Category: FCS

James Madison vs Sam Houston Prediction, Game Preview: FCS Playoffs

James Madison vs Sam Houston prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

James Madison vs Sam Houston prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

James Madison vs Sam Houston Broadcast

Date: Saturday, May 8
Game Time: 2:30 pm ET
Venue: Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX
Network: ABC

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Sam Houston vs James Madison FCS Playoff Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the FCS Playoff go to BetMGM

Why James Madison Will Win

James Madison (7-0) got up fast on North Dakota in a 34-21 win, and the defense held tough in the second half. The running game was great, QB Cole Johnson was razor sharp, and the team controlled the tempo throughout.

Sam Houston might have a high-powered offense, but it doesn’t control the clock, it turns the ball over a bit too much, and the defense now has to deal with an offense that knows how to convert on third downs.

North Dakota State wasn’t the normal North Dakota State, but it was still strong. Sam Houston still had to hold on for dear life late, and it caught a bit of a break with young Bison QB Cam Miller struggling in the big moment.

That’s not going to be a problem for Johnson.

Johnson and the James Madison offense should be able to keep things moving, the offensive line is a killer, and the run defense has been among the best in the FCS all year.

However …

Why Sam Houston Will Win

Sam Houston (8-0) can play a little run D, too.

The Bearkats might be known for their downfield passing game and the all-around playmaking ability of QB Eric Schmid, but the defense allows just 69 rushing yards per game, stuffed North Dakota State outside of two decent runs, and it’s got the pass rush and ability to pressure the JMU backfield all game long.

It’s not that James Madison can’t throw, but to go old school Janet Jackson, it’s all about control. It has to own the clock, the tempo, and the offense has to work on its terms – this isn’t really a team that wants to get into a wild shootout, even though it has the ability to do it.

Make this about the passing game and the up-and-down style, and then turn the great pass rush loose.

What’s Going To Happen

Which side can get the other to play the right style?

It’s not like Sam Houston can’t pound and grind, and James Madison can certainly for get the O going through the air. The difference is that the Dukes are going to be a wee bit better at doing what they want.

It’s not going to be a low-scoring fight, but the JMU quarterback play will be far better than what Sam Houston saw against North Dakota State, and the D will do its part to come up with just enough key stops to get by.

Cole Johnson might be under pressure all game long, but he’ll hit the third down throws and will come up with two big deep shots in big moments.

James Madison vs Sam Houston FCS Playoff Prediction, Line

James Madison 27, Sam Houston 24
Line: James Madison -1.5, o/u: 46.5

Must See Rating: 5

5: Gangs of London
1: Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines

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James Madison vs Sam Houston Prediction, Game Preview: FCS Playoffs

James Madison vs Sam Houston prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

James Madison vs Sam Houston prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

James Madison vs Sam Houston Broadcast

Date: Saturday, May 8
Game Time: 2:30 pm ET
Venue: Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX
Network: ABC

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Sam Houston vs James Madison FCS Playoff Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the FCS Playoff go to BetMGM

Why James Madison Will Win

James Madison (7-0) got up fast on North Dakota in a 34-21 win, and the defense held tough in the second half. The running game was great, QB Cole Johnson was razor sharp, and the team controlled the tempo throughout.

Sam Houston might have a high-powered offense, but it doesn’t control the clock, it turns the ball over a bit too much, and the defense now has to deal with an offense that knows how to convert on third downs.

North Dakota State wasn’t the normal North Dakota State, but it was still strong. Sam Houston still had to hold on for dear life late, and it caught a bit of a break with young Bison QB Cam Miller struggling in the big moment.

That’s not going to be a problem for Johnson.

Johnson and the James Madison offense should be able to keep things moving, the offensive line is a killer, and the run defense has been among the best in the FCS all year.

However …

Why Sam Houston Will Win

Sam Houston (8-0) can play a little run D, too.

The Bearkats might be known for their downfield passing game and the all-around playmaking ability of QB Eric Schmid, but the defense allows just 69 rushing yards per game, stuffed North Dakota State outside of two decent runs, and it’s got the pass rush and ability to pressure the JMU backfield all game long.

