Oregon fans worried about one key injury status ahead of Orange Bowl

Orange Bowl opponent Texas Tech enters the quarterfinal College Football Playoff clash with the Ducks as the nation's best run defense, limiting opponents to 2.3 yards a carry and six rushing touchdowns all season.

They've held their last four foes to 67 yards rushing or less, ten different teams to 95 yards or less. No opponent has run for more 126 yards all year. Just three hit the century mark.

While there aren't many holes in that front, sometimes a straight-ahead power runner is the best way to attack a strong defense. That's why Jordon Davison is so critical to Oregon's chances against TTU.

The freshman from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, 6-0, 236, left the game Saturday in the fourth quarter. He had to be helped off the field and to the locker room with a towel over his head in visible discomfort, not putting any weight on his leg.

Davison's inside punch and tough-yardage ability could be a difference-maker

After the Ducks' 51-34 win over James Madison, Dan Lanning said, “When you run the ball well, you have a chance to win games. You can stay on schedule and be able to take some of the shots that we take. Stay out of the chains, not force yourself to make some tough third downplays and we did that pretty effectively today.”

Styles make fights. Facing what looks to be a close, physical game against the Red Raiders, Davison's ability to get yards after contact and turn one yard into five with tree trunk legs and determination would be invaluable for the Oregon offense. Without him the Ducks have to rely on Noah Whittington, Dierre Hill and Jayden Limar, though Makhi Hughes can play without jeopardizing his redshirt.

On Sunday posted a picture of himself in sweats, without an apparent brace or a boot, all smiles. It's the closest thing Duck fans will get to a definitive update before gametime, though Dan Lanning is required to issue an injury report every 24 hours in the last three days before a playoff game.

They need Davison for this matchup, though his backfield mates have been effective also. Oregon ranks No. 2 in the country in rushing at 5.9 yards a carry, 217 yards a game with 36 touchdowns. They are tied-fourth in the nation with 31 carries of 20 yards or more.