Texas Tech Prepares for Dante Moore and Oregon in CFP Showdown
The last time Texas Tech lined up against Oregon, the Ducks walked away with a win and a future first-round NFL quarterback in Bo Nix. Fast forward, and the Red Raiders are staring down another elite talent under center - and this one might be an even bigger problem.
Oregon’s Dante Moore, a 6-foot-3, 206-pound sophomore, is the name on every scout’s lips right now. If he declares for the NFL Draft, many projections have him going first or second overall. But before any of that becomes official, Moore has one more massive test on the schedule: a New Year’s Day showdown in the Orange Bowl against a Texas Tech defense that knows how to get after quarterbacks.
CFP Quarterfinal Clash: No. 4 vs. No. 5
Both Oregon and Texas Tech come into this College Football Playoff quarterfinal at 12-1, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CST on Jan. 1 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida - a 4-seed vs. 5-seed matchup that promises fireworks.
And at the center of it all is Moore, who’s been nothing short of surgical this season. He’s completed over 72% of his passes for 3,046 yards and 28 touchdowns. That level of efficiency isn’t just impressive - it’s elite, especially when you consider how much responsibility Oregon puts on his shoulders.
“He does a great job managing the offense,” said Red Raiders defensive coordinator Shiel Wood. “They give him the freedom to make checks at the line, and he’s got a real command of what they’re doing schematically. He gets them into the right plays, spreads the ball around, and stays within the system.”
That kind of poise and football IQ is what separates Moore from most college quarterbacks. It’s not just arm talent - it’s how he reads defenses, adjusts protections, and keeps Oregon’s offense humming.
Texas Tech’s Pass Rush: A Strength Meets a Test
But if there’s one area where Texas Tech can make life difficult for Moore, it’s in the pass rush. The Red Raiders are tied for sixth in the FBS with 39 sacks, and their edge duo of David Bailey (13.5 sacks) and Romello Height (9 sacks) has been a nightmare for opposing tackles all season.
Still, Moore isn’t easy to trap. He’s taken 12 sacks on the year - not a massive number considering how often Oregon throws - and he’s got a knack for slipping out of pressure.
“He’s got great pocket presence,” Height said. “He feels the rush really well, knows when to step up or slide out.
He’s mobile enough to extend plays, and if you don’t collapse the pocket right, he’ll find a lane and make you pay. He can stretch a play out to six, eight seconds, no problem.”
That’s the kind of improvisational ability that keeps defensive coordinators up at night. Moore doesn’t panic under pressure - he adapts. And with his accuracy and deep-ball touch, all he needs is a few extra beats to find an open target.
NFL Pedigree, But First - A CFP Test
Moore’s journey to this moment has been anything but conventional. A five-star recruit out of Detroit, he began his college career at UCLA, where he played in nine games and made five starts as a true freshman in 2023. After transferring to Oregon, he saw limited action last season while preserving his redshirt, but this year he’s put it all together.
His draft stock reflects that. Most mocks have him slotted as the No. 2 overall pick, with a few even projecting him to go first. Whether he declares or not remains to be seen - Moore said in mid-December that he hasn’t made a decision yet - but there’s no doubt about his NFL upside.
“He’s an NFL quarterback,” said Tech cornerback Brice Pollock, who leads the Big 12 with five interceptions. “He’s accurate, throws a really good deep ball, and stays calm in the pocket. He’s going to be a challenge, for sure.”
Pollock and the rest of the Red Raiders secondary will have their hands full trying to contain Moore and Oregon’s high-powered attack. But this isn’t just about one quarterback - it’s a battle of two complete teams that have earned their way into the playoff picture.
Final Prep Before the Big Stage
Both teams are set to arrive in South Florida on Monday. Texas Tech will hold practices Tuesday and Wednesday at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton - a familiar place for some on staff. FAU is now led by former Red Raiders offensive coordinator Zach Kittley, who brought several ex-Tech assistants with him.
It’s a full-circle moment for Texas Tech, but the focus is squarely on Oregon and the quarterback who might be the next big thing at the next level. For now, though, he’s the biggest obstacle standing between the Red Raiders and a shot at the national title.
And if Texas Tech wants to keep its dream alive, it starts with doing something few have managed this season: keeping Dante Moore uncomfortable.