In a stunning defensive masterclass, the Oregon Ducks have stormed into the last four of the College Football Playoff, completely silencing the high-powered Texas Tech offence with a commanding 23-0 victory in the Orange Bowl quarter-final.
Ducks' Defence Dominates in Miami
The fifth-seeded Ducks produced a shutout for the ages against the fourth-ranked Red Raiders on Thursday night. Texas Tech, who entered the game averaging 42.5 points per game, were rendered utterly impotent, failing to score for the first time this season. Oregon's defence forced four turnovers, stopped three fourth-down attempts, and limited the Red Raiders to a series of frustrating three-and-out possessions.
The tone was set early and the pivotal moment arrived in the third quarter. Defensive standout Matayo Uiagalelei stripped Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton of the ball in Tech territory, recovering the fumble and returning it deep into the red zone. On the very next play, running back Jordon Davison powered into the end zone to extend Oregon's lead to 13-0.
Moore Leads Offence as 'Bye Week Curse' Strikes Again
While the defence stole the headlines, quarterback Dante Moore provided efficient offence, throwing for 234 yards to keep the chains moving. Kicker Atticus Sappington contributed with three successful field goals to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Davison would add a second touchdown with just 16 seconds remaining to seal the historic 23-0 win.
The result continues a remarkable and unexpected trend in the newly expanded 12-team playoff format. This was the sixth quarter-final played under the new system, and for the sixth consecutive time, the team enjoying a first-round bye lost to an opponent who had played the previous weekend. Texas Tech joined Boise State, Arizona State, Georgia, Oregon (in 2024), and the recently dethroned champions Ohio State as bye-week casualties.
Peach Bowl Awaits as National Championship Dream Lives On
With this emphatic victory, Oregon (13-1) advances to the Peach Bowl semi-final on 9 January, where they will face the winner of the clash between top-ranked Indiana and ninth-seeded Alabama. The winner of that semi-final will return to Miami Gardens on 19 January to contest the national championship game.
For Texas Tech (12-2), a brilliant season ends in bitter disappointment. Their explosive offence, ranked fifth nationally in total yards, was completely smothered. Morton finished 18 of 32 for just 137 yards and threw a costly red-zone interception in the fourth quarter to compound his team's misery. Oregon's shutout was their first against an Associated Press top-10 opponent since 2012, a remarkable feat in their 113th game against such highly-ranked opposition.
