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FCS Playoffs 2024: Quarterfinals Results, Semifinals Schedule and Bracket Update

Dec 15, 2024
BROOKINGS , SOUTH DAKOTA - DECEMBER 07: Mark Gronowski #11 of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits throws a pass during the first half against the Montana Grizzlies at Dana J Dykhouse Stadium on December 7, 2024 in Brookings, South Dakota.  (Photo by Tommy Martino/University of Montana/Getty Images)
BROOKINGS , SOUTH DAKOTA - DECEMBER 07: Mark Gronowski #11 of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits throws a pass during the first half against the Montana Grizzlies at Dana J Dykhouse Stadium on December 7, 2024 in Brookings, South Dakota. (Photo by Tommy Martino/University of Montana/Getty Images)

The top four seeds in the FCS playoff bracket made it through to the semifinals.

All of the four semifinalists have a long pedigree of playing at this stage of the postseason.

The North Dakota State Bison and South Dakota State Jackrabbits won 11 combined titles dating back to 2011.

South Dakota State, the two-time reigning champion, will have to go on the road to face the nine-time champion North Dakota State in the semifinals.

The top-seeded Montana State Bobcats take on the No. 4 seed South Dakota Coyotes in the other semifinal. Montana State is looking to get back to the final for the second time in four years.

FCS Quarterfinals Scores

No. 1 Montana State 52, No. 8 Idaho 19

No. 2 North Dakota State 31, No. 7 Mercer 7

No. 3 South Dakota State 55, No. 6 UIW 14

No. 4 South Dakota 35, No. 5 UC Davis 21

Semifinal Schedule

No. 3 South Dakota State at No. 2 North Dakota State (December 21, Noon ET)

No. 4 South Dakota at No. 1 Montana State (December 21, 3:30 p.m. ET)

All four semifinalists won their respective quarterfinals in blowout fashion.

Montana State and South Dakota State were the most dominant teams, as each squad eclipsed the 50-point mark and held their foes under 20 points.

Montana State outscored its two postseason opponents 101-36 and it will be favored to win on home soil against South Dakota.

The No. 4 seed owns a pair of double-digit postseason wins as well, but neither were as dominant as Montana State's pair of triumphs.

Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott has been near flawless all season long. He threw for 28 touchdowns and was only intercepted twice.

Mellott is also a threat on the ground. He ran for at least 690 yards in each of his four seasons.

The expectation is that Mellott and the Bobcats will head to Frisco, Texas on January 6 to take one of the sport's perennial powers.

North Dakota State and South Dakota State met in the championship game two years ago and have combined to win the last three FCS titles.

NDSU won the October meeting between the rivals, but SDSU has had the upper hand in most recent clashes. The Jackrabbits had a five-game winning streak in the rivalry before the October 19 defeat.

NDSU holds the home-field advantage and the edge over SDSU this season, but the game could go either way.

Whichever team emerges from the No. 2-versus-No. 3 clash will at least hold the edge in championship-winning experience over Montana State or South Dakota.

FCS Playoffs 2023-24: Date, Schedule for SDSU vs. Montana Championship

Dec 17, 2023
MISSOULA, MONTANA - DECEMBER 16: Braxton Hill #35 of the Montana Grizzlies reacts during the fourth quarter against the North Dakota State Bison at Washington-Grizzly Stadium on December 16, 2023 in Missoula, Montana. (Photo by Ryan Brennecke/University of Montana/Getty Images)
MISSOULA, MONTANA - DECEMBER 16: Braxton Hill #35 of the Montana Grizzlies reacts during the fourth quarter against the North Dakota State Bison at Washington-Grizzly Stadium on December 16, 2023 in Missoula, Montana. (Photo by Ryan Brennecke/University of Montana/Getty Images)

The 2024 FCS championship game will feature No. 1 South Dakota State taking on No. 2 Montana after a wild semifinal round.

South Dakota State extended its winning streak to 28 consecutive games following a 59-0 rout of No. 5 UAlbany. After earning a first-round bye following a perfect regular season, the Jackrabbits have outscored opponents 123-12 in three games. They're looking to win their second straight championship after securing the FCS title for the first time in school history last year.

