Season 23 Quarterfinal Preview
By: Michael Buck (@Hornsnation)
Four games. Eight teams. The CFSL Season 23 Quarterfinals have arrived – and the stakes couldn’t be higher. After a thrilling first round filled with shootouts and star-making performances, the remaining contenders now square off with a ticket to the semifinals on the line. Historic rivalries are renewed, new matchups bring fresh intrigue, and postseason legends are waiting to be written. From a playoff Iron Bowl to the unstoppable Oregon offense, these next four games will separate title hopefuls from true contenders.
#7 Alabama at #2 Auburn
The Iron Bowl: Playoff Edition
Alabama and Auburn meet in the postseason for the first time, and this one carries serious weight. Alabama surged past TAMU in Round 1 with a 38-29 win behind the electric play of QB Johnny Ray Davis (492 yards, 5 Total TDs). But now they face their greatest challenge – a red-hot Auburn team.
Auburn blasted their rival earlier this season, 69-35, and boasts a complete team led by veteran QB Zacchaeus Mosely, who orchestrates one of the league’s most explosive offenses. RB Thomas Scally and WR Bobby Green add balance and danger on every down.
Player to Watch: Auburn WR Deuce Carter – his speed stretches defenses and opens up everything underneath. Expect a big-play moment or two.
Rivalry History Note: Auburn has dominated recent matchups, including 69-35 in Week 8. Bama will need their best effort yet to flip the script.
Horns Vegas Line Prediction: Auburn -7.5
Our Pick: Auburn pulls away late in a high-octane affair, 52-38.
#8 Oregon at #1 Oklahoma
High-Flying Ducks Crash the Top Seed’s Nest
Oregon is coming off an eye-popping 59-45 shootout win over Ohio State in Round 1, where QB Alexa Earl exploded for 566 passing yards and 8 total TDs. WR Dylan Powell continues to torch secondaries and may be the postseason’s most dangerous receiver.
But Oklahoma isn’t just undefeated – they’re unshaken. The Sooners outlasted LSU 50-40 in a physical battle. QB Himoteo Del Este (412 yds, 5 total TDs) remains steady, while RB David Michael adds physicality on the ground.
Player to Watch: Oregon WR Dylan Powell – his chemistry with Alexa Earl could define this game. He’s nearly uncatchable at full stride.
Rivalry History Note: Oregon has never beaten the Sooners. Oklahoma narrowly edged Oregon 45-42 in their last battle in Season 21.
Horns Vegas Line Prediction: Oklahoma -5.5
Our Pick: Oregon brings the chaos, but Oklahoma survives a thriller, 48-45.
#5 Miami at #4 Michigan
Classic Clash, New Stakes
These two are no strangers. They’ve met six times, with Miami holding a 5-1 series edge, including a 48-46 barnburner in Season 21. Miami enters hot after beating Clemson 49-28 in Round 1, thanks to QB TJ Cunnington’s 6 touchdown performance and a defense that forced two turnovers.
Michigan is fresh off a solid win over Virginia Tech, 31-17. QB Michael Amber threw for over 300 yards and 3 touchdowns, while linebackers Spike Hall and Jeremy Huff had 8 tackles apiece. Michigan’s offense was lackluster in the first round with only 378 total yards. Can they keep up with Miami?
Player to Watch: Miami QB TJ Cunnington – he’s thrown 10 TDs in his last two starts and has the swagger to lead a deep run.
Rivalry History Note: Miami has scored more than 40 points in all but two meetings between the two schools. Their first meeting in season 6 was a 13-7 Miami victory.
Horns Vegas Line Prediction: Michigan -2.5
Our Pick: Miami keeps rolling in a 44-41 classic.
#6 Colorado at #3 North Carolina
Fresh Blood and Big Implications
This is the only quarterfinal without any prior history between the teams, and it makes for an intriguing chess match. Colorado stunned USC in Round 1 with a 42-7 demolition. QB LC Fremont was sharp, and the HB Taylor James continued his run at the record books with 154 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns.
North Carolina, meanwhile, has been a quiet force all season. Their disciplined approach and efficient offense carried them to the #3 seed. They beat Penn State last week in a thriller, winning 48-45. WR Troy King Jr had 5 catches for 152 yards and one touchdown.
Player to Watch: Colorado HB Taylor James – Colorado wins and loses based on the performance of James. He was built for these moments. Look for another 30+ carry game on the ground.
Series Note: First-ever meeting – and it’s in the postseason. Expect both staff to pull out all the stops.
Horns Vegas Line Prediction: North Carolina -3
Our Pick: Colorado rides the upset wave again, winning 34-31.
Conclusion
Every game this round carries the weight of legacy and the thrill of what’s next. For some, it’s about redemption. For others, it’s a chance to break through and make history. Whether it’s the bruising run of Taylor James, the aerial assault of Alexa Earl, or the clutch play of Zacchaeus Mosely, stars will rise – and seasons will end. Buckle up. The road to the CFSL Championship only gets tougher from here.
