The No. 5 Oregon Ducks secured a decisive victory against the No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders, winning 23-0 in the Orange Bowl on January 1, 2024. This victory advances Oregon to the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal, bringing them one step closer to their goal of capturing a national championship. With a season record of 13-1, Oregon showcased a dominant defensive performance, marking their third-ever playoff win and second in this season’s bracket.
Oregon will face either the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers or the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide in the semifinal match, scheduled for January 9, 2024. The Peach Bowl will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana, with kickoff set for 16:30 (PT). The Hoosiers, currently undefeated at 13-0, will compete against the Crimson Tide (11-3) in the Rose Bowl earlier that day.
Defensive Dominance Leads to Shutout
Freshman cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. delivered an outstanding performance, earning the Orange Bowl’s Most Valuable Player award. Finney Jr. intercepted two passes from Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton and recovered a fumble, contributing to Oregon’s impressive defense. He recorded six tackles, ranking third on the team for the game, and played a crucial role in three of the Ducks’ four forced turnovers.
The Ducks’ defense was pivotal, successfully limiting Texas Tech’s offense, which had been averaging nearly 500 yards per game, to just 206 yards. The Red Raiders’ only significant offensive highlight came from running back J’Koby Williams, who gained 50 yards on a first-half run. Morton struggled throughout the game, completing only 18 of 32 pass attempts for a total of 137 yards.
Offense Struggles but Finds Ways to Score
Despite the strong defensive showing, Oregon’s offense faced challenges against Texas Tech’s formidable defense, ranked third in college football. The Ducks accumulated 309 yards of total offense, with redshirt-sophomore quarterback Dante Moore passing for 234 yards on 26 completions out of 33 attempts. However, he was unable to find the end zone, with the Ducks’ lone turnover resulting from an interception by linebacker Ben Roberts.
Freshman running back Jordon Davison was the driving force behind Oregon’s scoring, accounting for both of the Ducks’ touchdowns. Following a strip-sack by edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei early in the third quarter, Davison scored from six yards out. With three minutes remaining in the game and the victory secured, he added another one-yard touchdown, bringing his season total to 15 touchdowns. Davison led the team with 42 rushing yards on 15 carries, as Oregon managed only 64 rushing yards overall.
Oregon’s victory in the Orange Bowl highlights their defensive prowess and resilience as they prepare for the upcoming semifinal. As the team looks ahead to their next challenge, the Ducks aim to continue their quest for the College Football Playoff National Championship.
