Why Texas Tech’s offense came up short against Oregon in the College Football Playoff

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — There is no soft way to say Texas Tech’s season ended Thursday because of its offense.

Quarterback Behren Morton threw two picks. Running back Cameron Dickey had a fumble. The offensive line allowed four sacks. And regardless of field position, the offense stalled.

Why? Because Texas Tech became predictable.

At first, it was creative play calling from first-year offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich. A tight end screen for Terrance Carter Jr. or an outside zone run for J’Koby Williams allowed for Texas Tech’s skill positions to make the play after the catch or after contact. And it worked for a while.

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Oregon defensive back Brandon Finney (4) intercepts a pass intended for Texas Tech wide...

Carter and Williams each had a 20-plus-yard play in every game of the first four games.

Cracks began to show against then-No. 16 Utah when Texas Tech had 10 points up until a quarterback change. Then again, when backup Will Hammond started against Arizona State and Texas Tech was held to one score until the fourth quarter.

The big revelation came against the-No. 7 BYU when Texas Tech’s offense stalled consistently, resulting in a program-high five field goals. That game was against now-Michigan defensive coordinator Jay Hill, who was regarded as one of the top defensive coordinators in the Big 12.

Without change, the same product was on the field against No. 5 Oregon Thursday in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. However, Leftwich told media Sunday that Big 12 coordinators who had bested him at times in the regular season gave him information over the bye week.

Thursday was the worst scoring output Texas Tech’s offense has produced since being shutout in 2021.

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