It’s not that James Madison can’t throw, but to go old school Janet Jackson, it’s all about control. It has to own the clock, the tempo, and the offense has to work on its terms – this isn’t really a team that wants to get into a wild shootout, even though it has the ability to do it.

Make this about the passing game and the up-and-down style, and then turn the great pass rush loose.

What’s Going To Happen

Which side can get the other to play the right style?

It’s not like Sam Houston can’t pound and grind, and James Madison can certainly for get the O going through the air. The difference is that the Dukes are going to be a wee bit better at doing what they want.

It’s not going to be a low-scoring fight, but the JMU quarterback play will be far better than what Sam Houston saw against North Dakota State, and the D will do its part to come up with just enough key stops to get by.

Cole Johnson might be under pressure all game long, but he’ll hit the third down throws and will come up with two big deep shots in big moments.

James Madison vs Sam Houston FCS Playoff Prediction, Line

James Madison 27, Sam Houston 24
Line: COMING, o/u: COMING

Must See Rating: 5

5: Gangs of London
1: Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines

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Delaware vs South Dakota State Prediction, Game Preview: FCS Playoffs

Delaware vs South Dakota State prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

Delaware vs South Dakota State prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

Delaware vs South Dakota State Broadcast

Date: Saturday, May 8
Game Time: 12:00 pm ET
Venue: Dana J Dykhouse Stadium, Brookings, SD
Network: ESPN

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Delaware vs South Dakota State FCS Playoff Game Preview

Why Delaware Will Win

The defense keeps on rocking.

Delaware (7-0) went into Jacksonville State and held down the high-powered attack to just 14 points – with a late touchdown as a part of it – and just 200 yards of total offense.

But that’s what the Blue Hens do. They finished second in the FCS in scoring defense starting with an outstanding secondary that doesn’t give up a thing. Yeah, JSU had quarterback injury issues, but still, it only came up with 93 passing yards with a slew of those coming late.

But to beat South Dakota State, you have to hold up on the lines.

Delaware’s style of play keeps everyone fresh. It lives on turnover margin – the team was second in the nation but turned it over twice against JSU – and the team dominates the time of possession battle. It’s the chicken and the egg – the offense controls the tempo on third downs to keep the D fresh, the D comes up with third down stops and keeps the O line from getting gassed.

Delaware held the ball for over 38 minutes in the 20-14 win last week, but …

Why South Dakota State Will Win

The Blue Hen offensive line struggled to get anything going on the ground, and the rushing attack isn’t about to work against the Jackrabbits.

South Dakota State (7-1) struggled against Southern Illinois in a 31-26 win that should’ve been a lot easier, but the defensive front held the Saluki running game to 127 yards.

The Jackrabbits win by controlling games with the ground game thanks to a killer offensive line that’s played among the best in the FCS. Against this Delaware D, they might not get their 230+ rushing yards they normally crank out, but they’re going to grind, the defensive front is a rock against the run, and the team is fantastic at the turnover battle – just like Delaware.

No, it might not have been easy against Southern Illinois, but the team was +3 in turnover margin and the offense came up with the one big drive it had to have late.

What’s Going To Happen

Delaware is going to make this very, very tough.

The Blue Hen defense is the real deal, with the ability grind games down to a stop, but South Dakota State can do that, too. QB Nolan Henderson is just good enough keep everything moving, but he can’t do it alone.

South Dakota State QB Mark Gronowski should be able to play Henderson big moment for big moment.

It’s be a tough, low-scoring battle with South Dakota State doing a bit more on third downs, and Gronowski coming up with two big pass plays that Delaware won’t.

