Oddsmakers predict a close game when No. 5 Oregon plays No. 4 Texas Tech in the Oregon Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, 9 a.m. PT on ESPN on January 1st.
The betting line in College Football Playoff quarterfinal has notched up since the open from Oregon -1.5 to Oregon -2.5, while the Moneyline is currently Ducks -125, Texas Tech +105, reflecting public confidence in the 12-1 team from the Big Ten over the champions of the Big 12.
The ESPN matchup predictor still favors TTU, giving the Red Raiders a 51.6 percent chance to win.
Weather should not be a factor. Eight days out from the game the predicted gametime temperature is 63 degrees with an afternoon high of 71. Chance of rain is 0 percent, with winds from 5-14 mph.
In a close game, turnovers and kicking accuracy become critical
What is likely to be a factor is a balanced Texas Tech team with an aggressive, blitzing defense and a potent offense that cranks out 42.5 points a game, second in the nation.
If it is a close game, Red Raider field goal kicker Stone Harrington is 22-27 this season, 81.5 percent, including 3-4 from beyond 50 yards. He hit 5-5 against BYU on November 8, 4-6 in the Big 12 title game. The Ducks' Atticus Sappington is 16-19 in 2025, a senior from Central Catholic High School who has connected on 85.7 percent over his career with a long of 51 yards.
Dan Lanning announced Monday that his team would be practicing through the Christmas break, having taken an opportunity to see their families before the playoffs after finals ended.