Orange Bowl: Texas Tech vs Oregon
Gear up for a thrilling College Football Playoff quarterfinal as the No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders (12-1) battle the No. 5 Oregon Ducks (12-1) in the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Kickoff is slated for Saturday, January 1, 2026, at 12 p.m., and there's no better place to catch every heart-racing moment than on the largest video wall in San Angelo at Arc Light Sports Bar & Grill! With a spot in the semifinals on the line and Texas pride at stake—especially since we're just a three-hour drive from Lubbock—this showdown pits the Red Raiders' suffocating defense against Oregon's high-flying offense in what could be the upset of the playoffs. The Ducks are a slim 1.5-point favorite, but don't tell that to the Red Raiders, who've been proving doubters wrong all season with their Big 12 championship grit.
The Oregon Ducks’ lone loss this season came against a team with a vicious defense that corralled their offense, got to quarterback Dante Moore and left Autzen Stadium with a 30-20 victory.
The No. 5 Ducks will face a very similar team in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1.
The No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders rode a tenacious defense to a 12-1 record and the Big 12 championship. That defense ranks similarly to No. 1 Indiana across most defensive categories. The Hoosiers (13-0) defeated the Ducks on Oct. 11, holding them to 13 points on offense. Texas Tech's unit, led by coordinator Tim DeRuyter, boasts top-10 national rankings in sacks (41), turnovers forced (25), and points allowed (18.2 per game), making them a nightmare for any offense. EDGE rushers like Jacob Rodriguez and Amier Washington will aim to pressure Moore early and often, while the secondary—anchored by All-Big 12 safety CJ Baskerville—has picked off 15 passes this year. On offense, quarterback Behren Morton, who's battled through a fibula injury but is expected to suit up, has thrown for 3,456 yards and 28 touchdowns with just eight picks, connecting with dynamic receivers like Josh Kelly (over 1,000 yards) and tight end Jalin Conyers. The ground game, powered by Tahj Brooks' 1,500+ rushing yards, adds balance to keep Oregon's defense honest.
Oregon, coming off a sluggish 24-17 first-round win over James Madison where their offense managed just six points in the first half, will rely on Moore's arm (3,800+ yards, 32 TDs) and a talented but banged-up receiving corps. Wideouts like Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden are threats, and Evan Stewart is slated to return after missing the season with injury, but the Ducks are without offensive lineman Bryce Boulton for the year, and questions linger around WRs Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant Jr.'s full health. Defensively, Oregon ranks solidly but has shown vulnerability against physical fronts, as evidenced by their lone loss. Running back Jordan James (1,200 yards) will need to establish the run to open up play-action, but facing Texas Tech's stout front seven could force Moore into uncomfortable situations.
This game's trench warfare will decide it: Can Oregon's explosive playmakers break through Texas Tech's elite defense, or will the Red Raiders' pressure and physicality replicate Indiana's blueprint for victory? With the home-state swagger (plenty of Texas Tech fans making the trip to Miami) and a chip on their shoulder as underdogs, the Raiders are primed for a statement. Our prediction: Texas Tech pulls off the mild upset in a defensive slugfest, 26-23, advancing to the semis behind Morton's clutch throws and a late turnover that seals it. Echoing some experts' calls, this could be a low-scoring affair under the 52.5 total, but the Red Raiders' resilience shines through.
Ditch the couch and join the excitement at Arc Light Sports Bar & Grill in San Angelo, where fellow Red Raiders fans will pack the house to cheer on our Texas heroes. Watch every sack, touchdown, and game-changing play on our massive video wall while enjoying frosty beers, specialty cocktails, and crowd-pleasing bites like loaded nachos, gourmet burgers, and saucy wings. Whether you're wrecking 'em with Guns Up or just soaking in the playoff intensity, this is your spot to celebrate. Doors open early—rally your squad and make it a Texas-sized party!
On special is our Arc Light Smash Burger -- 1/2 pound of delicious 2-patties of burger and fresh-cut fries. Here's what else is on special.