Montana punched its ticket to the championship game by narrowly defeating North Dakota State by the final score of 31-29 in double overtime, preventing a rematch of last year's championship.

Here's everything you need to know about the title game schedule, as well as some background into each team's journey throughout the playoffs.


Championship Schedule

No. 1 South Dakota State vs. No. 2 Montana: Sunday, Jan. 7 at 2 p.m. ET


Matchup History

The Jackrabbits and the Grizzlies don't have a storied history, meeting just four times since 2000. Montana has won all four games though, which includes a 24-17 victory in their most recent matchup in 2015.


South Dakota State's Playoff Run

Quarterback Mark Gronowski and running back Isaiah Davis have continued to show why they're considered an elite duo in the Jackrabbits' backfield, lighting up Mercer's defense in the second round.

Gronowski threw for a modest 158 yards, recording one touchdown to go along with one interception while adding 40 more yards on the ground. Davis racked up 117 yards of his own while finding the end zone three times.

In South Dakota State's matchup with No. 8 Villanova in the quarterfinals, the senior tailback helped his team pull out a win after holding a close 10-9 advantage at the half. Davis rushed for 192 yards, averaging just over 7.1 yards per attempt. This included a 66-yard touchdown run that put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter.

Against UAlbany, it was Gronowski's time to shine. He threw for 265 yards on just 19 pass attempts, tossing three touchdowns against zero interceptions. Davis ran for 107 yards and two scores.

South Dakota State's defense has also been dominant, holding the Great Danes' offense to a mere 2.87 yards per carry on 23 attempts. In the Jackrabbits' three playoff wins, opponents have averaged just 255.3 total yards of offense.


Montana's Playoff Run

The Grizzlies' journey to the championship game wasn't an easy one, although it began with a convincing 49-19 victory over Delaware. Quarterback Clifton McDowell bounced back from a first quarter interception to finish with 186 passing yards and three total touchdowns.

His top target was Keelan White, as the receiver has put together the best year of his college career in his junior season. Against Delaware, he recorded 88 yards and a touchdown on just four receptions.

Montana held a 28-21 lead over No. 7 Furman in the quarterfinals on the final drive of regulation, although a touchdown pass from Paladins signal-caller Tyler Huff with 13 seconds remaining sent the game to overtime.

The Grizzlies were able to avoid a disastrous collapse after White hauled in the game-sealing touchdown to give the team a 35-28 victory. He finished with five receptions for 91 yards.

On Saturday, Montana secured another hard-fought win over North Dakota State that spanned multiple overtimes. After both teams were tied at 16 after the fourth quarter, they traded touchdowns to begin the first overtime.

Once Montana scored again to begin double overtime, the Grizzlies' two-point conversion attempt nearly went awry. Wide receiver Junior Bergen launched the ball into the end zone after his face mask got pulled on a trick play. The pass was tipped before it ended up in the hands of White, who reeled in the catch. The Grizzlies' defense held strong on the ensuing two-point attempt and they moved on to the championship game.

Montana's run throughout its past three games has been commendable, although the offense will need to avoid turnovers and establish a consistent run game to take down South Dakota State.

FCS Playoffs 2023: Quarterfinals Results, Semifinals Schedule and Bracket Update

Dec 10, 2023
MISSOULA, MONTANA - DECEMBER 2 : Hayden Harris #48 of the Montana Grizzlies reacts to a third down stop during the second quarter against the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens at Washington-Grizzly Stadium on December 2, 2023 in Missoula, Montana.  (Photo by Tommy Martino/University of Montana/Getty Images)
MISSOULA, MONTANA - DECEMBER 2 : Hayden Harris #48 of the Montana Grizzlies reacts to a third down stop during the second quarter against the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens at Washington-Grizzly Stadium on December 2, 2023 in Missoula, Montana. (Photo by Tommy Martino/University of Montana/Getty Images)

The 2023 FCS Playoffs continued this weekend with eight team's vying for four coveted semi-final spots.

The top seeds took care of business while a familiar face avenged an early season loss and moved closer towards another national championship.

Here are the results of the quarterfinal round.

