Prediction, Pick & Odds for the FCS Semifinal Matchup between South Dakota and Montana State

• The Montana State Bobcats are 8-point favorites over the South Dakota Coyotes in the FCS Semifinal
• At 14-0, Montana State is the only undefeated team standing in the FCS
• Check the South Dakota vs Montana State odds, spread and prediction below

A trip to the FCS National Championship game is on the line Saturday when the South Dakota Coyotes (11-2, 7-1 Missouri Valley) visit the Montana State Bobcats (14-0, 8-0 Bik Sky).

Montana State is undefeated at home this season, with just a single loss in its past 35 home starts — a big reason they’re a heavy favorite to reach the title game on Jan. 6 in Frisco, Texas.

South Dakota vs Montana State Odds

The visiting Coyotes are hefty 8-point underdogs, with a total set at 56.5 points.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30pm ET at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, Montana, with ABC providing the broadcast coverage.

Odds as of December 201 at 12am ET. Be sure to check out the best Caesars Sportsbook promos before placing a bet on any College Football matchup.

Montana State Brings Offensive Firepower

The scoreboard light bulbs should be given a workout in this one, as this game features two of the Top 5 scoring teams in the FCS.

Montana State is the top-scoring team at this level, putting up 42.1 points per game – the only FCS school to crack the 40-point plateau on the season.

To beat the Bobcats, you’re going to have to put up points: they have scored at least 30 points in every game this season.

FOUR AND COUNTING ‼️ @AJonessy #FCSPlayoffs x 🎥 ESPN / @MSUBobcats_FB pic.twitter.com/KMtrkU8SBC

— NCAA FCS Football (@NCAA_FCS) December 14, 2024

QB Tommy Mellott threw for 2,430 yards with 28 touchdowns against just two picks, but he was supported by a devastating rush attack, which ranked second in the FCS, pumping out 306.6 rush yards per game.

Scottre Humphrey — who missed the quarterfinal win over Idaho but should be available Saturday — has rushed for 1,325 and 14 touchdowns. Adam Jones rushed for 1,048 yards and 14 scores as well.

Battle Tested Coyotes Can Compete

While Montana State has just two wins decided by one possession on the season, South Dakota has survived the grind to get to the Final Four.

If their work against the other semifinalists is any indication, they should provide Montana State with one of its toughest tests so far this season.

South Dakota took the South Dakota State (the no. 3 seed in the playoffs) to overtime on October 26, eventually bowing out 20-17, while besting second-seeded North Dakota State 29-28 on November 23.

THEIS AS NICE ✌️🔥@Travis_Theis5 finds the end zone for the second time today!#FCSPlayoffs x 🎥 ESPN+ / @SDCoyotesFB pic.twitter.com/k5QrUxVrP9

— NCAA FCS Football (@NCAA_FCS) December 7, 2024

They also just bounced 5th-ranked UC Davis in the quarters with a convincing 35-21 win.

The Coyotes can score with anyone, putting up 37.2 points per game in the FCS, which ranked fifth.

Their run game powers their attack too. Charles Pierre ran for 1,188 yards and 15 scores, while Travis Theis led the team with 18 touchdowns and 1,062 yards.

This matchup pits the only two teams in the FCS with a running back tandem that each rushed for better than 1,000 yards.

South Dakota vs Montana State Prediction

Offense should reign supreme on Saturday. While South Dakota rides a five-game win streak into this showdown, they have also allowed an average of 29 points over the last four contests.

The Coyotes’ defense lagging down the stretch is not a good sign against the Bobcats’ offensive engine.

But South Dakota’s ability to hang tough against the top teams shouldn’t be discounted, and they will show up when it counts — not in the win column, but on the scoreboard.

• South Dakota vs Montana State Pick: Over 56.5 points (-110)

The FCS Semifinal matchup between South Dakota and Montana State is shaping up to be an exciting and closely contested game. Both teams have had impressive seasons so far, and fans are eagerly anticipating this showdown to see who will advance to the championship game.

South Dakota comes into this matchup with a record of 10-2, having defeated Southern Illinois in the quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals. The Coyotes have been led by their high-powered offense, which is averaging over 30 points per game this season. Quarterback Carson Camp has been a standout player for South Dakota, throwing for over 2,500 yards and 20 touchdowns on the year. The Coyotes also have a strong rushing attack, led by running back Nate Thomas, who has rushed for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.

On the other side, Montana State enters the semifinals with a record of 11-1, coming off a dominant win over Sam Houston State in the quarterfinals. The Bobcats have been led by their stout defense, which is allowing just over 17 points per game this season. Linebacker Troy Andersen has been a force on defense for Montana State, recording over 100 tackles and 5 sacks on the year. Offensively, the Bobcats have been balanced, with quarterback Tommy Mellott throwing for over 2,000 yards and running back Isaiah Ifanse rushing for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns.

In terms of predictions and odds for this matchup, it is expected to be a close game with both teams having a legitimate chance to come out on top. South Dakota is currently listed as a slight favorite, with odds of -3.5 points. However, Montana State has shown throughout the season that they are a tough team to beat, especially on defense.

Ultimately, this game could come down to which team can make key plays in crucial moments. Both South Dakota and Montana State have proven themselves to be resilient and capable of pulling out wins in tight games. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle between these two talented teams, with the winner earning a spot in the FCS championship game.