Even with Behren Morton missing time due to injury, Texas Tech’s aerial attack hasn’t missed a beat - and that’s saying something. The Red Raiders are heading into their College Football Playoff quarterfinal showdown against Oregon in the Orange Bowl with one of the most productive passing offenses in the country. Top-10 level production, to be exact.
That’s not just a stat line - it’s a statement. Despite the bumps and bruises along the way, Morton has led this offense with poise, precision, and plenty of firepower. And now he’s about to face his toughest test yet.
Texas Tech’s passing game has been lighting it up - but now comes Oregon
Let’s be clear: Texas Tech hasn’t exactly been padding its numbers against soft defenses. This team has consistently found ways to move the ball through the air, no matter the opponent.
Morton’s command of the offense, even when not at 100%, has been central to that success. He’s shown the kind of timing and decision-making that keeps defensive coordinators up at night.
But Oregon? That’s a different kind of challenge.
The Ducks bring speed, discipline, and physicality on defense - the kind of unit that can disrupt timing routes, collapse pockets, and force quarterbacks into uncomfortable throws. If Morton and the Red Raiders can keep their rhythm against this group, it’ll be one of the more impressive offensive performances of the postseason.
Where Texas Tech stacks up nationally
Heading into the Orange Bowl, here’s how Texas Tech ranks among the top passing offenses in the country:
- FAU Owls - 340.2 passing yards per game
- North Texas Mean Green - 318.0
- Ole Miss Rebels - 312.4
- Baylor Bears - 309.6
- Tennessee Volunteers - 307.2
- USC Trojans - 297.3
- TCU Horned Frogs - 292.8
- Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors - 290.6
- Texas Tech Red Raiders - 289.4
- UConn Huskies - 284.4
That’s some serious company. And while the Red Raiders may not sit at the very top of the list, they’re in the thick of it with programs known for slinging the rock. It’s a testament to how efficient and explosive this offense has been, even without a fully healthy Morton for stretches of the season.
Big 12 roots run deep in the passing game
It’s no coincidence that several Big 12 programs show up in this top 10. The conference has long been a breeding ground for high-octane, pass-first systems - and Texas Tech has been one of the pioneers.
Seeing Baylor and TCU ahead of the Red Raiders might raise some eyebrows, but both teams run variations of the Air Raid, just like Tech. It’s a system built to stretch defenses, create mismatches, and rack up yards in a hurry.
And while the Red Raiders may not have the highest yardage total, they’ve been one of the most balanced and dangerous passing teams when it comes to execution and efficiency - especially considering the adversity they’ve faced at quarterback.
What it means heading into the Orange Bowl
This matchup against Oregon is more than just a playoff game - it’s a litmus test for how far this Texas Tech offense can go. Morton has the weapons.
The scheme is proven. The production is there.
Now it’s about execution on the biggest stage.
If the Red Raiders can find success through the air against a defense as disciplined and talented as Oregon’s, it won’t just validate their place among the nation’s top passing teams - it’ll make them one of the most dangerous teams left in the playoff field.
So buckle up. Morton and the Red Raiders are bringing their high-flying act to Miami. And if they keep doing what they’ve done all season, we could be in for a shootout that reminds everyone just how potent this Texas Tech passing game really is.