Friday, Saturday Quarterfinal Scores

No. 2 Montana 35, No. 7 Furman 28 (OT)

No. 1 South Dakota State 23, No. 8 Villanova 12

North Dakota State 45, No. 3 South Dakota 17

No. 5 Albany 30, No. 4 Idaho 22

Semifinal Matchups and Schedule

No. 2 Montana vs. North Dakota State (Saturday, Dec. 16, at 4:30 P.M. ET ESPN2)

No. 1 South Dakota State vs. Albany (Friday, Dec. 15, at 7:00 P.M. ET)

Full bracket available at NCAA.com.

Quarterfinal Recap

Montana 35, Furman 28 (OT)

The quarterfinal round had been a roadblock for Montana in recent history and it nearly was in 2023.

The Grizzlies lost in the quarterfinal round in three of the previous four seasons and the Paladins took them to overtime this time.

Each team scored 14 points in the first quarter and Furman took a 20-14 lead into halftime. Montana would then grab a 21-20 lead in the third quarter before both team's battled to a 28-28 tie to send the game to overtime.

The Grizzlies struck in overtime via a passing play from quarterback Clifton McDowell to Keelan White.

Furman had a chance to even the score but the tenacious Grizzlies defense shut the door, advancing Montana to the national semi-finals for the 11th time in program history.

This is the first time the Grizzlies have advanced to the semi-final round officially since 2009 and will face North Dakota State for the 11th time in program history.

South Dakota State 23, Villanova 12

The Jackrabbits are defending national champions, undefeated on the season and took care of business against a gritty Villanova team in the quarterfinal round.

Chilly temperatures greeted the two teams and certainly limited the offensive output but South Dakota State did just enough to earn the victory.

The Jackrabbits had a 10-9 at the half buck outscored the Wildcats 13-3 in the second half to secure the victory and advance to the semi-final round for the sixth time in the last seven seasons.

South Dakota State will have one more home game as a result of the victory and look as formidable as anyone remaining in the playoffs. The Jackrabbits are outscoring opponents 64-12 thus far in the postseason.

North Dakota State 45, South Dakota 17

The Bison's victory was technically an upset, but that is not necessarily what it was.

North Dakota State has been the face of FCS Football since 2011, winning nine national championships since that season. While South Dakota was able to get the upper hand over the Bison 24-19 earlier in the season, the same could not be said for the quarterfinal matchup.

North Dakota took a 35-3 lead at halftime and cruised the rest of the way to earn the dominant victory.

This is the Bison's 12th appearance in the semi-finals since 2011 and they will look to earn a potential rematch against South Dakota State in the National Championship.

Before they get that chance, the Bison will have to take down Montana in the semi-finals. North Dakota State owns the all-time series 6-4 and have won the last two matchups against the Grizzlies.

Albany 30, Idaho 22

Reese Poffenbarger threw for 341 yards and three touchdowns and Brevin Easton hauled in all three scores through the air to lead Albany to a 30-22 win over Idaho.

Poffenbarger and Easton connected nine times overall for 233 yards, highlighted by touchdowns of 64, 39 and 30 yards. The final touchdown came with 4:38 remaining in the fourth quarter and put Albany up for good.

Griffin Woodell would tack on a 29-yard touchdown with 46 seconds remaining to put the game out of reach.

This is the first time Albany has ever reached the FCS quarterfinals and only the school's third tournament appearance overall.

Idaho, which used to play as a FBS school, was playing its second straight tournament.

FCS Playoffs 2022: Quarterfinal Results, Semifinal Schedule and Bracket Update

Chris Roling
Dec 10, 2022
FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA - NOVEMBER 19: Cam Miller #7 of the North Dakota State Bison passes against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks at Fargodome on November 19, 2022 in Fargo, North Dakota. (Photo by Sean Arbaut/Getty Images)
FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA - NOVEMBER 19: Cam Miller #7 of the North Dakota State Bison passes against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks at Fargodome on November 19, 2022 in Fargo, North Dakota. (Photo by Sean Arbaut/Getty Images)

The 2022 FCS playoff quarterfinals unfolded over two days with four berths in the semifinals at stake.

One major upset headlined the proceedings as a top-two seed took a fall, stirring up guaranteed chaos despite a recent champion and the top seed advancing to the final four.

Below, we'll outline the quarterfinal results and preview the semifinals.


