College Football Preview – FCS Semifinals

We are down to the final four teams in the 2021 FCS Playoffs. In the top half of this year’s bracket, chaos reigned as the top-rated team is No. 8 Montana State. The Bobcats hammered the defending national champion Sam Houston State Bearkats last week, and they will take on the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. The Jackrabbits have knocked off No. 4 Sacramento State and No. 5 Villanova to get here, but they are favored to beat the Bobcats.

The chalk held up in the bottom half of the bracket. All four seeded teams won in the second round, and the top teams won in the quarterfinals. No. 3 James Madison hammered Southeastern Louisiana and No. 6 Montana on their way to the semifinals, while No. 2 North Dakota State cruised past Southern Illinois and No. 7 East Tennessee State. These programs have a history as James Madison knocked North Dakota State out in the semifinals in 2016, but the Bison bounced back with wins over the Dukes in the FCS National Championship Game in 2017 and 2019.

College Football FCS Semifinals Betting Odds

North Dakota State -5

James Madison +5

Total 47.5

James Madison is a moderate underdog coming into this game in the Fargodome. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill Dukes though, as they have an exciting quarterback that can make plays in Cole Johnson. The sixth-year senior has saved his best for last by throwing for 3,569 yards (9.2 YPA) with 39 touchdowns and two interceptions. He has two elite receivers in Antwane Wells Jr. and Kris Thornton that both finished with at least 77 receptions for 1,050 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Once again, the Bison have one of the best defenses in the country. North Dakota State is allowing 4.3 yards per play (256.2 YPG) and 11 PPG. The offense has done a good enough job too although the quarterback play leaves much to be desired.

If North Dakota State can run the ball effectively, they will probably win this game. However, James Madison has a solid front seven and an offense that can score points. That makes the Dukes a solid moneyline play.

South Dakota State -6

Montana State +6

Total 47.5

This is Montana State’s third FCS semifinals appearance in program history. The Bobcats won their lone title in 1984, and they are considered the longest shot left at this point. Montana State has a dangerous offense though, and that led the Bobcats to a blowout win over No. 1 seed Sam Houston State. Isaiah Ifanse has run for over 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Matthew McKay is averaging 8.2 YPA with 17 touchdowns and three interceptions.

South Dakota State went 8-3 in the regular season, but the Jackrabbits have shown that it’s a mistake that they were unranked entering the FCS Playoffs. Pierre Strong Jr. has been arguably the best running back in the country with 1,579 yards (7.0 YPC) and 17 touchdowns, and the Janke brothers have been great options in the passing game for Chris Oladokun. They are the bigger favorite for a reason and should make the FCS Championship Game for the second straight year.

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