Overview
- Oregon’s coach called the 12‑team format “messed up,” arguing quarterfinals should be played on higher seeds’ campuses rather than traditional bowl sites.
- Lanning proposed staging playoff rounds on consecutive Saturdays to preserve rhythm, contrasting Oregon’s short turnaround with Texas Tech’s 27‑day layoff since Dec. 6.
- The No. 5 Ducks visit No. 4 Texas Tech at a neutral Orange Bowl in Miami on Jan. 1, with the winner advancing to the Peach Bowl semifinal.
- Oregon is keeping preparations tight over the holiday period, including a mock‑game routine and only brief time off near Christmas to stay on schedule.
- After a 51–34 first‑round win over James Madison, Oregon faces a Texas Tech team praised for elite defense, while Lanning indicated RB Jordon Davison is expected to be in good shape for the quarterfinal.