Friday, Saturday Quarterfinal Scores

No. 3 North Dakota State 27, No. 6 Samford 9

No. 4 Montana State 55, No. 5 William & Mary 7

No. 7 UIW 66, No. 2 Sacramento State 63

No. 1 South Dakota State 42, No. 8 Holy Cross 21


Semifinal Matchups and Schedule

No. 3 North Dakota State vs. No. 7 UIW (Friday, Dec. 16, at 9 p.m. ET)

No. 4 Montana State vs. No. 1 South Dakota State (Saturday, Dec. 17, at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN2)

Full bracket available at NCAA.com.


Semifinal Preview

Defending champion North Dakota State, the third seed this year, didn't flirt with an upset by any means during a 27-9 dismissal of sixth-seeded Samford in the quarterfinals.

Quarterback Cam Miller went 15-of-18 with 194 yards and a passing touchdown and added 21 yards and a score on the ground. His offense chewed 39:05 of game clock by way of 48 carries for 166 yards and two touchdowns, and the defense didn't give up a touchdown until near the end of the fourth quarter.

Now NDSU, a semifinalist in 11 of the last 12 seasons and champion nine times since 2011, has to face an upset-minded Incarnate Word.

"I wouldn't say there is any pressure," Miller said, per Eric Peterson of InForum. "This program is going to do what it does."

But the magical season for No. 7 Cardinals has a stunning bit of momentum. In the quarterfinals, the San Antonio school took down No. 2 Sacramento State when quarterback Lindsey Scott Jr. threw a game-winner with 27 seconds left.

The highest-scoring game in FCS playoff history earned UIW a semifinal spot for the first time in the program's 10-year history in Division I.

Scott changes the outlook on what was otherwise the Bison looking like predictable favorites in the semifinals. In the upset, he threw for 219 yards and four touchdowns, plus rushed for 166 yards and two more scores. That explosive output is a possible counter to NDSU's ball-controlling style.

The other semifinal offers similar vibes.

Top-seeded South Dakota State fell behind eighth-seeded Holy Cross 14-6 in the first half of their quarterfinal matchup. An interception return for a touchdown broke the 14-14 tie before Mark Gronowski threw for a touchdown and ran for another late in the fourth quarter.

Fourth-seeded Montana State didn't have issues in its quarterfinals, blowing out fifth-seeded William & Mary.

Running back Isaiah Ifanse ran for 162 yards and two scores on a 14.7 per-carry average, and quarterback Tommy Mellott had the team's other three rushing scores. William & Mary broke up the shutout with roughly three minutes left.

That sets up a matchup between two offenses that prefer to impose their wills on the ground.

Entering the quarterfinals, Montana State led the FCS by averaging 331.8 rushing yards per game to the Jackrabbits' 165.8 (45th), so the task is again immense for the bracket's top seed.

And of course, the possibility of an all-Dakota title game remains, though two upset-minded upstarts have eyes on keeping special stories of their own alive.

FCS Championship 2022: Date, Start Time, TV Info for Montana St. vs. NDSU

Jan 7, 2022
FILE - Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott throws the ball during an NCAA college football game against South Dakota State in the semifinals of the FCS playoffs, Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Bozeman, Mont. Montana State plays eight-time FCS champion North Dakota State in the national title game Saturday in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tommy Martino, File)
FILE - Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott throws the ball during an NCAA college football game against South Dakota State in the semifinals of the FCS playoffs, Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Bozeman, Mont. Montana State plays eight-time FCS champion North Dakota State in the national title game Saturday in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tommy Martino, File)

The North Dakota State Bison will attempt to win their ninth FCS title in 11 years on Saturday. 

The Bison have won each of their last eight title-game appearances, but they face the Montana State Bobcats in the championship game for the first time. 

North Dakota State is looking to reclaim the FCS throne after it was taken away during the spring season in 2021. The Sam Houston State Bearkats won that title, but their repeat shot was taken away by Montana State in the quarterfinal round. 

The Bobcats comes in as the underdog as the No. 8 seed, but the six-seed gap between them and the second-ranked Bison is not indicative of how close the contest in Frisco, Texas, could be. 

        

FCS Championship Info

Date: Saturday, January 8

Start Time: noon ET 

TV: ESPN2

Live Stream: ESPN app and ESPN.com.