Delaware vs South Dakota State FCS Playoff Prediction, Line

South Dakota State 23, Delaware 17
Line: COMING, o/u: COMING

Must See Rating: 5

5: Gangs of London
1: Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines

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North Dakota at James Madison Prediction, Game Preview: FCS Playoffs

North Dakota vs James Madison prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

North Dakota vs James Madison prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

North Dakota vs James Madison Broadcast

Date: Sunday, May 2
Game Time: 6:00 pm CT
Venue: Bridgeforth Stadium/Zane Showker Field, Harrisonburg, VA
Network: ESPN3

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

North Dakota vs James Madison FCS Playoff Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the FCS Playoff go to BetMGM

Why North Dakota Will Win

North Dakota (5-1) had one blip against North Dakota State, but other than that, it’s been the best team in the FCS – or very, very close to it – all season long.

When the lines are working, the Fighting Hawks are dominant.

The offensive line leads all of FCS in fewest tackles for loss allowed, is brilliant in pass protection, and in the 44-10 win over Missouri State, it was able to control the game from the start.

The pass rush and defense were able to take care of the rest.

This team can play with power, it doesn’t turn the ball over enough to matter – for the most part – and the ground game should be able to take over for stretches to take control of the game.

However …

Why James Madison Will Win

The James Madison (6-0) defense is fantastic.

It got pushed a bit by the high-powered VMI offense in the 31-24 win, and the team had hang on late to get the win, but the Dukes might have the right formula to get by the Fighting Hawks.

They have the No. 1 defense in the FCS, the running game is a powerhouse – Jawon Hamilton ripped off a 99-yard touchdown run as part of the 309 yards on the ground the team cranked up against the Keydets – and the run defense doesn’t allow much of anything.

It’s not necessarily about ball control with JMU, but as long as the efficient passing game doesn’t have to take any chances – QB Cole Johnson was just okay against VMI, making a few big throws but also giving away two interceptions – the offense should be fine.

What’s Going To Happen

Whose lines do you like better?

North Dakota can do a little of everything right, but James Madison should be able to run well early on just enough to take the pressure off the passing attacks and the Duke defense should be better at getting off the field.

How did North Dakota lose to North Dakota State? The Fighting Hawks couldn’t control the clock, couldn’t stop the run, and couldn’t keep the chains moving. This won’t be 34-13 like that was, but James Madison should be able to use the same formula to move on.

North Dakota vs James Madison FCS Playoff Prediction, Line

James Madison 27, North Dakota 24
Line: COMING, o/u: COMING

Must See Rating: 5

5: 2021 NFL Draft
1: The Laundry Guy

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Delaware at Jacksonville State Prediction, Game Preview: FCS Playoffs

Delaware vs Jacksonville State prediction and FCS Playoffs quarterfinal game preview.

Delaware vs Jacksonville State prediction and FCS Playoffs quarterfinal game preview.

Delaware vs Jacksonville State Broadcast

Date: Sunday, May 2
Game Time: 3:00 pm CT
Venue: Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium, Jacksonville, FL
Network: ESPN3

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Delaware vs Jacksonville State FCS Playoff Game Preview

Why Delaware Will Win

It wasn’t pretty, and it wasn’t easy, but Delaware (6-0) was able to push past Sacred Heart 19-10 with a great day from the defense, two takeaways, and just enough offensive production when the opportunities were there to get by.

This is a much, much stronger Blue Hen offensive team than it showed against the Pioneers.

The offense only generated 202 yards and the passing game didn’t do anything down the field, but as the team showed all season long, it was great in the turnover margin – +1 against Sacred Heart – the pass defense was a wall, and the No. 2 scoring D in all the FCS allowed just ten points.

Consider it a positive that Delaware wasn’t anywhere close to being as good as it normally is and still won. But …

Why Jacksonville State Will Win

The Jacksonville State (10-2) offense has the pop and firepower to push the Blue Hens. No one’s been able to do much with the passing game against the Delaware secondary, but the Gamecocks are terrific in pass protection, balance out the offense, and the ground game can pick up the slack if nothing is happening through the air.

The Jacksonville State O line controlled everything against Sacred Heart, the offense was balanced, and there wasn’t any issue in the 49-14 blowout despite having the ball for fewer than 20 minutes. The time of possession battle usually doesn’t matter to the Gamecocks, but they should be able to control the clock a bit better against Delaware.

