Texas Tech’s national title dream hopes came to an abrupt end after losing to Oregon at the Orange Bowl. The Red Raiders’ offense was unable to keep pace with Oregon, resulting in a 0-23 loss. The Red Raiders’ head coach, Joey McGuire, didn’t hide his feelings after the game.

“I want to start by thanking Red Raider Nation for showing up today,” said Joey McGuire in the post-game presser. “It was really special. It’s been an incredible ride this year, but it was really special to have so many Texas Tech fans. I’m sorry that we let you down, but I hope you’ve enjoyed every second of this year. This is such a special team, and I’m so proud of them, but thank you for that.”

Quarterback Behren Morton, who sat along with McGuire in front of the media, was visibly in tears, hearing his coach apologize to the fans for his shortcomings.

If you take a closer look at the game, Dan Lanning’s Ducks controlled the game right from the start by constantly pressuring the quarterback, Behren Morton. Although Jacob Rodriguez’s defense provided tough competition, restricting Oregon’s offense from reaching the end zone, Morton’s offensive struggles turned out costly.

Morton looked unsettled throughout the game, leading to three turnovers against the Ducks: two interceptions and one fumble. Unfortunately, everything happened at crucial times in the game.

Oregon’s first touchdown came in the very next drive, after stripping the ball from Morton in the third quarter by LB Matayo Uiagalelei, which gave them a 13-0 lead. Early in the fourth quarter, Morton had a chance to redeem the Red Raiders, but the QB threw an interception to a freshman CB, Brandon Finney Jr., in the end zone.

If he had thrown elsewhere, it would have resulted in 3rd and goal, or at least a field goal. However, the Ducks responded with a ten-play, 55-yard drive that ended with a 43-yard field goal from the kicker, Atticus Sappington.

Morton finished the game having only 137 yards, completing 18 of 32 passes and two interceptions. He also rushed six times, only to lose 32 yards on offense, being sacked four times. The complete misplay resulted in the worst possible exit for the Red Raiders, with no score, and they lost 0-23.

Learning from the costly mistakes he made, senior QB Behren Morton took the blame for the loss.

“I didn’t do a good job of settling down and really focusing on the next play,” said Morton on the post-game presser.

Joey McGuire also felt proud of Texas Tech

Despite a tough loss that’s going to hurt a lot of people in Lubbock for a long time, Joey McGuire was proud of this year’s roster. The head coach believes that they have set a new standard for their football program, reaching the first-ever Big 12 championship and CFP appearance in school history.

“It’s no fun being in that locker room right now,” said Joey McGuire. “I’ve been doing this for 31 years; I’ve never been a part of a closer group of men, and I’ve never been so proud. One thing that I told them, and I truly believe it, is when you do something that nobody’s ever done, like what these guys did wearing this uniform, ever, then the standard’s set.

That’s where you start building something really special. So, I can’t thank them enough, and this is going to hurt for a long time. I know, these guys are hurting right now, but I can’t be prouder of my football team.”

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While the Red Raiders concluded their 2025 season with a disappointing exit, Joey McGuire’s side has learned what it needs to do this offseason to come out strong. This would help them approach the transfer portal with a much better plan for future success.

However, one thing is sure: they’ll target a quarterback in the transfer portal when the window opens on January 2.