South Dakota’s historic season faces its biggest challenge yet as it squares off against the undefeated Montana State Bobcats in the Coyotes’ first-ever FCS semifinal matchup.
Our South Dakota 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 semifinals.
South Dakota vs. Montana State FCS Semifinals Betting Preview
All South Dakota vs. Montana State odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.
- Spread
Montana State -9.5 - Moneyline
Montana State -345, South Dakota +275 - Over/Under
56.5 points - Game Time
3:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, Dec. 21 - Location
Bobcat Stadium | Bozeman, Mont. - Predicted Weather at Kick
49 degrees, 1 mph winds, cloudy - How To Watch
ABC/ESPN+
South Dakota is no stranger to playing the underdog role, doing so three times this season — they’ve covered each time. The program is also prone to generating points, helping go over the total in four of its last five games.
MORE: CFN Betting Parlay Calculator
Montana State is also on a heater, not just season-long (12-0 straight up) but in the playoffs, cashing the over and covering against UT Martin and Idaho.
Prediction for South Dakota vs. Montana State
South Dakota has proven it belongs among the elite, surviving a brutal schedule that included an overtime bout against South Dakota State, a victory over North Dakota State, and a dominant showing against UC Davis in the quarterfinals.
With veteran leadership and one of the most physical styles in the FCS, the Coyotes have shown they can hang with the best. But Saturday presents an entirely different animal.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season With CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
Montana State’s dynamic rushing attack and imposing home-field advantage in Bozeman, where the Bobcats haven’t lost in nearly two years, will test the Coyotes in ways no team has yet.
The Bobcats have looked unstoppable. Featuring the nation’s most productive rushing offense and a defense allowing just 17.1 points per game, Montana State thrives on controlling the tempo and wearing opponents down.
QB Tommy Mellott (28 TDs to two INTs), backed by NFL-level talent on the offensive line, leads a focused squad with its sights firmly set on Frisco.
South Dakota’s stout defensive line and four-headed monster of an offense (QB Aidan Bouman, RBs Charles Pierre Jr. and Travis Theis, and WR Carter Bell) should keep things tight into the second half, but Montana State’s physicality and depth are likely to prevail.
Expect the Bobcats to seal the game with a punishing fourth-quarter drive, likely led by RBs Scottre Humphrey (7.5 ypa) and Adam Jones (6.8), continuing their unbeaten season and securing a trip to the national championship.
Prediction: Montana State 34, South Dakota 31
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