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.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on January 6, 2025, at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, and the game will be televised on ESPN. All North Dakota State vs. Montana State odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook as of December 22, 2024. Montana State is favored by 3.5 points, with its moneyline sitting at -162, and North Dakota State at +136. The over/under is set at 55.5 points.
Montana State's offense has been nothing short of spectacular this season, scoring points at will and dominating on the ground. They rank No. 2 in the FCS, averaging 301 rushing yards per game. With the help of their imposing offensive line, every starter standing at least 6’4” and 300 pounds, Montana State has made its mark. QB Tommy Mellott, prolific with his leg and arm, has been electric this season, throwing 29 touchdowns to just two interceptions. Running backs Scottre Humphrey and Adam Jones have both accumulated over 1,000 rushing yards, and they continue to grow as they head toward the finals.
On the other side, North Dakota State brings its own strengths. While maintaining its traditional power running game, Coach Tim Polasek has injected some dynamism with the passing attack. Quarterback Cam Miller leads the charge, boasting impressive stats with 3,052 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and a completion rate of 72.6%. His chemistry with wide receiver Bryce Lance has been electric, highlighted by Lance’s program record of 16 touchdowns this season.
Defensively, North Dakota State has been tough, allowing only 119.3 rushing yards per game thanks to standout defensive tackle Eli Mostaert. Like Montana State, the Bison's defense will face its own challenge, as the Bobcats have rushed for more than 200 yards per game during their playoff run. This matchup is highlighted by contrasting styles—a strength-on-strength showdown.
Notably, Montana State has shown resilience, remaining unbeaten. "Montana State is the last unbeaten team in the FCS and aim to cap a perfect season,” reports College Football Network. Meanwhile, North Dakota’s legacy as champions looms large, seeking to protect their title as they aim to push their count to ten championships. "North Dakota State is back aiming for their 10th FCS title and 11th championship appearance since 2011,” the report adds.
Montana State's strong defensive efforts have been illustrated by their pass rush, which has recorded 36 sacks this season. Brody Grebe and Kenneth Eiden IV have been instrumental, contributing to this ferocity. This could prove to be the decisive factor as they square off against Miller, who has been formidable but is not invincible.
Looking back at their previous encounters, North Dakota State holds the historical edge over the Bobcats, boasting a record of 4-0 against them. This includes their pivotal meeting during the 2021 FCS National Championship, where the Bison convincingly defeated the Bobcats 38-10.
With championship dreams on the line, predictions are running high. Many experts are backing Montana State for the upset and to possibly change the narrative 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,” asserts College Football Network.
Both teams display remarkable capabilities and unique strengths, making this one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. The outcome remains uncertain as fans eagerly await what promises to be an unforgettable championship showdown.
