On the heels of a first-round rout over James Madison, Oregon faces Texas Tech on New Year’s Day in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Oddsmakers expect this game to be the closest of the four College Football Playoff quarterfinals, with the Ducks favored by 2.5 points.
Will the matchup live up to that billing? Here are my Oregon vs Texas Tech predictions.
Oregon vs Texas Tech Odds
All NCAAF odds used for these Oregon vs Texas Tech best bets are current as of Sunday, Dec. 28, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Oregon (-125) vs Texas Tech (+105)
- Spread: Oregon -2.5 (-105) vs Texas Tech +2.5 (-115)
- Over/Under: Over 52.5 (-110) / Under 52.5 (-110)
Oregon vs Texas Tech Predictions
Score Prediction: Oregon 27, Texas Tech 24
Oregon (12-1) did what it was supposed to do last week against Group of Five power James Madison, piling up 514 total yards en route to a 51-34 beatdown.
Now comes a step up in weight class.
Texas Tech (12-1) ranks in the top five nationally in both total offense and defense, and its only loss, 26-22 to Arizona State on Oct. 18, came in a game where it didn’t have starting quarterback Behren Morton.
The Big 12 champions are capable of defying most College Football Playoff predictions and pulling off the upset. They really are.
But with Dante Moore at the helm, Oregon will make a few more plays to stave off the challenge and move on.
Oregon vs Texas Tech Best Bets
Oregon Moneyline (-125)
Oregon fell flat in the quarterfinals last season, coming off the bye and losing 41-21 to Ohio State.
Different year, different opponent, but the Ducks are coming out with renewed focus in hopes of avoiding another early exit.
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While both defenses are outstanding, and the offenses are capable of scoring in bunches, I’m giving the slight edge to Oregon because of Moore. I think he’ll do what’s needed to push the Ducks over the top in a thriller.
The Oregon moneyline is my college football pick of the day, but bettors could also take the 2.5-point spread for slightly better value.
Under 52.5 Total Points (-110)
Oregon had its way with JMU, racing in front 34-3 at halftime before massaging the lead over the final two quarters.
The Ducks will face much more resistance against star linebacker Jacob Rodriguez and Texas Tech, which ranks third in the country in both scoring defense (10.9 points allowed per game) and yards allowed (254.4 per game).
The Red Raiders have given up just 23 points over their last four games while holding five of their previous six opponents to single digits.
The Ducks’ defense, mind you, is quite good too.
While both teams can light up the scoreboard, I’m not anticipating a shootout. The total here is a tad too high for my liking, so back the under with our best sportsbook promos.
