(BCSNN) — All week, the conversation centered on Texas Tech - the nation’s most opportunistic defense, the turnover machine, the group that would dictate terms. But when the Orange Bowl kicked off Thursday night, it was Oregon that embodied every bit of that pregame hype.

The No. 2 Ducks delivered a suffocating, wire‑to‑wire performance, shutting out No. 7 Texas Tech 23–0 in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals and earning a trip to the Peach Bowl semifinal in Atlanta. It was Oregon’s first postseason shutout since the 1917 Rose Bowl, and it came in a game defined by attrition, discipline, and defensive dominance.

Oregon (13–1) held the Big 12 champions to just 215 total yards, the fewest Texas Tech has managed all season. The Red Raiders entered the night leading the FBS in takeaways - but it was the Ducks who won the turnover battle decisively, forcing four and committing just one.

Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire, whose own defense had been one of the nation’s best, didn’t mince words: Oregon’s defensive effort was the toughest his team had faced all year.

Freshman cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. was everywhere, recording two interceptions and a fumble recovery to earn Defensive MVP honors. Linebackers Bryce Boettcher and Dillon Thieneman each posted 12 tackles, anchoring a unit that never allowed Texas Tech to find rhythm.

On offense, Oregon leaned on efficiency rather than explosiveness. Quarterback Dante Moore completed 26 of 33 passes for 234 yards, earning Offensive MVP honors. The Ducks produced only two plays longer than 25 yards, but they controlled the ball, avoided mistakes, and repeatedly flipped the field.

“Getting the win is the biggest thing, especially in moments like this,” Moore said. “Everybody loves the deep throw, everybody likes the long runs. But like coach Lanning says, it’s about keep chipping away - next‑play mentality.”

Oregon led 6–0 at halftime behind two field goals from Atticus Sappington, who added a third in the fourth quarter. The Ducks finally broke the game open in the second half with a pair of rushing touchdowns from Jordon Davison, the first coming one play after a strip‑sack by Matayo Uiagalelei.

Davison’s second score late in the fourth quarter sealed the shutout and sent Oregon into the CFP semifinals with momentum - and a defense playing its best football of the season.

The Ducks now await the winner of the Rose Bowl for a spot in the national championship game. One more win, and Oregon will play for the title that has eluded the program for decades.