The stage is set for the heavyweight showdown of the year as the No. 1 seed Montana State Bobcats take on the No. 2 seed North Dakota State Bison in the 2024 FCS Championship. Montana State enters as the lone unbeaten team in the FCS, determined to complete a perfect season while exorcising the demons of last year’s heart-wrenching 35-34 overtime playoff loss to the Bison.
On the other side, the Bison are right where they’ve thrived for over a decade—chasing their 10th FCS title and making their 11th championship appearance since 2011, further cementing their dynasty in college football lore.
Our North Dakota State vs. Montana State preview covers everything you need to know, from the latest betting odds to what’s at stake as these two powerhouses collide in the ultimate showdown 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 Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024.
- Spread
Montana State -3.5 - Moneyline
Montana State -175, North Dakota State +145 - Over/Under
56 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
The Bison have only been underdogs three times this season, including both rounds of the Dakota Marker, but they covered in all three. Additionally, they’ve helped push the total over in five of their last seven contests.
MORE: CFN Betting Parlay Calculator
Montana State is also on a heater, not just in the regular season (13-0 straight up) but in the playoffs, covering against UT Martin, Idaho, and South Dakota.
Prediction for North Dakota State vs. Montana State
Remember the number 23 — that’s how many senior players Montana State returned this season, including dynamic QB Tommy Mellott.
The Bobcats boast FBS-level talent across the board, proving as much in a 35-31 upset victory over New Mexico in Week 1.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season With CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
Montana State has ranked second in the FCS in rushing yards per game over the last three seasons under head coach Brent Vigen, and they continued to run over teams to an undefeated record in 2024 behind a massive offensive line — every starter stands at least 6’4″ and 300 pounds:
- 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
According to The Analyst’s Craig Haley, Mellott needs just 85 more rushing yards to join Scottre Humphrey (1,360) and Adam Jones (1,134) as Montana State’s third 1,000-yard rusher. It’s not just his legs, either, as he’s thrown 29 TDs to just two INTs this year.
Of course, North Dakota State won’t let the Bobcats run all over them. The Bison allow 119.3 rushing yards per game, ranking 22nd in the nation. With their own star QB in Cam Miller (31 TDs, four INTs), they’ve scored 28+ points in seven straight games.
Yet, Montana State’s relentless pass rush (36 sacks) and +17 turnover ratio may simply be too much to handle. With a 2021 FCS title rematch on the line, I expect the Bobcats to get their revenge and hoist the trophy in a high-scoring affair we all deserve.
Prediction: Montana State 38, North Dakota State 29
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