Oregon vs. Texas Tech game prediction, preview: Who wins, and why?
All the analysts and experts, and especially the bookmakers, thought both of these teams would come into this weekend at 1-0, but Texas Tech is coming off a surprise double-overtime loss on the road to Wyoming as it plays the 2023 home opener against Pac-12 contender Oregon in college football's Week 2 action on Saturday.
What can we expect from the matchup? Here's what you need to know as Oregon and Texas Tech square off along with our latest Week 2 game predictions.
Oregon vs. Texas Tech prediction, preview
Oregon vs. Texas Tech picks, predictions
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How to watch
When: Sat., Sept. 9
Time: 6 p.m. CT, 4 p.m. PT
TV: Fox network
Stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
Oregon vs. Texas Tech game odds
Courtesy of SI Sportsbook
Line: Oregon -6.5 (Track it live)
Total: 68.5 points
Moneyline: Ore -250 | Tech +188
FPI pick: Oregon 67.4%
Related: Oregon vs. Texas Tech picks, predictions, Week 2 college football odds, lines
What to watch for
Texas Tech vs. Oregon highlights Week 2 action
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1. A familiar face. Oregon lines up against Tech quarterback Tyler Shough, who originally suited up for the Ducks not long ago before making the transfer. Shough is 8-1 in games he has both started and finished with 4,214 yards and 32 touchdown passes, helping the Red Raiders get out to an early 17-0 lead in the opener. Now he goes against a Duck defense that has been spotty at times and equipped with agile targets like Jerand Bradley and Myles Price, who combined for 153 yards in Week 1.
2. When Tech runs the ball. Oregon has size and power in the front seven and the bodies to throw into the A and B gaps with some regularity, and they're going against a Red Raider ground attack that posted under 100 yards and averaged all of 2.8 yards per carry against Wyoming. Even in an 81-7 rout of Portland State, the Ducks still allowed four yards per touch on the ground defensively.
3. Oregon's options. The Ducks don't lack for playmakers on offense. QB Bo Nix had 3,594 yards and 41 all-purpose touchdowns a year ago, boasting downfield accuracy and mobility to throw tacklers out of position. Troy Franklin and Gary Bryant both eclipsed 100 yards receiving in the opener, while Bucky Irving and Jordan James can slice for consistent gainers. Tech has struggled at times against mobile quarterbacks and the Nix element can prove decisive if used properly.
Oregon vs. Texas Tech prediction
What to expect as Oregon faces Texas Tech
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Oregon is going to put guys in space and get them the ball with some ease early and often and Nix will create opportunities running to the outsides of the formation. But the Ducks pass defense is a mixed bag, one of the nation's most generous on a pure yardage basis, but it also ranked 8th nationally with 16 interceptions last year.
As long as Shough takes care of the ball, he should find enough throwing lanes in the middle third of the field to keep the Red Raiders within reach most of the day. But that plan only works if they can get adequate gains on the ground to complement him. Oregon will let some go by if Tech employs their backs as receivers, but the Ducks have the pieces to tighten things up late.
Tech is tough to beat at home lately, winning 6 of the last 7 at home overall and has covered the spread in 4 of the last 5 outings.
College Football HQ picks...
- Oregon wins 40-34
- Doesn't cover the spread
- And hits the over
Related: Oregon vs. Texas Tech score prediction by college football computer
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