Quarterfinal lessons; UO-Indiana rematch

Jan. 9: Ducks-Hoosiers, CFP semifinals

MIAMI GARDENS — Pride. Relief. Hope. Feelings spilled all over the map after No. 5 Oregon delivered a defensive masterpiece in the Orange Bowl, shutting down No. 4 Texas Tech, 23-0.

Here’s the thing: That wasn’t just a win. It was validation.

More than a decade removed from Oregon’s last playoff semifinal (Jan. 2015 Rose Bowl vs. FSU), the Ducks punched their ticket to college football’s Final Four with a trip to the Peach Bowl.

Oregon’s defense played like a unit possessed. They forced four turnovers, smothered one of the nation’s top offenses, and delivered the program’s first CFP shutout.

For Duck fans who’ve wondered, “Can we stop Top 5 teams?” the answer was an emphatic Yes.

And for those who feared Oregon’s offense might wilt in the face of Texas Tech’s elite defense: QB1 Dante Moore was efficient (26 of 33), the turnover ratio was 4:1 Oregon, and the Ducks built momentum when it mattered most.