For the Orange Bowl, Dan Lanning’s Oregon will be without one of its most anticipated playmakers yet again. That’s a big blow to the Ducks. But there’s a silver lining, as reinforcements are arriving at WR just when the team needs them most.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel confirmed the latest updates as Oregon wrapped up its availability report.

“Oregon WR Evan Steward remains out, as expected for the Ducks,” wrote Thamel on Sunday. “Oregon’s other WRs, Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant Jr. are completely off the report.”

The update highlights two sides of Oregon’s story. On one side is the ongoing frustration over Stewart’s absence; on the other is the growing optimism about the Ducks’ depth as they take a step closer to their national title dream against the Red Raiders.

Here, Stewart’s injury has been a season-defining storyline. While the team’s most reliable WR suffered a serious knee injury in preseason, he hasn’t played a single game. Although he was briefly listed as a game-time decision during Oregon’s 51–34 playoff win over JMU and even took part in pregame warmups. But he never played and hasn’t returned to practice this week.

As a result, his absence against Texas Tech in the CFP quarterfinal was no surprise. However, the absence of two more wide receivers, Kyler Kasper and Justius Lowe, adds to the concern for the Ducks.

While Kasper recorded 2 receptions for 51 yards before a season-ending injury, Lowe had 6 receptions for 56 receiving yards through nine games. Now, the absences could leave a real hole in Dan Lanning’s lineup. But there’s a boost coming at wide receiver.

Dakorien Moore and Bryant Jr. are both back after battling injuries during the heart of the season. While Moore went down in late October and missed several games before returning against JMU, Bryant was injured in early November vs Iowa but also suited up for Oregon’s playoff opener.

Now, these returns bring much-needed optimism, while Oregon’s passing attack gets a much-needed jolt. While they are back as trusted options, they’ve totaled 54 catches and 747 yards this season. Now that production matters, it could be crucial for the Ducks against a Texas Tech defense gearing up for its first-ever Orange Bowl appearance.

While Thursday’s game marks the second meeting between Oregon and Texas Tech in the last three seasons, it’s also a defining moment for the Ducks, who are looking to avoid a quarterfinal exit for the second year in a row.

In a moment this crucial, every player matters. With that in mind, Dan Lanning’s Oregon has a total of eight players ruled out, while the Raiders have just three. It could be a concerning point for Lanning. Despite that, Oregon is still favored over the Raiders, holding a 2.5-point edge in most betting odds.

But, to beat Texas Tech, the Ducks will need a tighter plan than what they showed in the second half of their first-round CFP game against James Madison.

Dan Lanning needs precision for a victory in the Orange Bowl

Dan Lanning earned a win over JMU, and the 51–34 score looked closer than the game ever was. Oregon landed quick jabs, rotated freely, and never broke a sweat. By the fourth quarter, backups filled the field as late Dukes TDs dressed up a blowout. With that, the Ducks walked out healthy, and with pundits questioning a defense that was never truly tested.

Oregon rolled up 51 points with explosive ease and barely showed its full hand, while James Madison was a tune-up, used exactly as one. The Ducks didn’t meet their own standards in the second half.

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Oregon was outscored 28–17 after halftime, a stretch that erased the polish from an otherwise dominant night. Although the win was comfortable, the tape told a different story, and it left Lanning frustrated.

“There’s certainly a standard for performance,” he stated in the post-game conference. “Our players know that. They know what championship football looks like and the second half didn’t look like that.”

While Lanning knows that kind of drop-off won’t fly in the next round, Oregon needs precision for round two of the CFP.

The trenches must set the tone early. Explosive plays have to come fast. And no experimental rotations. History says teams coming off long breaks start slow, and if Oregon jumps ahead, they can’t let up. Against Texas Tech, finishing matters.

Now, the Ducks need a tighter plan and a ruthless edge.