Oregon or Texas Tech? Our expert picks for the Orange Bowl
The first College Football Playoff quarterfinal on New Year’s Day matches No. 4 seed Texas Tech and No. 5 seed Oregon. While the two programs rarely meet, they do have some recent history with the Ducks taking a 38-30 decision at the Red Raiders in 2023. N
Not many of the prominent players remain from that game, but the coaches – Dan Lanning of Oregon and Joey McGuire of Texas Tech – remain, so there is some familiarity.
The Ducks enter off a blowout defeat of James Madison in the first round. Their only loss came at the hands of Indiana that kept them out of Big Ten title game. The Red Raiders won their first Big 12 title behind a strong defense and the play of quarterback Behren Morton. Their lone defeat was when Morton did not play at Arizona State.
It shapes up to be an intriguing matchup with the winner advancing to the Peach Bowl against either Indiana or Alabama. Who will emerge victorious. Our experts offer their predictions.
Oregon vs. Texas Tech predictions for Orange Bowl
Matt Hayes
Still not convinced that the Ducks are more than the third-best team in one of the top two conferences — with a fortunate schedule. Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton is healthy for the first time this season, and the Red Raiders’ defense will pressure Oregon quarterback Dante Moore much like Indiana did. Texas Tech 24. Oregon 20.
Jordan Mendoza
The poor second half against James Madison may have been what Oregon needed to give itself a reality check that it can’t expect a win if it happens again. The Ducks defense is suspect and plenty is going to have to be put on the offense, a tough ask considering how good the Red Raiders are. Yet, Oregon comes out red hot and Texas Tech isn’t able to keep up as the Ducks’ revenge tour continues. Oregon 31, Texas Tech 27.
Paul Myerberg
Texas Tech has a chance to prove itself against one of the top teams in the Big Ten. The Red Raiders have the talent to do just that, especially if they can make Dante Moore uncomfortable. But Oregon can match Tech’s physicality and has the speed on the outside to land the explosive plays that will mean the difference. Oregon 38, Texas Tech 24.
Erick Smith
The reality is we don’t really know how good Texas Tech is. The Red Raiders dominated the Big 12 and should be credited for that. However, Oregon is the most-difficult test for their outstanding defense against an elite offense. Tech should hang around. Look for the Ducks to be too explosive and pull away. Oregon 31, Texas Tech 20.
Eddie Timanus
The Red Raiders dominate from start to finish most of the time, but in the one game they didn’t they lost. That formula won’t work against the Ducks, who will be there for 60 minutes and have enough to advance. Oregon 31, Texas Tech 20.
Blake Toppmeyer
The Red Raiders are legit, particularly on defense. Oregon scored at will against James Madison. Texas Tech’s defense is in a different league from the Dukes and that will be the difference. Texas Tech 27, Oregon 14.
