The Texas Tech Red Raiders are in position to continue what has already been an unforgettable season: a program record in wins, blowout victories galore and a Big 12 Championship trophy in arms for the first time.

But the journey hasn't yet ended. For the first time since Dec. 6, No. 4 Texas Tech will be back on the field to face No. 5 Oregon in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.

It's an opportunity of a lifetime for the program that has enjoyed one of the best stories in college football this year, but it's also a test to determine the true legitimacy of the new CFP format.

After Wednesday's Cotton Bowl in Arlington, the defending champions No. 2 Ohio State fell to No. 10 Miami, making it five straight first-round bye teams to not advance to the CFP semifinals in the new 12-team bracket. Last year, it was Oregon, Georgia, Boise State and Arizona State that all received an automatic bid into the second round, but were not sharp enough to get the win after the long layoff.

The Red Raiders hope to alter that pattern.

They match up against a team with an identical record and about as comparable of a schedule. The Ducks boast a 12-1 mark with their lone loss coming to the No. 1-seeded Indiana.

Here is what the Red Raiders need to focus on in order to rewrite even more history.

Oregon presents a dynamic offensive attack that runs up the score in a hurry. They will be tested by the Red Raiders' defense, too, but Tech's offense needs to match aggressiveness to start the game.

In each of the five games played by teams with first-round byes, it's been a slow first half that has limited their chances of getting a win.

Defensive coordinator Shiel Wood said in scouting these Ducks that they operate similar to Utah, a team Tech throttled on the road early in Big 12 play this season.

“I think they’re very comparable, I think Oregon’s got a really good offensive line,” Wood said to reporters this week. “They’re big, they’re physical, they play hard, they’re well-coached, good in the run game and good in the pass game.

"We played a couple of other teams that had some good offensive lines. Utah was probably one of the best, if not the best that we played during the season, as far as just their offensive fronts. These guys are very similar, they’re very good up front.”

Above all, it's the punch-you-in-the-mouth speed from the opening kick that blitzes teams when they're not prepared for it against Oregon. It typically comes from a strong rushing attack behind that offensive line.

“They want to create explosives in the running game and the passing game and do a nice job with it," Wood said.

"I think limiting their ability, hopefully, to run the ball successfully would be a really good thing for us. Then, obviously, trying to keep their explosive plays down. Those are the two things that they do a really nice job of."

The Red Raiders will need to see the best out of edge rushers David Bailey and Romello Height - as the team has for much of this season. They are each projected as first-round NFL Draft picks for a reason and transferred to Lubbock for this exact opportunity on the biggest stage.

The Ducks will rotate ball-carriers in Noah Whittingham and Jordon Davison to ensure maximum speed and stamina is on the field, but the relentless Red Raider defense - notably led by the Mustache Mafia linebackers - will need to keep an eye on them and clog up lanes each snap.

Quarterback Dante Moore also presents a load of problems as he's always looking downfield for a big play. That will be most evident on Thursday as he welcomes back former five-star wide receiver recruit Dakorien Moore to the lineup after injury.

On the other side, the offensive line has done well in keeping Tech QB Behren Morton upright as he heals a hairline fracture in his shin, but the Oregon front that pressures opposing quarterbacks over 40 percent of the time will be a massive challenge. The Red Raiders will need to keep up the pace of only allowing pressures on 25 percent of their dropbacks.

With this emphasis on speed, it could be characteristic for the Red Raiders to get overwhelmed by the anticipation of the moment and fall out of rhythm, especially in the red zone on offense.

Staying level-headed will be a crucial mental phase of the game, one Oregon is also likely itching about as visions of their loss last year while being the bracket's No. 1 seed loom heavy in the back of their mind.

Texas Tech has enjoyed many "firsts" in this historic football season, and they're preparing to add another in the CFP Quarterfinal to begin the new year.