The stage is set for the showdown we’ve all been waiting for—the No. 1 Montana State Bobcats against the No. 2 North Dakota State Bison in the 2024 FCS Championship. Montana State enters as the FCS’s lone unbeaten team, driven to complete a perfect season and erase the sting of last year’s heartbreaking 35-34 overtime playoff loss to the Bison.
On the other side, North Dakota State is right where they’re most comfortable—at the pinnacle of the FCS. With nine national titles already to their name, the Bison are on the cusp of a historic 10th championship in what will be their 11th title game appearance since 2011. Their reign as one of college football’s greatest dynasties could reach an even higher peak with another win.
This North Dakota State vs. Montana State preview has everything you need—from the latest odds to the high stakes on the line—as these two powerhouses collide in the ultimate battle for FCS supremacy.
North Dakota State vs. Montana State FCS Championship Betting Preview
All North Dakota State vs. Montana State odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
- Spread
Montana State -4 - Moneyline
Montana State -177, North Dakota State +143 - Over/Under
58.5 points - Game Time
7:00 p.m. ET, Monday, Jan. 6 - Location
Toyota Stadium | Frisco, Texas - Predicted Weather at Kick
TBD - How To Watch
ESPN
North Dakota State has only been underdogs three times this season, including both rounds of the Dakota Marker rivalry—and they’ve covered in all three. The Bison have also hit the over in five of their last seven games, proving they can deliver in high-scoring matchups.
MORE: CFN Betting Parlay Calculator
The Bobcats are riding a heater themselves. After a flawless 13-0 regular season, Montana State has kept the momentum alive in the playoffs, covering the spread against UT Martin, Idaho, and South Dakota.
Prediction for North Dakota State vs. Montana State
Keep the number 23 in mind—that’s how many seniors Montana State brought back this season, including their dynamic QB Tommy Mellott.
The Bobcats have FBS-level talent across the board, a fact they highlighted with a season-opening 35-31 upset over New Mexico.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season With CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
Under head coach Brent Vigen, Montana State has been an unstoppable force on the ground. Ranking second in the FCS in rushing yards per game over the last three seasons, they’ve bulldozed their way to an undefeated 2024 season, powered by an imposing offensive line—every starter stands at least 6’4″ and 300 pounds.
Here’s how their ground game has dominated this year:
- Week 0 vs. New Mexico: 362 yards
- Week 1 vs. Utah Tech: 329
- Week 2 vs. Maine: 344
- Week 3 vs. Mercyhurst: 256
- Week 4 vs. Idaho State: 268
- Week 6 vs. Northern Colorado: 232
- Week 7 vs. Idaho: 360
- Week 8 vs. Portland State: 323
- Week 10 vs. Eastern Washington: 316
- Week 11 vs. Sacramento State: 508
- Week 12 vs. UC Davis: 159
- Week 13 vs. Montana: 328
- First round vs. UT Martin: 201
- Second round vs. Idaho: 283
- Semifinals vs. South Dakota: 134
QB Tommy Mellott is just 85 rushing yards away from joining Scottre Humphrey (1,360 yards) and Adam Jones (1,134 yards) as Montana State’s third 1,000-yard rusher this season. And Mellott isn’t just dangerous with his legs—he’s thrown for 29 touchdowns against only two interceptions.
But if there’s a team built to slow the Bobcats, it’s North Dakota State. The Bison defense allows just 119.3 rushing yards per game, ranking 22nd nationally. Meanwhile, their offense, led by star QB Cam Miller (31 TDs, 4 INTs), has been on fire, scoring 28+ points in seven straight games.
Still, Montana State’s relentless pass rush (36 sacks) and +17 turnover margin could be the difference-maker. With a 2021 FCS title rematch on the line, this game feels like the Bobcats’ moment to shine.
Expect Montana State to exact their revenge in a thrilling, high-scoring affair that ends with them hoisting the trophy.
Prediction: Montana State 38, North Dakota State 29
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