The No. 5 Oregon Ducks achieved a significant victory in the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals, shutting out No. 4 Texas Tech with a score of 23-0 on January 1, 2024. This triumph, held at the Orange Bowl in Miami, propels Oregon (13-1) to the semifinals, where they will face either No. 1 Indiana or No. 9 Alabama.
The Ducks’ defense showcased remarkable strength, marking their third playoff win and second of the current season. Oregon’s next challenge, the Peach Bowl, is set to commence at 4:30 p.m. (PT) on January 9, 2024, in Atlanta. Meanwhile, the Hoosiers (13-0) will contend with the Crimson Tide (11-3) in the Rose Bowl at 1 p.m. on New Year’s Day.
Oregon’s defensive standout, freshman cornerback Brandon Finney Jr., was awarded the Orange Bowl’s Most Valuable Player honor. Finney Jr. intercepted two passes from Texas Tech’s quarterback Behren Morton and recovered a critical fumble. He also contributed six tackles, ranking third on the team, and played a key role in three of Oregon’s four turnovers.
The Ducks’ defense effectively stifled the Red Raiders, who entered the matchup averaging nearly 500 yards of offense per game. Oregon limited Texas Tech to only 206 total yards, with a mere 50 of those yards coming from a first-half run by running back J’Koby Williams. Morton’s performance was also hindered, completing just 18 of 32 passes for 137 yards.
Offensive Struggles and Key Plays
Despite their defensive prowess, Oregon’s offense struggled against Texas Tech’s formidable defense. The Ducks amassed 309 yards, with redshirt-sophomore quarterback Dante Moore responsible for 234 yards, completing 26 of 33 attempts. However, he was unable to find the end zone, and a lone interception thrown by linebacker Ben Roberts marked Oregon’s only turnover.
Freshman running back Jordon Davison was pivotal for the Ducks, scoring both of their touchdowns. Following a strip-sack by edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei early in the third quarter, Davison quickly capitalized with a six-yard touchdown run. With just three minutes remaining in the game and victory secured, he added a one-yard touchdown, bringing his season total to 15.
Oregon’s ground game faced challenges throughout the matchup, managing only 64 rushing yards. Davison led the team with 42 yards on 15 carries, underscoring the defensive battle that characterized the game.
As the Ducks prepare for the upcoming Peach Bowl, fans are eager to see how this resilient team will perform on January 9 against either top-ranked Indiana or Alabama. The stakes are high as Oregon aims to continue its pursuit of a College Football Playoff National Championship.
