Come Saturday afternoon, the spotlight burns bright at Toyota Stadium. Frisco, Texas will be primed to host Montana State and North Dakota State in what expects to be a fun tilt. The Bobcats were almost destined to be here as much as the North Dakota State Bison. They seemed to be on a collision course from Week 0 of the College Football (FCS) season. In this article, we have NCAA FCS National Title picks. Will North Dakota State be able to finish off their championship campaign Saturday?
Heading into this FCS National Title tilt, North Dakota State is favorite to win Saturday afternoon. The Bison come in on a roll winners of five straight games. They are 13-1 on the season and did survive one of the hardest challenges all season against James Madison three weeks ago. North Dakota State came away with a 20-14 win as their defense answered the bell when push came to shove.
While the offense got slowed down a bit, they will be needed Saturday. The problem is Cam Miller will have to be even better against a Montana State front seven that can get after the ball. Miller has to help keep the Bobcats defense honest to aid Hunter Luepke and the offensive line. If Luepke finds holes and Miller is more of the dual threat most are accustomed to, then the Bison will thrive again in their Texas home away from home.
Both defenses were on last week. Montana State allowed 17 points at home to South Dakota State who were quite a game opponent. South Dakota State quarterback Chris Oladokun produced yards early but were shut down in the second half by the Bobcats front seven who controlled the defensive side of the ball. As South Dakota State had to pass the ball more, Montana State asserted their edge, got a key “Pick Six”, and won by two touchdowns.
As for the Las Vegas online betting sites, North Dakota State holds -285 NCAA Football odds to leave the field with a victory, while Montana State is currently riding in at +245. Normally the more experienced team prevails in a prime national title game like this, and this FCS clash appears to be no different. North Dakota State should be able to win this FCS National Title game, which is why they are our moneyline pick to raise the National Championship trophy once more.
A question many are trying to figure out is will the over or under hit between the Bobcats and the Bison? Normally, we’d go with the under here because of the defensive acumen of both teams. There is a reason why North Dakota State and Montana State are in this position. They did not get here with their outstanding offenses, their defenses stood the ground.
The last time we saw North Dakota State was three weeks ago. In that win, the Bison held on for dear life at times as they slowed down James Madison to just 14 points. Their combined total of just 34 points was a bit unexpected to a point. That was because the Bison produced just 20 points despite 199 yards from Hunter Luepke (110 rushing, 89 receiving) and a couple of touchdowns. A few unforced errors kept North Dakota State from putting more points on the board.
What makes Montana State a threat at times too is simply they can put up some points. They scored 31 points a few weeks ago with ease and have Tommy Mellott who is an absolute terror throwing and running. Mellott threw the ball 15 times and ran it 34 more while totaling 388 yards and four touchdowns (two passing, two rushing). He will be the key focal point in this game Saturday afternoon for better or for worse.
For the Bison to be in this position this season is something that surprises no one. We believe North Dakota State will end up recording a 24-20 win on Saturday afternoon, which would cover the over/under of 42 points. The over has -120 odds, while the under also has those same odds listed. We’re rolling with the over! Is this a bet that everyone agrees with?
With North Dakota State going for yet another national title in the NCAA FCS Title picks, the spread is in question. Now that number has slid down to seven points from an opening 8 1/2. That makes this game a little more appetizing for the betting public. Fortunately, we have a name in North Dakota State to lean on.
The slightly unknown is the Montana State defense, as they did slow down James Madison’s attack. So, James Madison piled up points previously but were stopped cold late. Can the Bobcats do it again versus North Dakota State?
Now, the odds for North Dakota State to cover the touchdown spread is -125. Last week, North Dakota State dominated both sides of the ball in the first half. Then, they slipped up in the third quarter. Any bobble of that size could be fatal this week. However, the Bison adjust better than any FCS team this season.
Therefore, our NCAA FCS National Title picks end with taking North Dakota State, then the over, and finally the spread. Take a peek at our best NFL online betting sites and place some wagers on the NFL Week 18 action as well.