The JSU D didn’t come up with any takeaways – that’s not normal. It’s great overall defensively, the offense catches a few breaks thanks to a slew of takeaways, and …

What’s Going To Happen

Be slightly stunned if this isn’t a defensive fight.

Jacksonville State might have a fantastic offense, but the Delaware D is the real deal and won’t let this get out of hand. The Gamecocks will have a bit more offensively – the running game should be okay – and the defense will keep the Blue Hen ground attack in check.

Delaware vs Jacksonville State FCS Playoff Prediction, Line

Jacksonville State 23, Delaware 17
Line: COMING, o/u: COMING

Must See Rating: 4.5

5: 2021 NFL Draft
1: The Laundry Guy

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2021 FCS Playoffs Predictions, Schedule, Bracket: Quarterfinals

The 2021 FCS Playoff quarterfinal predictions, schedules, game times, brackets and matchups.

The 2021 FCS Playoff quarterfinal predictions, schedules, game times, brackets and matchups.

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– CFN Fearless Predictions & Game Previews

FCS Playoffs Predictions Record
SU 7-1, ATS 6-2, O/U: 3-5

Click on each link for the game preview and prediction. All times Eastern.

2021 FCS Playoffs Schedule: Quarterfinals

North Dakota State at Sam Houston

Date: Sunday, May 2
Game Time: 3:00 pm CT
Venue: Elliott T. Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX
Network: ESPN3

Delaware at Jacksonville State

Date: Sunday, May 2
Game Time: 3:00 pm CT
Venue: Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium, Jacksonville, FL
Network: ESPN3
Game Preview & Prediction to Come

North Dakota at James Madison

Date: Sunday, May 2
Game Time: 6:00 pm CT
Venue: Bridgeforth Stadium/Zane Showker Field, Harrisonburg, VA
Network: ESPN3
Game Preview & Prediction to Come

Southern Illinois at South Dakota State

Date: Sunday, May 2
Game Time: 9:00 pm CT
Venue: Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, Brookings, SD
Network: ESPN3

2021 FCS Playoffs Bracket Second Round

Southern Illinois 6-3 (Missouri Valley at-large) at (1) South Dakota State 7-1 (Missouri Valley Champion)

vs.

Delaware 6-0 (Colonial Champion) (4) Jacksonville State 10-2 (Ohio Valley Champion)

North Dakota 5-1 (Missouri Valley at-large) at (3) James Madison 56-0 (Colonial at-large)

vs.

North Dakota State 7-2 (Missouri Valley at-large) at Sam Houston 67-0 (Southland Champion)

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North Dakota State at Sam Houston Prediction, Game Preview: FCS Playoffs

North Dakota State vs Sam Houston prediction and FCS Playoffs quarterfinal game preview.

North Dakota State vs Sam Houston prediction and FCS Playoffs quarterfinal game preview.

North Dakota State vs Sam Houston Broadcast

Date: Sunday, May 2
Game Time: 3:00 pm CT
Venue: Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium, Jacksonville, FL
Network: ESPN3

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

North Dakota State vs Sam Houston FCS Playoff Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the FCS Playoff go to BetMGM

Why North Dakota State Will Win

Just when it seemed like Eastern Washington was in control of the first round FCS playoff game against North Dakota State (7-2), the national title level kicked in for the home side.

The Bison roared back for a 42-20 win with 35 unanswered points thanks to a running game that ripped off big dash after big dash on the way to 433 yards while holding on to the ball for over 35 minutes.

Sam Houston (7-0) had to hang on for dear life in a 21-15 win over Monmouth in a rough day for the O. Monmouth ended up holding the ball for almost 40 minutes as it finally broke through for 15 fourth quarter points and a shot to win, but …

Why Sam Houston Will Win

The Bearkat defense held on at the end and is just good enough to keep the North Dakota State running game from going off like it did against Eastern Washington.

The Bison ended up taking over by converting third down try after third down try, but the Sam Houston defense is among the best in the FCS at getting off the field on the big downs.

