College Football Expert Picks Predictions: Georgia vs TCU, North Dakota State vs South Dakota State

College Football Expert picks and predictions for the January 2nd bowl games

College football expert picks, predictions: College Football Playoff National Championship Georgia vs TCU, FCS Championship North Dakota State vs South Dakota State


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* next to the pick means the team will win, but not cover.
Click on each game for the game preview and CFN Prediction

National Championship College Football Expert Picks 
CFP Championship: Georgia vs TCU | Over/Under
NFL Week 18 Expert Picks

North Dakota State vs South Dakota State

FCS National Championship

Line: South Dakota State -5

Eric Bolin, RazorbacksWire.com: SDSU*
Evan Bredeson, CornhuskersWire.com: SDSU
Tony Cosolo, ColoradoBuffaloesWire.com: NDSU
Jeff Feyerer, CFN: NDSU
Pete Fiutak, CFN: SDSU
Cami Griffin, LonghornsWire.com: SDSU
Dan Harralson, VolsWire.com: SDSU*
Phil Harrison, BuckeyesWire.com: SDSU
Jeremy Mauss, MWwire.com: NDSU
Kevin McGuire, NittanyLionsWire.com: NDSU
Big Game Ben Niewoehner, CFN: NDSU
E, CFN: NDSU
Tyler Nettuno, LSUTigerswire.com: NDSU
Zack Pearson, TarHeelswire.com SDSU
Johnny Rosenstein, SportsBookWire.com: SDSU
Nick Shepkowski, FightingIrishWire.comNDSU
Scott Steehn, WinnersandWhiners.com: SDSU*
Joe Vitale, UGAWire.com: SDSU
Clucko the Chicken (a coin flip), CFN: SDSU
CONSENSUS PICK: South Dakota State

National Championship College Football Expert Picks 
\CFP Championship: Georgia vs TCU | Over/Under
NFL Week 18 Expert Picks

NEXT: Georgia vs TCU College Football Playoff National Championship

North Dakota State vs South Dakota State FCS National Championship Prediction Game Preview

North Dakota State vs South Dakota State game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the FCS National Championship on Sunday, January 8, 2023

North Dakota State vs South Dakota State prediction, game preview, odds, how to watch. FCS National Championship, Sunday, January 8, 2023


North Dakota State vs South Dakota State FCS National Championship Prediction Game Preview

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North Dakota State vs South Dakota State How To Watch

Date: Sunday, January 8, 2023
Game Time: 2:00 ET
Venue: Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX
How To Watch: ABC
Record: North Dakota State (12-1), South Dakota State (13-1)
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North Dakota State vs South Dakota State FCS National Championship 5 Things To Know

Why NDSU & SDSU will win the FCS National Championship
FCS National Championship Prediction, What’s Going To Happen, History

North Dakota State is like UCLA basketball from 1964 to 1975. The Bruins won ten national championships in 11 years, and now North Dakota State has a shot to make it ten FCS football national championships in 12 seasons, and two in a row after thumping Montana State to win the 2021 national title.

South Dakota State had the team to get it done in 2020, but lost to Sam Houston 23-21 in the FCS Championship. However, it’s had the Bison’s number lately, winning three in a row with the 23-21 victory in mid-October turning out to decide the conference title – the first outright Missouri Valley championship for the Jackrabbits. They’ve never won an FCS national title.

CFN Final 2022 Rankings 1-131

South Dakota State might have an efficient and effective offense, but it gets the job done on defense. There’s a decent pass rush, but it’s the nation’s best run D that takes over games. It all works in perfect sync with this bunch – stop the run, force long third down opportunities, get off the field, let the O control the clock. It gave Iowa everything it could handle in a 7-3 loss to start the season – the Hawkeyes got two safeties and a field goal. and reeled off 13 straight after it.

CFN Experts Picks Georgia vs TCU, NDSU vs SDSU

North Dakota State lost at Arizona 31-28 to go along with the loss to the Jackrabbits. The defense is solid – that’s underselling it; it’s among the best in the nation, but not quite at SDSU’s level. The offense is a force – again.

