With the regular season winding down and the playoff bracket set, the road to the PCFB National Championship is officially here. The 12-team field features powerhouse programs, undefeated juggernauts, and Cinderella stories — all with something to prove.
Based on each team’s resume, stats uploaded, recent form, and program pedigree, here’s how the playoffs could unfold.
First-Round Matchups
(5) Georgia vs (12) Tulane
Prediction: Georgia 34, Tulane 17
Georgia enters the postseason with two losses but remains one of the most physically dominant teams in the country. Their defensive front is loaded with future pros, and they’ll look to control the line of scrimmage early against a smaller Tulane offensive line.
Tulane’s speed and creativity will allow them to move the ball early, but Georgia’s depth should wear them down as the game progresses. Expect Georgia to rely on a balanced attack — around 150 rushing yards and efficient quarterback play — to pull away in the second half.
Key Player: Georgia RB Chauncey Bowers- 118 yards, 2 TDs
Summary: The Bulldogs’ physicality proves too much for Tulane’s high-flying offense.
(9) Miami vs (8) USC
Prediction: USC 41, Miami 35 (OT)
This matchup screams fireworks. Both programs have explosive quarterbacks and big-play receivers, and both defenses have struggled to consistently contain elite talent.
Miami enters on a hot streak, having surged back into the Top 10 behind a revitalized offense. But USC’s balance and playmaking on both sides give them the slight edge. Expect a shootout, with both QBs trading long touchdown drives in a game that could come down to the final possession.
In overtime, USC’s experience and home-field poise (if applicable) give them the edge, pulling off a thrilling walk-off win.
Key Player: USC QB Jayden Maiava- 367 yards, 4 TDs
Summary: USC survives a thriller thanks to elite quarterback play and clutch execution.
(11) Texas Tech vs (6) Louisville
Prediction: Louisville 30, Texas Tech 27
Two of the most evenly matched teams in the bracket meet in a potential classic. Texas Tech’s high-octane offense versus Louisville’s disciplined, balanced squad is a chess match from the opening whistle.
The Red Raiders will hit on some big plays early, but Louisville’s experience and late-game poise tilt the game their way. Expect Louisville’s defense to force a crucial turnover late in the fourth quarter that seals the win.
Key Player: Louisville QB Miller Moss — 285 yards, 2 TDs
Summary: Texas Tech’s Cinderella run ends in heartbreak as Louisville’s balance prevails in a close one.
(10) Florida vs (7) Ohio State
Prediction: Florida 38, Ohio State 31
The most intriguing first-round matchup features two programs with explosive potential but inconsistency issues.
Dj Lagway’s dual-threat ability gives Florida an edge — his ability to create off-script plays will frustrate Ohio State’s defense. The Buckeyes’ offense will trade blows, but Florida’s ability to control tempo and capitalize on turnovers could swing the game late.
Look for Lagway to put together a signature performance that reminds everyone why he’s one of the most dynamic players in the nation.
Key Player: Dj Lagway — 278 passing yards, 114 rushing yards, 4 total TDs
Summary: Florida upsets Ohio State behind Lagway’s brilliance, advancing to face a top seed.
Quarterfinals
(1) Oregon vs (9) USC
Prediction: Oregon 42, USC 24
The Ducks get their first test after a bye week, facing a battle-tested USC squad fresh off a thriller. Oregon’s balanced offense — powered by their dual-threat QB and dominant offensive line — proves too much for USC’s inconsistent defense.
The Ducks methodically pull away, using time of possession and a stifling defensive performance in the second half to put the game away. USC’s offense flashes early, but Oregon’s adjustments at halftime shut the door.
Key Player: Oregon QB Dante Moore — 320 total yards, 3 TDs
Summary: Oregon flexes its No. 1 ranking with a commanding win to reach the semifinals.
(2) Penn State vs (10) Florida
Prediction: Florida 31, Penn State 28
Upset alert.
