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FCS National Championship Odds and Predictions – North Dakota State vs Montana State

Brady Trettenero

by Brady Trettenero in College Football

Updated Jan 7, 2022 · 11:57 AM PST

North Dakota State wide receiver Christian Watson (1) scores in the first half of an FCS playoff NCAA college football game against Montana State, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019, in Fargo, N.D. (AP Photo/Bruce Crummy)
  • North Dakota State plays Montana State for the FCS National Championship on Saturday, January 8th
  • The Bison are favored to win their ninth national championship in 11 years
  • Read below for North Dakota State vs Montana State odds and predictions

North Dakota State (13-1) will look to maintain its dynasty status when it faces Montana State (12-2) in the FCS National Championship game on Saturday, January 8th, 2022. Kickoff is noon EST at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

The Bison are being listed as touchdown favorites over the Bobcats. The game total is set at 42 for a matchup between two elite defensive teams. ESPN2 will broadcast the action.

Let’s take a look at the North Dakota State vs Montana State odds and offer you our predictions.

North Dakota State vs Montana State Odds (FCS National Championship)

Team Spread Moneyline Total
Montana State Bobcats +7.5 (-115) +235 O 42 (-110)
North Dakota State Bison -7.5 (-105) -300 U 42 (-110)

Odds as of  January 7th at DraftKings

Bison on Incredible Run

There isn’t a team in college football that has dominated the FCS landscape like North Dakota State. The Bison have won eight FCS National Titles in the past 10 years and are 40-3 all-time in the FCS playoffs. NDSU has never reached the National Championship Game and lost.

While the 2021 NDSU team isn’t as dominant as past teams, it’s still loaded with talent. The Bison rank first in total defense, allowing just 11.21 points per game. Fifth-year defensive end Brayden Tomas has played a major role in that success, racking up 14.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks.

Offensively, the Bison are averaging 33.8 points per game. QB Cam Miller has thrown for 1,318 yards and 13 TDs with three picks, while RB TaMerik Williams has rushed for 718 yards. All-American WR Christian Watson (hamstring) has yet to play in playoffs, but could return vs MSU.

The Bison have played several close games this season, including four matchups that were decided by once score or fewer. The latest example of a close victory being a 20-14 win over James Madison in the FCS Semifinals on Dec. 18, 2021.

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Bobcats in Unfamiliar Territory

Montana State will be playing for a National Title for the first time since 1984 when it faces North Dakota State in the FCS National Championship. The Bobcats last made the FCS playoffs in 2019 when they were dominated 42-19 by NDSU in the Semifinal.

Montana State’s magical 2021 season has been a story of defense. MSU hasn’t allowed more than 22 points in a game this season and are surrendering just 14.3 PPG in the playoffs. Linebacker Troy Anderson is a top FCS defensive player, racking up 137 total tackles and 14 tackles for loss.

Offensively, the Bobcats are averaging 30 points per game. QB Tommy Mellott made his first-ever start in the FCS Quarterfinals and has thrown for 400 yards and four TDs with no interceptions. MSU relies heavily on it’s rush attack, averaging 225.5 yards per game on the ground.

Montana State punched it’s ticket to Frisco with a 31-17 victory over South Dakota State in the FCS Semifinals. Mellott showcased his dual-threat ability with 155 yards and two TDs on the ground, while WR Lance McCutcheon caught five passes for 98 yards and a TD.

North Dakota State vs Montana State Pick & Prediction

It’s hard to bet against the Bison in the North Dakota State vs Montana State odds. Not only is NDSU familiar with playing in this spot, but they’ve also dominated MSU in the playoffs. The last two playoff meetings (2018 & 2019) were blowouts for the Bison.

While North Dakota State should pull out the victory, this betting line is inflated due to history and reputation. NDSU has run the ball 154 times to just 50 pass attempts this postseason. MSU’s defense has already faced several elite FCS rush attacks in the playoffs, holding them to a total 269 yards on the ground.

This is a solid matchup for the Bobcats, especially if Watson can’t go. NDSU doesn’t have another top-tier receiving target for Miller. On the flip side, MSU should be able to move the ball and control the clock with an elite run game that welcomes back All-American Isaiah Ifanse (knee).

Montana State is 3-0 against the spread in the playoffs, winning outright in two games as underdogs. MSU arguably has the FCS’s best defensive player plus a freshman QB capable of being the x-factor. Back Brent Vigen’s team to keep the FCS National Championship within a touchdown.

  • Pick: Montana State +7.5 (-115)
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