FCS Championship: Montana vs. South Dakota State odds, picks and predictions
The Montana Grizzlies (13-1) and South Dakota State Jackrabbits (14-0) meet Sunday in the FCS Championship Game at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Montana vs. South Dakota State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
The Grizzlies survived against North Dakota State in 2 OT in the semifinals, winning 31-29. It was the 2nd straight game which wasn't decided in regulation, as the Montana won 35-28 in OT against Furman in the quarters.
The Jackrabbits have been a machine, winning all 14 games, including 12 by double-digits. South Dakota State steamrolled Albany 59-0 in the semifinals on Dec. 15, and the defense has pitched a shutout in 3 of the past 5 games overall.
South Dakota State is the defending FCS champion, winning 45-21 against North Dakota State at Toyota Stadium last season. The Jacks are trying to become the 1st team to repeat since North Dakota State won 3 titles in a row from 2017-19.
Montana is searching for its 1st national title since dispatching Furman 13-6 back in 2001 behind legendary coach Joe Glenn in a game played in Chattanooga, Tenn. Montana also secured the natty in 1995. It lost back-to-back chances for the title in the FCS Championship Games in 2008 and 2009.
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Montana vs. South Dakota State odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 9:28 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Montana +460 (bet $100 to win $460) | South Dakota State -600 (bet $600 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Montana +13.5 (+105) | South Dakota State -13.5 (-125)
- Over/Under (O/U): 49.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Montana vs. South Dakota State picks and predictions
Prediction
South Dakota State 34, Montana 17
Moneyline
South Dakota State (-600) has had a dominant season, but it will cost you 6 times your potential return. That's way too much risk for not enough reward. In a national title game, you never know what could happen, too.
AVOID, and look to the spread instead.
Against the spread
Look to SOUTH DAKOTA STATE -13.5 (-125) to get the job done by at least 2 TDs, although there might be a little 2nd-half drama before getting there.
Montana +13.5 (+105) have been the cardiac kids of the FCS postseason, needing overtime to get the job done in the past 2 games. The Griz make it fun, but they have their hands full trying to corral the Jackrabbits.
Over/Under
OVER 49.5 (-115) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at most. It might take a late score to get this one across the finish line.
The concern isn't the South Dakota State offense, as it can score plenty. However, the defense has managed 3 shutouts in the past 5 games, and it has held teams to 17 or fewer points in 9 straight games since Illinois State went for 21 points against the Jacks on Oct. 7.
The Griz offense has racked up 31 or more points in 7 straight games since being held to just 23 points in a win at the Kibbie Dome against Idaho back in mid-October.
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