The attack is explosive, balanced, and can run and run and run behind NFL prospect Cody Mauch at one tackle spot, guard Nash Jenson, and fullback Hunter Luepke – they’re all able to blast away.

In the first meeting, North Dakota State got out to a 21-7 lead at home, and then – after picking off the Bison in the end zone – it was all SDSU the rest of the way scoring 16 unanswered points on three Hunter Dustman field goals and a 16-yard Amar Johnson run. The Jackrabbit defense took over in the second half.

Why NDSU & SDSU will win the FCS National Championship
FCS National Championship Prediction, What’s Going To Happen, History

NEXT: Why North Dakota State & South Dakota State Will Win The FCS National Championship

NC Central 41, Jackson State 34 in OT, Celebration Bowl What Happened, What It All Means

NC Central 41, Jackson State 34 OT: Cricket Celebration Bowl what happened, player of the game, and what it all means

NC Central beat Jackson State to win the Cricket Celebration Bowl. What happened, who was the player of the game, and what does it all mean?


NC Central 41, Jackson State 34 OT, Cricket Celebration Bowl What Happened, Player of the Game, What It All Means

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Cricket Celebration Bowl What Happened

In a thrilling finish, NC Central took the overtime lead on QB Davius Richard’s one-yard pounding TD, and Shedeur Sanders failed to connect on his fourth down throw into the end zone on Jackson State’s turn.

Richard hit Latrell Collier for a touchdown pass for a late 34-27 Eagle lead, but Sanders drove the Tigers 81 yards with his 19-yard touchdown pass to Travis Hunter – and the extra point – forcing overtime. Sanders finished with 329 passing yards and four scores, and he ran for a touchdown.

– It was everything you want a bowl game to be. The intensity was there from the start on both sides, there were wild momentum swings, just one turnover, and a ton of energy and emotion. You’re not going to see a harder-played bowl game until the College Football Playoff.

– Jackson State got out to a slow start and rallied back, but its struggles to tackle proved costly. NC Central kept on pounding away, dominated the clock, and ended up being the more physical team, at least on the offensive side. Jackson State was hardly soft, but NC Central was able to bash.

Cricket Celebration Bowl Player of the Game

Davius Richard, QB NC Central 
Richard completed 15-of-20 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown, led the team with 94 rushing yards and a touchdown, and caught a pass for 31 yards.

CFN Experts Picks Dec 20-27 | CFP NY6, Dec 28-Jan 2

Cricket Celebration Bowl Fun Stats

– Time of Possession: NC Central 38:09 – Jackson State 21:51

– 4th Downs: Both teams converted both of their tries

– Rushing Yards: NC Central 254 – Jackson State 64

Cricket Celebration Bowl What It All Means

No, this doesn’t mean that much going forward for the Deion Sanders era at Colorado. With that said, it’s not a great look that this is the second Celebration Bowl in a row that his team didn’t rise up and produce.

Last year his Tigers were boatraced by South Carolina State, and this time around the perfect season was stopped by an Eagle team that brought its A game from the start.

Was it a lack of focus with all that’s going on with his new gig? That might be a stretch, and it might not be fair – give NC Central credit for getting it done. That was a fight to the very end.

6-1. That’s what the MEAC is now in the Celebration Bowl against the SWAC, with the only loss by NC Central in 2016. Head coach Trei Oliver had his team ready, but this was hardly a crazy upset. The Eagles cranked up the offense all year long, it had talent, and it had a quarterback in Richard who could be the calmest guy in the room and get the job done.

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2022-2023 Bowl Schedule, Predictions

TCU vs Tarleton Prediction, Game Preview

TCU vs Tarleton game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 2 game on Saturday, September 10

TCU vs Tarleton prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 2, Saturday, September 10


TCU vs Tarleton How To Watch

Date: Saturday, September 10
Game Time: 8:00 ET
Venue: Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX
How To Watch: Big 12 Network/ESPN+
Record: TCU (1-0), Tarleton (1-0)
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CFN 1-131 Rankings | Bowl Projections
CFN Week 2 Expert Picks | Week 2 Schedule
NFL Expert Predictions | NFL Predictions
What 12-Team Playoff Would Look Like
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TCU vs Tarleton Game Preview

Why Tarleton Will Win

The Texans put up a nice first game against Mississippi Valley State. They got off to a hot start, made a late push, and got through 29-13.

