Montana State is not used to this.
Oh, it has a few national titles in the case from various levels – 1956, 1976, and the most recent in 1984 as an FCS program – but it has never been this strong, including when it lost 38-10 to North Dakota State for the 2021 national championship.
But this year, it did something special, surviving a late comeback to defeat New Mexico to start the season before going on to win 14 straight games to reach this point.
Along the way, it defeated rival Montana, swept through the FCS playoffs, and now has a chance at its first national title in the modern era of FCS football.
North Dakota State is accustomed to having a large number of these.
It has won nine national championships since moving up in weight class, the first in 2011, but it has been a few years. South Dakota State had won the previous two national championships, including one over NDSU in 2022, but this time the Bison won 28-21 to earn the trip to Frisco.
North Dakota State vs Montana State: How to Watch the FCS National Championship, Game Preview
Date:Â Monday, January 6, 2025
Game Time:Â 7:00 pm ET
How To Watch:Â ESPN
Venue:Â Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX
Teams:Â Montana State (15-0), North Dakota State (13-2)
Why North Dakota State Will Win
Cam Miller is well worth the price of admission.
North Dakota State is stacked with talent, but Miller is the driving force, completing 73% of his passes for 31 touchdowns with only four interceptions and rushing for ten touchdowns.
Because of him, the Bison control third downs, have the nation’s most efficient FCS passing game, and excel at winning time of possession battles. This may not be as powerful as it was during its reign of dominance, but it is more measured.
There is no sense of panic among this group. Convert third downs, do not take chances, do not turn the ball over, rely on a running game that averages nearly five yards, and score whenever you have the opportunity.
Methodical work. Maintaining a methodical approach keeps the defense fresh.
Why Montana State Will Win
Montana State is methodical and more explosive.
North Dakota State may lead the nation in passing efficiency, but Montana State ranks second behind Tommy Mellott, who has 29 touchdown passes, two interceptions, 14 touchdown runs, and over 900 yards on the ground.
NDSU ranks third in the nation in third-down conversions. Montana State is No. 2; Eastern Washington was No. 1 and lost to the Bobcats by two touchdowns.
NDSU ranks fifth in the nation in terms of possession time. Montana State is ranked third. NDSU ranks third in the nation in scoring offense. Montana State leads the nation in scoring, red zone offense, and tackles for loss allowed.
The Bison defensive front may be excellent at getting into the backfield and formidable against the run, but the Bobcat line is far superior.
The offense averages 6.6 yards per carry and, like NDSU, takes few chances, turning the ball over only nine times this season.
North Dakota State vs Montana State: Who Will Win?
It is Montana State’s turn.
Never, ever, ever underestimate North Dakota State or assume it can not find a way to win; you do not win nine national championships in 11 years without having something figured out.
However, this Bobcat team is too good in all phases, too strong on the lines, and has just enough experience to avoid being intimidated by NDSU’s history.
The Bison will try to control the tempo, and they will go on a few strong scoring drives in the first half to keep up, but the Montana State offensive line will let everyone work. The defensive line will generate slightly more of a pass rush than NDSU’s.
North Dakota State vs Montana State FCS National Championship Prediction, Betting Lines
Prediction:Â Montana State 30, North Dakota State 24
Line:Â Montana State -3.5, o/u: 57.5
ATS Confidence out of 5:Â 2
Must See Rating:Â 5