Monmouth had a little bit of success, but it didn’t run effectively enough to get in the game over the first three quarters. The Sam Houston defense brings a devastating pass rush that lives in the backfield and finished fourth in the nation against the run.

What’s Going To Happen

This isn’t your North Dakota State team of the last few years, but it finds ways to get the job done.

It should’ve had more problems against Eastern Washington after the first 20 minutes, but the offensive line took over. It’s not going to do that this time around, and QB Cam Miller will have to do more than 6-of-11 for 50 yards, but the team will find a way.

The Bison have adjusted, tweaked, and figured out how to keep this all going even if it hasn’t been smooth. Sam Houston’s defense has the ability to be a brick wall of frustration, but the Bison – despite not being quite as good as the Bearkats – will grind it out and hang on to get into the FCS football final four.

North Dakota State vs Sam Houston FCS Playoff Prediction, Line

North Dakota State 23, Sam Houston 20
Bet on college football with BetMGM
Line: COMING, o/u: COMING

Must See Rating: 5

5: 2021 NFL Draft
1: The Laundry Guy

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South Dakota State vs Southern Illinois Prediction, Game Preview: FCS Playoffs

South Dakota State vs Southern Illinois prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

South Dakota State vs Southern Illinois prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

South Dakota State vs Southern Illinois Broadcast

Date: Sunday, May 2
Game Time: 9:00 pm CT
Venue: Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, Brookings, SD
Network: ESPN3

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Southern Illinois vs South Dakota State FCS Playoff Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the FCS Playoff go to BetMGM

Why Southern Illinois Will Win

Southern Illinois (6-3) pulled off the mild upset on the road with a 34-31 win over Weber State on an eight-yard touchdown pass in the final seconds to move on.

The Salukis got the passing game going when they had to, QB Stone Labanowitz pulled through in the clutch, and now they get a second shot at South Dakota State after losing in late March.

While the defense wasn’t always solid against Weber State, and it took a big comeback to pull it off, the offense that was so good all year on third downs and the passing game that was so efficient got the job done.

Again, the Salukis are getting another shot at the Jackrabbits, but …

Why South Dakota State Will Win

It really wasn’t pretty the first time around.

South Dakota State (6-1) was down 3-0 to Southern Illinois. It won 44-3.

The Jackrabbits forced four turnovers, allowed just over 200 yards of total offense, and they ran and ran and ran, cranking out over 300 yards on the ground in the blowout.

They rocked Holy Cross 31-3 in the first round of the FCS Playoffs, rolling behind their great offensive line with Isaiah Davis rushing for 156 yards and a score and Mark Gronowski having all day to throw three touchdown passes.

Southern Illinois has own the trenches to pull this off. The offensive line has been great all year, but it didn’t quite dominate Weber State like it needed to – at least until late – and it’s not going to push around the South Dakota State defensive front. And …

What’s Going To Happen

The South Dakota State running game is just too strong.

This won’t be the total wipeout the first meeting was, but the Jackrabbits will get all of the parts of the backfield going right away, the defense will continue to be a rock, and the No. 1 seed in the tournament will push its way through after a rough start.

Southern Illinois will come out hot with a few early scores, but the Jackrabbits will settle in, take over the time of possession battle, and things will open up in the second half.

South Dakota State vs Southern Illinois FCS Playoff Prediction, Line

South Dakota State 37, Southern Illinois 17
Bet on college football with BetMGM
Line: COMING, o/u: COMING

Must See Rating: 4

5: 2021 NFL Draft
1: The Laundry Guy

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Sam Houston vs Monmouth Prediction, Game Preview: FCS Playoffs

Sam Houston vs Monmouth prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

Sam Houston vs Monmouth prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

Sam Houston vs Monmouth Broadcast

Date: Saturday, April 24
Game Time: 12:00 pm ET
Venue: Elliott T. Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, TX
Network: ESPN3

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Sam Houston vs Monmouth FCS Playoff Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the FCS Playoff go to BetMGM

Why Monmouth Will Win

The Hawks were only able to get in three games of work, but they were terrific in their little bit of time. It’s like they got a three-game preseason to prepare for this game.

