The stage is set for the heavyweight showdown of the year as No. 1 seed Montana State and No. 2 seed North Dakota State prepare to clash in the 2024 FCS Championship. The Bobcats are the last unbeaten team in the FCS and aim to cap a perfect season and avenge last year’s 35-34 overtime playoff loss to the Bison.
Meanwhile, the Bison are back in familiar territory, aiming for their 10th FCS title and 11th championship appearance since 2011, adding to their impeccable dynasty status.
Our North Dakota State vs. Montana State preview dives into everything you need to know — from the latest betting odds to what’s on the line for both teams as they battle in the FCS championship.
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. 22, 2024.
- Spread
Montana State -3.5 - Moneyline
Montana State -162, North Dakota State +136 - Over/Under
55.5 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
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.
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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
Montana State’s offense has been a juggernaut this season, scoring in 54 of 60 quarters while averaging an FCS-best 41.3 points per game. The Bobcats’ identity is clear: dominate on the ground.
Behind an imposing offensive line — every starter is at least 6’4″, 300 pounds, including two-time All-American Marcus Wehr — they rank No. 2 in the FCS with 301 rushing yards per game. QB Tommy Mellott, who needs just 85 more rushing yards to give Montana State three 1,000-yard rushers alongside Scottre Humphrey (1,360 yards, 15 TDs) and Adam Jones (1,134 yards, 14 TDs), has been electric, throwing 29 TDs to just two INTs.
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North Dakota State’s defense, led by standout DT Eli Mostaert, has been stout against the run, allowing just 119.3 yards per game and holding opposing QBs in check. However, the Bobcats have surpassed 200 rushing yards in each of their playoff victories, setting up a strength-on-strength clash.
While Mellott has leaned on wideout Taco Dowler during the playoffs (four touchdowns in three games), NDSU’s red-zone defense, which allows TDs on only 57.9% of trips, will test Montana State’s efficiency.
North Dakota State’s offense has taken a different shape in coach Tim Polasek’s first season, blending its traditional power running with a more dynamic passing attack. While the Bison’s ground game remains formidable — 192.7 rushing yards per game behind a massive offensive line anchored by Grey Zabel and Mason Miller — it’s their aerial production that’s turned heads.
QB Cam Miller, who boasts 44 career wins, including one over Montana State in the 2021 FCS championship, has shattered personal bests with 3,052 passing yards, 31 TDs, and a 72.6% completion rate. His connection with breakout star Bryce Lance (66 receptions, 964 yards, and a program-record 16 TDs) has fueled NDSU’s highest passing output since 2007.
Despite their offensive efficiency — just six turnovers all season — the Bison face a stiff test against a disruptive Montana State defense. The Bobcats’ pass rush has been relentless, tallying 36 sacks, with 18 coming in the last five games. Defensive ends Brody Grebe and Kenneth Eiden IV have combined for 16.5 sacks, while 12 different players have contributed takeaways.
Montana State’s ability to pressure Miller and force mistakes could be the key to slowing down an NDSU offense that’s been nearly unstoppable this year. Take the Bobcats to continue their rushing dominance and hold Miller and Co. on key downs to come away with their first FCS title victory since 1984.
Prediction: Montana State 38, North Dakota State 29
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