The Final Four: Horn’s Semifinal Preview
By: Michael Buck (@Hornsnation)
Only four remain.
After a thrilling quarterfinal round filled with rivalry clashes, offensive explosions, and statement wins, the path to the CFSL National Championship is down to two blockbuster semifinal matchups. Legends will rise. Dreams will die. Let’s break down the battles that await on the road to glory.
#8 Oregon vs #5 Miami
The Ducks and the U
Oregon just knocked off undefeated #1 Oklahoma in a 41–33 upset powered by a complete team effort. QB Alexa Earl stayed hot with 392 passing yards and 4 total touchdowns, spreading the ball around to receivers like Dylan Powell and Daxton Bliss Jr. Defensively, Oregon’s front brought serious heat – recording five sacks and forcing two key turnovers. This team isn’t sneaking up on anyone anymore – they’re playing like a juggernaut.
Miami, meanwhile, put on a clinic in their 48–34 quarterfinal win over Michigan. QB TJ Cunnington threw for 426 yards and 3 TDs, continuing his red-hot streak. Darren Sway (112 yards, 2 TDs) and Nick Morrow helped shred the Wolverines secondary, while LB Johnny Butkus anchored a fast, opportunistic defense that’s peaking at the right time.
These two schools have a postseason history, and it favors the Ducks:
- Season 20 Playoffs: Oregon 35–23
- Season 13: Oregon 51–0
- Season 10: Oregon 37–16
- Season 9 Championship: Miami 37–10
- Season 5: Miami 51–49
But history won’t win this game. Execution will.
Player to Watch: Oregon QB Alexa Earl
She’s tallied over 950 passing yards and 12 total TDs in her last two games. If Earl continues this pace, Oregon could fly straight into the title game.
Horns Vegas Line Prediction: Pick ‘Em
Our Pick: This might be the game of the season. Cunnington vs. Earl. Speed vs. speed. In the end, Oregon’s defensive line tilts the field – Ducks win 45–42 in a thriller.
#7 Alabama vs #3 North Carolina
Revenge or Repeat?
Alabama and North Carolina met back in Season 20, with the Crimson Tide escaping with a 41–34 win. Fast forward to today, and both teams are in peak form.
Bama punched their semifinal ticket with a massive 55–49 Iron Bowl win over Auburn, flipping the script after being blown out earlier in the season. QB Johnny Ray Davis had another monster night—passing for 450 yards and 4 touchdowns. His connection with WR Quincey Asher (192 yards, 2 TDs) remains electric. Their offense is rolling.
North Carolina survived a 52-47 dogfight against Colorado thanks to their own aerial attack. QB Cole Mantell threw for 283 yards and 4 total touchdowns, including clutch plays down the stretch. WR Troy King Jr. and TE Frankie Frederick continue to be matchup nightmares, while the defense plays fast and physical.
This one has fireworks written all over it.
Player to Watch: Alabama WR Quincey Asher
With 12 catches and over 300 yards over his last two games, Asher is the spark to Bama’s high-octane engine. UNC must find a way to slow him down.
Horns Vegas Line Prediction: North Carolina -3
Our Pick: Expect a shootout. But Alabama has proven it can rise in the biggest moments. We say Bama 49–45, sending the Tide to the title game.
Final Word
Four explosive offenses. Four quarterbacks playing the best football of their careers. The CFSL semifinals have everything you want-rivalries, revenge, rising stars, and legacy programs fighting for one shot at immortality.
Only two will advance. But all four are built for the spotlight.
Let the fireworks begin.