Monmouth (3-0) just doesn’t screw up. QB Tony Muskett threw eight touchdown passes with no picks and the team gave away just one lost fumble. The passing attack is dangerous, the ground game behind Juwon Farri is solid, and the O as a whole should be able to keep up.

Monmouth makes other teams screw up. The pass rush is a killer, with the pressure coming from everywhere averaging an FCS-leading five sacks per game. However …

Why Sam Houston Will Win

Sam Houston (6-0) is second in the nation in sacks, and it has a bigger body of work.

The defensive front lives in opposing backfields, the offensive line is fantastic in pass protection, and the numbers are eye-popping.

The Bearkats average 45 points per game with a balanced offense, the passing game averages a whopping 16.1 yards per pass, and the ground attack comes up with 187 yards per game. Monmouth might have a solid offense and it should be able to keep up, but it doesn’t have this kind of firepower.

What’s Going To Happen

Monmouth will make this fun for at least a half.

The Sam Houston defense will generate the pressure throughout, but the Hawks will go on a few efficient scoring drives. The Bearkat offensive explosion will kick in late to finally pull away, but this won’t be a layup …

Expect fun.

Sam Houston vs Monmouth FCS Playoff Prediction, Line

Sam Houston 38, Monmouth 34
Bet on college football with BetMGM
Line: COMING, o/u: COMING

Must See Rating: 5

5: Super League
1: The 93rd Academy Awards

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North Dakota State vs Eastern Washington Prediction, Game Preview: FCS Playoffs

North Dakota State vs Eastern Washington prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

North Dakota State vs Eastern Washington prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

North Dakota State vs Eastern Washington Broadcast

Date: Saturday, April 24
Game Time: 3:30 pm ET
Venue: Fargodome, Fargo, ND
Network: ESPN3

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

North Dakota State vs Eastern Washington FCS Playoff Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the FCS Playoff go to BetMGM

Why Eastern Washington Will Win

Eastern Washington (5-1) needed a game to warm up, and then the passing game became the EWU passing game.

The Eagles had the third-best passing game in the FCS averaging 389 yards per game thanks to a massive run by Eric Barriere, a veteran who threw six picks but did just about everything else right. He threw for close to 2,200 yards with 18 touchdowns, showed off the big arm to push it deep, spread it around well, and did a great job cranking up the offense.

Now it has to roll against the Bison.

This is still a great North Dakota State team, but it’s not the killer of years past and it doesn’t have the big-time passing game to keep up in a shootout. NDSU is averaging a paltry 137 passing yards per game, but …

Why North Dakota State Will Win

The offensive line has taken over.

No, the North Dakota State (5-2) passing game hasn’t been anything great, but the ground game continues to be excellent, hitting over 200 yards in three of the seven games behind a front five that’s not allowing anything in the backfield.

The Bison defense is fine against the pass. It could stand to come up with more takeaways – just two interceptions in the seven game spring run – but the problem is against the run. NDSU is 5-0 when allowing fewer than 170 rushing yards and is 0-2 when it doesn’t.

Eastern Washington is about the passing game, but …

What’s Going To Happen

The Eagles average 174 yards per game on the ground.

It’s never a positive to go against North Dakota State in a huge game, and there’s a shot the offensive line takes over and the team takes its level up a few notches, but Eastern Washington has too much offense along with the quarterback in Barriere.

This is a multi-level Eagle attack that can score in a variety of ways, and it has an offensive line that can hold up just line North Dakota State’s front five can.

No matter what – and forgetting that these two aren’t quite the superstars they normally are – this is the marquee matchup in the first round of the FCS Playoffs.

You’re never right to go against the Bison – especially at home – but …

North Dakota State vs Eastern Washington FCS Playoff Prediction, Line

Eastern Washington 30, North Dakota State 27
Bet on college football with BetMGM
Line: COMING, o/u: COMING

Must See Rating: 5

5: Super League
1: The 93rd Academy Awards

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