Penn State’s physical defense will challenge Florida early, but Dj Lagway’s ability to extend plays and exploit mismatches could be the difference. The Gators’ offensive creativity and red-zone execution keep them within striking distance until a late-game drive seals it.
Penn State’s offense moves the ball well, but Florida’s defense forces two timely turnovers — one of which turns into points.
Key Player: Florida QB Dj Lagway — 3 total TDs, 340 total yards
Summary: Florida shocks the nation again, knocking off a top-two seed in a thriller.
(3) Duke vs (6) Louisville
Prediction: Duke 35, Louisville 23
Duke’s dream season continues. Their offensive efficiency and composure have been elite all year, and the extra rest from a bye helps them control this game.
Louisville’s offense struggles to keep up after a short week, and Duke capitalizes with long, methodical drives that keep the Cardinals off balance.
The Blue Devils’ quarterback — a poised pocket passer — slices through the Louisville secondary with precision.
Key Player: Duke QB Darian Mensah — 298 yards, 3 TDs
Summary: Duke remains undefeated, advancing to the semifinals with confidence and style.
(4) Texas vs (5) Georgia
Prediction: Georgia 27, Texas 24
A heavyweight clash that could go either way.
Texas has the firepower, but Georgia’s physical defense and championship experience give them the edge. The Bulldogs control the trenches, forcing Texas into a slower-paced, grind-it-out battle that favors their style.
Late in the fourth quarter, Georgia’s kicker nails a 45-yard field goal to send the Bulldogs back to the semifinals.
Key Player: Georgia LB Smael CJ Allen— 8 tackles, 2 sacks
Summary: Georgia’s defense makes the difference as they outlast Texas in a classic.
Semifinals
(1) Oregon vs (5) Georgia
Prediction: Oregon 31, Georgia 20
Georgia’s defense will test Oregon early, but the Ducks’ balance and pace wear them down as the game goes on. Oregon’s quarterback distributes the ball efficiently, and their defense limits Georgia’s big-play ability.
In the second half, Oregon’s offensive tempo and play-calling take over, putting the Bulldogs on their heels.
Key Player: Oregon RB Dierre Hill Jr— 126 rushing yards, 2 TDs
Summary: Oregon punches its ticket to the National Championship, proving worthy of the No. 1 seed.
(3) Duke vs (10) Florida
Prediction: Duke 38, Florida 34
This semifinal is a matchup between two of the season’s most electric offenses.
Florida rides the momentum of back-to-back upsets, but Duke’s passing efficiency and offensive balance ultimately win out. Both teams trade scores in a thriller that features over 800 total yards.
In the final minute, Duke executes a perfect two-minute drill, capped by a touchdown pass to take the lead.
Key Player: Duke QB Darian Mensah— 365 passing yards, 4 TDs
Summary: Duke stays undefeated and advances to the National Championship in a game for the ages.
National Championship: (1) Oregon vs (3) Duke
Prediction: Oregon 37, Duke 27
Duke’s miracle season meets its match.
Oregon’s depth, athleticism, and experience on the big stage prove too much. The Ducks’ offense starts fast, racing to a 17–7 halftime lead, and their defense makes key stops down the stretch. Duke battles hard but can’t quite match Oregon’s firepower in the second half.
The Ducks claim their first PCFB National Championship behind a complete team performance — validating their No. 1 ranking from start to finish.
Key Player: Oregon QB Dante Moore— 312 passing yards, 3 TDs, 1 rush TD
Final Score: Oregon 37, Duke 27
Summary: Oregon completes a perfect season (14-0) and captures the PCFB crown, cementing themselves as the dynasty’s premier program.
Final Playoff Recap
🏆 National Champion: Oregon (14-0)
🥈 Runner-Up: Duke (13-1)
🥉 Semifinalists: Florida (11-3), Georgia (9-3)
🔥 Biggest Cinderella: Florida — upset wins over Ohio State and Penn State
💣 Biggest Disappointment: Texas — eliminated in the quarterfinals after holding a top-four seed all season