They’re going to bring the fight.

Beau Allen and the passing game should push the Horned Frog secondary a bit, the defensive side missed Chandler Morris – the TCU starting QB is out with a knee injury – and …

CFN Expert Picks, Week 2

Why TCU Will Win

This is the game to get everything else up to speed.

Yes, the Horned Frogs will be missing Morris, but Max Duggan is hardly a No. 2 quarterback – he could’ve easily have been the starter.

The offense that roared in the second half of the 38-13 win over Colorado will run as much as it wants – Mississippi Valley State was able to rip off 200 yards on the Texans – but it’ll be Duggan and the passing attack that should put this away fast.

The defensive front should live in the Tarleton backfield, the secondary will hold up fine against Allen, and …

Week 2 Schedule, Predictions, Game Preview

What’s Going To Happen

The Sonny Dykes era will continue with the good start.

His offense didn’t wing it around against Colorado, but it didn’t have to. This will be the game to get the passing attack working, the defense will clean up anything it has to, and this will be a nice, easy day at the office to get ready for the trip up the road to SMU.

CFN Week 2 Predictions

TCU vs Tarleton Prediction, Line

TCU 48, Tarleton 3
Line: TCU -37, o/u: 63
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
TCU vs Tarleton Must See Rating (out of 5): 1

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Predictions of Every Game
Bowl Projections | Rankings
Schedules, Scores For All 131 Teams

Washington State vs Idaho Prediction, Game Preview

Washington State vs Idaho game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 1 game on Saturday, September 3

Washington State vs Idaho prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 1, Saturday, September 3


Washington State vs Idaho How To Watch

Date: Saturday, September 3
Game Time: 9:30 pm ET
Venue: Martin Stadium, Pullman, WA
How To Watch: Pac-12 Network
Record: Washington State (0-0), Idaho (0-0)
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CFN Predictions of Every Game
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | Pac-12 | SEC
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2022 Bowl Projections | Week 0 Rankings 1-131
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Washington State vs Idaho Game Preview

Why Idaho Will Win

The Vandals have to get the pass rush going early and keep it rolling. That’s hard to do considering how the Washington State passing game works, but the pressure has to be there from the start.

Top pass rusher Charles Akanno might be done, but the Vandals have parts from several spots that can get into the backfield.

Get the pass rush working, use the rotation of running backs to work the clock a little bit – averaging 4.5 yards per carry like the O did last year would be wonderful – and …

Week 1 CFN College Football Expert Picks

Why Washington State Will Win

Settle in for the Cameron Ward show.

Washington State was able to get the former Incarnate Word star quarterback to come in and run the attack, and now, look out.

Idaho might have a pass rush, but it won’t be consistent enough to bother Ward.

Idaho might have a running game, but it almost certainly won’t be enough to control the tempo.

The Vandal secondary will be iffy – to be nice about it – and after a quarter or so to get the timing down, Wazzu’s offense should get into a nice groove.

Week 1 Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews, Saturday

What’s Going To Happen

Idaho won’t be a total pushover.

It doesn’t have the talent or personnel to pull this off, but this is one of those neighborhood games – the two schools are only about ten miles apart – that brings out a little more fight than normal.

But Washington State usually annihilates that team to the east.

That will last about ten minutes, and then the Washington State will pick apart the Vandal secondary clean. A few Idaho turnovers will turn this into a rout in the second half.