      

Preview

North Dakota State has more of a dynasty at the FCS level than the Alabama Crimson Tide have in the FBS. 

The Bison have controlled the FCS postseason since they won their first crown in 2011. The only years they did not win were in 2016 and 2021. 

This year, North Dakota State established its dominance throughout its three postseason contests, holding its opponents to a combined 24 points. 

The eight-time champion did not blow out its last opponent, but it came away with a win in what felt like a championship contest against the James Madison Dukes. JMU won the 2016 title and lost to NDSU in 2020. 

NDSU will try to win Saturday's contest with its rushing attack. The Bison ran for 174 yards in the win over James Madison, and they had 278 rushing yards versus the East Tennessee State Buccaneers in the quarterfinal round. 

Hunter Luepke and TaMerik Williams have taken turns as the stars of the Bison rushing attack, and both players should be problems for the Montana State defense. 

Montana State reached the championship through a trio of double-digit wins, including the final two triumphs over the two championship game participants from the 2021 spring season. The FCS opted to play a spring season in 2021 because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in fall 2020. 

Freshman quarterback Tommy Mellott was the star of the last two playoff wins, throwing a pair of touchdowns in each victory. He also ran for 155 yards and two scores against South Dakota State.

Mellott may not have the same level of success against the NDSU defense in a setting where the Bison are used to playing. 

The Bobcats need the same magic out of Mellott to have a shot at beating the FCS powerhouse at Toyota Stadium in Frisco. 

North Dakota State should be favored because of its recent dominance at the FCS level, but if it can't contain Mellott, Montana State could hang around and fight for the victory. 

South Dakota State vs. Montana State: FCS Playoffs 2021 TV Info, Time, More

Dec 17, 2021
FILE - South Dakota State running back Pierre Strong runs with the ball during an NCAA football game against Minnesota, Aug. 29, 2019, in Minneapolis. Strong was selected to The Associated Press FCS All-America team. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton- King, File)
FILE - South Dakota State running back Pierre Strong runs with the ball during an NCAA football game against Minnesota, Aug. 29, 2019, in Minneapolis. Strong was selected to The Associated Press FCS All-America team. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton- King, File)

The Montana State Bobcats and South Dakota State Jackrabbits tore apart the order in the top half of the FCS playoff bracket. 

Montana State advanced to Saturday's quarterfinal with a 42-19 upset win over the top-seeded Sam Houston State Bearkats. 

South Dakota State won three times on the road as an unseeded team to earn a trip to Bozeman, Montana. 

South Dakota State is looking to get back to the FCS National Championship for the second season in a row. The Jackrabbits fell to Sam Houston State in May after the FCS shifted its season from the fall to spring.

Montana State is playing for its second trip to the title game and first since it won the championship back in 1984. 

     

South Dakota State vs. Montana State Info

Date: Saturday, December 18

Start Time: 2 p.m. ET 

TV: ESPN2

Live Stream: ESPN.com and ESPN app

       

Game Odds

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

Spread: South Dakota State (-5.5) 

Over/Under: 47 

Money Line: South Dakota State (-210; bet $210 to win $100); Montana State (+175; bet $100 to win $175) 

       

Preview

South Dakota State is the weaker team in seeding only.

The Jackrabbits are more than deserving of the favorite tag in Saturday's semifinal because of the manner in which they plowed through their three postseason opponents. 

South Dakota State blew past the UC Davis Aggies with 56 points in the first round, beat the No. 4 Sacramento State Hornets by five and dominated the No. 5 seed Villanova Wildcats on the ground in a 14-point victory.

The Jackrabbits' running back tandem of Isaiah Davis and Pierre Strong Jr. Davis ran for 499 yards in the postseason, and Strong leads the FCS in rushing yards. 

South Dakota State produced a relentless 266-yard rushing game against a Villanova defense led by the FCS' leading tackler Forrest Rhyne. 

Montana State may have a hard time containing a type of rushing attack that it has barely seen this season.

South Dakota State may be unseeded, but it is as worthy of a national title contender as any team. It owns a win over the No. 2 seed North Dakota State Bison and suffered its three losses by a combined 13 points. 

Montana State has an impressive rushing attack in its favor as well. The Bobcats ran for 190 yards in the quarterfinal upset of Sam Houston State. 

