducks are at every skill position.
“It ties in with their tight ends and receivers,” Roberts said. “They’re all very athletic. They can do it all - and they’re fast, for sure.”
That kind of balance puts pressure on every level of the defense, especially linebackers like Roberts, who will be tasked with covering space and reacting quickly.
Romello Height: “This Is What We Talked About Back in the Spring”
Outside linebacker Romello Height reflected on the team’s journey from spring workouts to the College Football Playoff, and how the foundation for this run was built early - through chemistry.
“Honestly, it’s been everything we talked about,” Height said. “It came down to us just playing together, coming together, bonding.”
With so many new faces on the roster, building that connection was crucial. And according to Height, they didn’t just talk about it - they lived it.
“We played as a team. Played as one. That’s what got us here.”
Cole Wisniewski on Brenden Jordan’s Growth: “Some of His Plays Have Been Outrageous”
Safety Cole Wisniewski offered praise for fellow defensive back Brenden Jordan, highlighting the younger player’s growth and impact throughout the season.
“We’ve definitely developed more of a relationship as the season’s gone on,” Wisniewski said. “It’s been fun to see him develop into this safety, where before he was more of a hybrid linebacker.”
Jordan’s evolution has been noticeable - not just in his role, but in his confidence and fundamentals.
“He’s become a very sound, very confident player,” Wisniewski said. “Some of the plays he’s made this year have just been outrageous. I’m really proud of him.”
As the Red Raiders prepare for their biggest test yet, the message coming out of Lubbock is clear: this team is battle-tested, focused, and ready. Oregon brings firepower, no doubt - but Texas Tech believes in what they’ve built. From the trenches to the secondary, from special teams to sideline leadership, this group has been forged through adversity and shaped by belief.
Now, they head to Miami with a shot at something special.