All of the CFN Predictions

Washington State vs Idaho Prediction, Line

Washington State 52, Idaho 14
Line: Washington State -28.5, o/u: 57
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

How every college coach does against the spread

Washington State vs Idaho Must See Rating: 2

5: Gangs of London Season 2
1: Mack & Rita

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Toledo vs LIU Prediction, Game Preview

Toledo vs LIU game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 1 game on Thursday, September 1

Toledo vs LIU prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 1, Thursday, September 1


Toledo vs LIU How To Watch

Date: Thursday, September 1
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Venue: Glass Bowl, Toledo, OH
How To Watch: ESPN3
Record: Toledo (0-0), LIU (0-0)
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CFN Predictions of Every Game
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Toledo vs LIU Game Preview

Why LIU Will Win

The Sharks will be careful with the ball.

Toledo led the nation in fewest turnovers – they only gave it away seven times – and isn’t likely to give away a slew of easy chances. It’s going to be a hard enough game for LIU, and forget about it if it’s -2 or worse in turnover margin.

The offense can work around the running of Jonathan DeBique to try controlling the clock a bit. Toledo’s defense might have been among the best in the MAC last year – and should be strong again – but time of possession didn’t matter to the team. It’s up to the Shark offense to work the clock, shorten the game, and keep the ball for at least 35 minutes.

But …

Why Toledo Will Win

In theory the Sharks will control the ball and slow things down, but they won’t be good enough on third downs to make that happen.

LIU isn’t going to do much to push the ball down the field, and the O in general will have a hard time consistently moving the ball.

Toledo’s offense should be able to treat this as a live scrimmage.

It needs to get a slew of new receivers in sync with QB Dequan Finn, and O line has to be better in pass protection, and …

It’s all going to work just fine. Toledo should have enough offense to name its score.

Week 1 Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews, Thursday & Friday

What’s Going To Happen

The Rockets will do whatever they want to.

Going back to 2014, Toledo has averaged 51 points in the six games against FCS teams. It’s about to hit that with ease as it gets out to a hot start and keeps on rolling through the third. LIU won’t have nearly enough offense to keep up.

All of the CFN Predictions

Toledo vs LIU Prediction, Line

Toledo 54, LIU 10
Line: Toledo -45.5, o/u: 54.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Toledo vs LIU Must See Rating: 1

5: ‘Billie Jean’
1: Aidan Hutchinson’s rendition of ‘Billie Jean’

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Memphis vs Boise State Prediction, Game Preview: NCAA Tournament First Round

Memphis vs Boise State prediction, NCAA Tournament First Round game preview, how to watch, lines, and why each team might – or might not – win on Thursday

Memphis vs Boise State: NCAA Tournament First Round prediction and college basketball game preview.


Memphis vs Boise State Game Preview, NCAA Tournament First Round How To Watch

Date: Wednesday, March 17
Game Time: 1:45 pm
Venue: Moda Center, Portland, OR
How To Watch: TNT
Records: Memphis (9 seed, 21-10)
Boise State (8 seed, 27-7)
Region: West

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NCAA Tournament Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews

Kentucky vs Vanderbilt College Basketball Prediction, Game Preview

Kentucky vs Vanderbilt prediction, college basketball game preview, how to watch, lines, and why each team might – or might not – win on Friday.

Kentucky vs Vanderbilt prediction, college basketball game preview, how to watch: Friday, March 11


Kentucky vs Vanderbilt Game Preview, SEC Tournament How To Watch

Date: Friday, March 11
Game Time: 8:00 ET
Venue: Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL
How To Watch: SEC Network
Record: Kentucky (25-6), Vanderbilt (17-15)
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All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

FCS Championship North Dakota State vs Montana State Prediction, Game Preview

FCS Championship: North Dakota State vs Montana State prediction, game preview, how to watch, lines, and why each team might – or might not – win on Saturday.

FFCS Championship: North Dakota State vs Montana State prediction, game preview, how to watch: Saturday, January 8


FCS Championship: North Dakota State vs Montana State How To Watch

Date: Saturday, January 8
Game Time: 12:00 pm ET
Venue: Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX
How To Watch: ESPN
Record: North Dakota State (13-1), Montana State (12-2)
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Today’s Best Bet to Lock in Now

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All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

FCS Championship: North Dakota State vs Montana State Game Preview


Why Montana State Will Win

Montana State did the work for the North Dakota State, taking out a South Dakota State team that handed the Bison their only loss of the year.

