Montana State vs South Dakota State Game Info
2022 FCS Championship – Semifinals
Montana State Bobcats (12- 1) vs.'South Dakota State Jackrabbits (11-1)
Date:'Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022
Time:'4:00 p.m. ET
Venue:'Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium – Brookings, SD
Coverage:'ESPN2
The 2022 FCS Championship has reached the semifinals and features a battle between the Montana State Bobcats and South Dakota State Jackrabbits. Montana State crushed William & Mary, 55-7, in the quarterfinals on Friday as Isaiah Ifanse paced the offense with 162 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.
Meanwhile, South Dakota State defeated Holy Cross by a score of 42-21 in its quarterfinals matchup. Isaiah Davis logged 154 rushing yards and 2 TDs, while quarterback Mark Gronowski tallied 177 passing yards and 2 TDs. Both of these teams are aiming for their second FCS finals appearance in the last three years.
Montana State vs South Dakota State Odds & Spread
Moneyline:'MTST: (+220) | SDSU: (-275)
Spread:'MTST: +6.5 (-104) | SDSU: -6.5 (-118)
Total:'57.5 -'Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)
South Dakota State enters this contest as a clear favorite on the moneyline and spread. This clash also features a total of 57.5 points, which ranks as the lowest among this week's FCS playoff slate.
Montana State vs South Dakota State Prediction & Pick
Both of these teams enter this game with only one loss on their record to a Power Five conference opponent. That means they have dominated every FCS opponent put in their way. Montana State has done it by scoring the football, averaging a reliable 44.8 points per game this year (No. 3 in FCS).
South Dakota State has racked up wins thanks in large part to its stellar defense. The Jackrabbits allow only 15.2 points (No. 3 in FCS) on 262.3 yards per game (No. 2 in FCS). Head coach John Stiegeleier's squad also owns the sixth-best turnover margin at +13. It's been an impressive all-around effort.
Both of these teams have made the finals within the last two years and I find myself leaning toward defense over offense in this one. I'll back the Jackrabbits to advance.
Final Score Prediction:'Montana State: 27 | South Dakota State: 34
Montana State vs South Dakota State Betting Trends
– Montana State is 5-1 against the spread (ATS) in its last six games.
– The total has hit the over in four of Montana State's last six games.
– South Dakota State is 7-1 ATS in its last seven games.
– The total has hit the over in five of South Da kota State's last six games.
Montana State vs South Dakota State Best Bet
Given Montana State's offensive talent, a solid defensive outing from South Dakota State could mean allowing over 20, but under 30 points. The Jackrabbits are going to have to step up on offense and that shouldn't be an issue. After all, they average a respectable 32.2 points per game (No. 27 in FCS).
The Jackrabbits will get the stops, but this total still seems too low. The total has hit the over in four of Montana State's last six games as well as in five of South Dakota State's last six games. More than 57 total points were scored in each side's quarterfinals matchup, too. Trust the trends in the semifinals.