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Oregon beat Texas Tech 16-0 to win the Orange Bowl and advance in the College Football Playoff Thursday at Hard Rock Stadium with a dominant defensive performance.
The Ducks forced four turnovers in the win, holding the Red Raiders to just 206 yards of total offense. The Red Raiders’ defense kept Texas Tech in the game with an interception and turning the Ducks over on downs, but it wasn’t enough.
The first half of Oregon-Texas Tech was low scoring. The Ducks marched down the field on their opening drive, but after a third-down sack by Dante Moore, they were forced to settle for a 50-yard field goal by Atticus Sappington to make it 3-0.
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Oregon defensive end Brandon Finney (4) runs after intercepting the football during the first half of the Orange Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against Texas Tech in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Jan. 1, 2026. (Lynne Sladky/AP Photo)
The Ducks continued to move the ball, but the Texas Tech defense held strong on its own side of the field. The Ducks turned the ball over on downs at the Red Raiders’ 23-yard line on their ensuing offensive possession after the field goal.
Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton was intercepted by Brandon Finney Jr., giving the Ducks good field position at the Red Raiders’ 35-yard line, but the defense held again. The Red Raiders forced a 10-yard loss and an Oregon punt.
Texas Tech had nine yards of offense in the first quarter, but had an explosive game in the second quarter. Running back J’Koby Williams broke a tackle and ripped off a 50-yard run to move into Ducks territory.
The Red Raiders’ offense did nothing after that, however, and kicker Stone Harrington missed a 54-yard field goal to keep the score at 3-0. Oregon took over around midfield and led a 14-play, 62-yard drive down the Texas Tech two-yard line, but the defense slammed the door again and forced a turnover on downs.
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Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson, top, jumps up to celebrate after Oregon defensive back Brandon Finney Jr. makes an interception during the first half of the Orange Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against Texas Tech in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Jan. 1, 2026. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP Photo)
The Texas Tech offense then gave the ball back when running back Cameron Dickey fumbled after two first downs and it was recovered by Finney. Oregon took over at the Texas Tech 29-yard line, but once again the Red Raiders’ defense held strong and forced a field goal.
Sappington made a 39-yard field goal to put the Ducks up 6-0 with under two minutes left in the second quarter, which was the score at halftime.
The beginning of the third quarter was more of the same. Texas Tech got the ball first, but went three-and-out.
Oregon got the ball back at midfield on a 28-yard return, but the Texas Tech defense once again forced a turnover on downs on a fourth-and-two at the Red Raiders’ 33-yard line.
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Oregon place kicker Atticus Sappington (36) kicks a field goal, held by punter James Ferguson-Reynolds (46), during the first half of the Orange Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Jan. 1, 2026. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP Photo)
The Ducks’ only touchdown was set up by their defense. Morton was strip-sacked by Matayo Uiagalelei, who picked up the fumble and returned it to the Texas Tech six-yard line. Running back Jordon Davison scored on a six-yard rushing touchdown on the next play to give the Ducks a 13–0 lead.
Texas Tech advanced the ball past midfield on the ensuing possession, but Oregon stopped them on a fourth-and-one.
Texas Tech’s defense then stepped up again and intercepted Moore on fourth down to give their offense the ball at their own 45-yard line. They moved into the red zone for the first time when Morton connected with Terrance Carter Jr. on a deep ball down the sideline late in the third quarter.
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However, Oregon’s defense closed the door with their fourth takeaway of the game. Finney picked off Morton in the end zone, secured his second interception of the game and preserved the Ducks’ 13-0 lead.
Sappington kicked a field goal after the interception to make it 16-0, with the score tied for good.
Oregon will play the winner of Indiana and Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