The Bobcats got a massive day from QB Tommy Mellott in his amazing run through the FCS playoffs.

Starting quarterback Matt McKay entered the transfer portal just before the playoff started, Mellott stepped in and has been brilliant with four touchdown passes and no picks to go along with 339 rushing yards and six scores over the three games.

His job is to keep on running – and not turn the ball over.

The Montana State offense was among the best in the FCS in turnover margin helped by a fantastic offensive front that doesn’t allow much of anything in the backfield.

The formula is simple for the Bobcats. Don’t make mistakes – they don’t get penalized – rely on the defense, make tons of timely plays in the backfield, and capitalize on everything.

However …

College Football Expert Picks, National Championships

Why North Dakota State Will Win

North Dakota State can play that game, too.

Turnovers aren’t a problem for the Bison. There aren’t enough flags to get into a twist over, and the defense led the nation in points allowed throughout the FCS season.

The formula for North Dakota State is simple. Own third downs on both sides of the ball. Repeat.

The offense can put up points in bunches, but it’s the other side of the ball that should be able to take over. The D allowed over 24 points just once all year – the 27-19 loss to South Dakota State – and allowed 20 or fewer in 13 games.

The D has been on a dominant run in the FCS playoffs – allowing 24 points over the three games – and now it gets to focus on stopping Mellott, unless …

NFL Expert Picks, CFN Week 18

What’s Going To Happen

Can Montana State get healthy again?

It was able to get by South Dakota State without a few key parts, but the one guy it needs to have back is leading rusher Isaiah Ifanse – who ran for over 1,500 yards and ten scores, but missed the South Dakota State game.

The Bobcats have been able to find ways all year to push through bumps and bruises, and they got through the late-season quarterback change.

However, North Dakota State is too good defensively to let anyone in the Montana State backfield go off.

Mellott has been great, but he’s not going to be able to bomb away quite like he did against South Dakota State. He’ll be fine, though, and the defense will keep this game in range throughout.

North Dakota State will control things just a wee bit more.

FCS Championship: North Dakota State vs Montana State Prediction, Lines

North Dakota State 23, Montana State 17
Line: North Dakota State -7.5, o/u: 42.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 5

5: “Ray Donovan: The Movie”
1: “This Is Us: Season 6″

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All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

College Football Expert Picks, Predictions: Alabama vs Georgia, North Dakota State vs Montana State

Expert Picks for the College Football Playoff National Championship: Alabama vs Georgia and FCS National Championship: North Dakota State vs Montana State

College football expert picks, CFP National Championship: Georgia vs Alabama, FCS National Championship: Montana State vs North Dakota State


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* next to the pick means the team will win, but not cover.
Click on each game for the game preview and CFN Prediction

CFN Predictions & Game Previews

FCS National Championship: Montana State vs North Dakota State

12:00, ESPN2
Line: North Dakota State -7, o/u: 47.5

Gill Alexander, VSIN: NDSU
Adam Dubbin, GatorsWire.com NDSU
Jeff Feyerer, CFN: NDSU
Pete Fiutak, CFN: NDSU*
Dan Harralson, VolsWire.com: NDSU
Phil Harrison, BuckeyesWire.com: NDSU
Jeremy Mauss, MWwire.com: NDSU*
Zac Neel, DucksWire.com: NDSU
Big Game Ben Niewoehner, CFN NDSU
Nick Shepkowski, FightingIrishWire.com NDSU
Scott Steehn, WinnersandWhiners.com: NDSU
Joe Vitale, UGAWire.com: NDSU
Clucko the Chicken, CFN: Montana State
CONSENSUS PICK: NDSU

College Football National Championship Expert Picks
FCS NDSU vs Montana St | Total Alabama vs Georgia
CFP Alabama vs Georgia | Total Bowl Results So Far 

NEXT: CFP National Championship Point Total: Georgia vs Alabama