New Year's Day is filled with college football, as the three remaining College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals are set to be contested. Thursday's CFP matchup, the Orange Bowl, pits the fifth-ranked Oregon football program against number four Texas Tech. Ahead of the matchup, the Ducks received some good news. Per college football insider Pete Thamel on X, formerly Twitter, Oregon wide receivers Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant Jr. will receive increased playing time on Thursday afternoon against the Red Raiders.

“Here's our morning hit from @CollegeGameDay from the Rose Bowl,” Thamel posted on Thursday morning. “Here’s updates on Oregon, Texas Tech, and Ole Miss.”

Currently leading 3-0 in the first half over the Big 12 champions, the Oregon football program is looking to build off the momentum from last Saturday's College Football Playoff win over 12th-ranked James Madison. Having Moore and Bryant Jr. back in the lineup should only help quarterback Dante Moore conduct the Oregon football attack to even more success. Can the Ducks improve on their result from last year's CFP with a win against the Red Raiders?

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Oregon football looks to best last year's disappointing CFP exit

Oregon wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. makes a catch as the Oregon Ducks practice at Barry University ahead of the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30, 2025, in Miami, Florida.
Mandatory Credit: © Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Last week, Moore had one catch while Bryant Jr. didn't log a single reception. As the first half progresses, Moore has logged one catch again, this time for 13 yards. Meanwhile, Bryant Jr. still hasn't notched a grab. Thursday's College Football Playoff matinee has been a defensive struggle so far.

However, both sides could light up the scoreboard if they can settle in. Oregon football's defense needs to continue its strong performance if the Ducks hope to move on to next weekend's Peach Bowl CFP semifinal. Can Moore and Bryant Jr. help boost an offense that has been mostly stifled to this point? If so, a matchup against Alabama or Indiana in Atlanta will await.