Idaho State vs Montana Prediction, Odds & FCS Picks (Nov. 14)

• Idaho State brings a 6-4 record into Missoula, but this late-night trip sets up as a tough spot.
• Kalshi traders have the Idaho State vs Montana odds sitting close to a coin flip on both the spread and the total.
• See below for my prediction, the latest prices and two FCS picks for Saturday night.

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The Montana Grizzlies host the Idaho State Bengals on Saturday, November 14, with kickoff at Washington-Grizzly Stadium set for 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

Idaho State is coming off a heartbreaking 28-26 triple-overtime loss to Montana State, and now it has to turn around and play in Missoula. Montana gets the Bengals a week after that extra work.

I’m always looking for edges in these late-night spots. Below, I’ll break down my Idaho State vs Montana prediction, the current market and where I’m landing before you lock in your sports betting picks.

Jump to: Prediction | Odds | FCS Picks

Idaho State vs Montana Prediction

Prediction: Montana wins by eight or more in a game that stays under 63.5 total points.

History is firmly on the home side. Montana leads the all-time series 49-13, and these two programs christened this building together, with Montana winning the first game at Washington-Grizzly Stadium 38-31 over Idaho State in 1986.

Idaho State deserves respect, though. The Bengals are 6-4 overall and 3-4 in conference play, and they already went on the road and beat FBS Utah State this season.

My concern for the visitors is the spot. Three overtimes against a rival takes a lot out of a roster, and a week later they’re traveling into one of the toughest environments in the FCS for a 10:30 p.m. ET kickoff.

Here’s the real counterargument. A team that beat an FBS opponent on the road and took Montana State to three extra periods won’t be intimidated, and if the Bengals use that loss as fuel instead of carrying it as fatigue, this one could stay tight deep into the fourth quarter.

Idaho State vs Montana Odds

Both Idaho State vs Montana markets are priced near a coin flip. A 51¢ YES on Montana -7.5 implies roughly a 51% chance the Grizzlies cover, while 51¢ for NO on Over 63.5 implies about a 51% chance the game stays under.

At 51¢, either contract returns 49¢ of gross profit if it settles at $1, before fees. The two markets settle separately: Montana can cover in a high-scoring game. You can compare more numbers on our college football odds page.

Idaho State vs Montana FCS Picks

Pick 1: Montana -7.5

Laying the hook can be uncomfortable, so let’s be clear about what this contract needs. If Montana wins by seven, this loses. If Montana wins by eight, it cashes.

One touchdown does not cover. I need the Grizzlies to separate by at least eight points, and I think the situation gives them a path to do it. Montana has done so six times this season out of seven wins. In Big Sky play, Montana is 5-2 with five wins by at least eight points. Montana has been dynamic at home, beating Drake, Utah Tech, Northern Colorado, and Portland State by double digits.

Idaho State’s travel, the late kickoff and the overtime hangover all point the same way. At 51¢, I’m pulling the trigger on the home side to cover in this Idaho State vs Montana spot.

Pick 2: Under 63.5

Idaho State’s last game finished with 54 combined points, and that number needed three overtime periods to get there. Regulation scoring was lower than the final suggests, so I’m not reading that box score as a shootout.

That distinction matters for the Idaho State vs Montana total. Overtime points count toward the final number, so the real threat to the Under is a game that stays level late and goes to extra periods. That said, a triple overtime game is an extreme outlier.

The clearest risk is a short field fest. A turnover that sets up an easy touchdown can push a close game over this number without either offense consistently moving the chains. Still, I’ll take the Under at 51¢ and expect a game that stays below 63.5.

I like Montana to win with a score around 31-20, moving the Grizzlies to 8-3 and 6-2 in Big Sky action. Idaho State would fall to 6-5 with a 3-5 conference record. Watch for Keali’i Ah Yat who has 16 passing touchdowns to one interception while playing at home.

Compare Saturday’s prices on our college football betting apps page.