Isaiah Ifanse has 281 rushing yards and two scores in his pair of postseason appearances. He entered the postseason with six 100-yard performances. 

The showdown of strong rushing units is as even as it gets, and the two rushing defenses are separated by 1.6 yards allowed per game. 

Saturday's difference-maker could be passing defense. Montana State ranks 12th in that category, while South Dakota State is 86th.

The Jackrabbits allowed 271 passing yards against Villanova, and they face a quarterback in Tommy Mellott who can hurt them in both facets of the game.

Mellott had two passing touchdowns in the quarterfinal round, and he has 256 rushing yards in two playoff games. 

Montana State jumped out to double-digit first-half leads behind Mellott and Ifanse in its first two playoff contests, and that could be the formula to taking down South Dakota State. 

The Jackrabbits need to dictate the pace through their ground game, and if they control that area of the matchup, they could be headed back to Frisco for the second time in nine months. 

           

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James Madison vs. North Dakota State: FCS Playoffs 2021 TV Info, Time, More

Dec 17, 2021
10 September 2016: North Dakota State Bison running back Lance Dunn (10) during a game against the East Washington Eagles at the Fargodome in Fargo, North Dakota. (Photo by Zackary Brame/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
10 September 2016: North Dakota State Bison running back Lance Dunn (10) during a game against the East Washington Eagles at the Fargodome in Fargo, North Dakota. (Photo by Zackary Brame/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The first of the two FCS semifinals to be played will have the feel of a championship game.

The James Madison Dukes and North Dakota State Bison met in two of the past four finals at that level of the sport.

North Dakota State is the dominant power at the FCS level. It has eight national titles since 2011, and it breezed through its two playoff games to reach the final.

James Madison also had an easy time with its first two postseason opponents, outscoring those foes 87-26.

The Dukes face the most unenviable task in all of FCS football by making a trip up to the Fargodome. North Dakota State is almost unbeatable inside its home stadium and is consequently favored to win Friday night.

                      

James Madison vs. North Dakota State Info

Date: Friday, December 17

Start Time: 9:15 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN2

Live Stream: ESPN.com and ESPN app.

                     

Game Odds

Spread: North Dakota State (-5.5) 

Over/Under: 48

Moneyline: North Dakota State -210 (bet $210 to win $100); James Madison +170 (bet $100 to win $170)

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

          

Preview

There will be a national championship-style atmosphere in North Dakota on Friday night.

The winner of the semifinal contest will be viewed as the favorite to win the FCS national title on January 8 in Frisco, Texas.

North Dakota State claimed two of its past three titles over James Madison in tight, one-possession affairs.

The Bison will try to win the contest through a rushing attack that posted 278 yards on 49 carries in the quarterfinal victory over the East Tennessee State Buccaneers. Seven North Dakota State players earned at least one carry in the victory, and TaMerik Williams led the dominant effort on the interior with 91 yards and two scores off 15 carries

James Madison is ranked fourth in rushing yards allowed, so Williams and Co. may have trouble finding some seams on the interior.

The same could be said about the Dukes' ground attack, as it is set to face the third-best rushing defense in the FCS. North Dakota State gave up the fewest points per game on the FCS level. It allowed three opponents to score 20 or more points in 13 games.

The Bison will be tasked with slowing down JMU's passing combination of Cole Johnson and his two 1,000-yard receivers. Antwane Wells Jr. and Kris Thornton combined for 155 catches, 2,247 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns.

North Dakota State's top defensive aim should be to shut down at least one of those wideouts. James Madison does not have another player with more than 300 receiving yards.

If NDSU gets a few quick stops, it could flip the field in its favor and begin to control the clock through its ground unit.

It may take some time for either offense to get going since both defenses rank near or at the top of a handful of defensive categories. We should expect another tight affair between the Bison and Dukes, but it is hard to pick against NDSU's home-field advantage.

North Dakota State has seven double-digit victories inside the Fargodome this season, and until JMU proves it can beat the Bison, the home side has to be the pick to advance to the FCS National Championship.

                 

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North Dakota State Beats James Madison 28-20 for 3rd Straight FCS Championship

Jan 11, 2020
North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance (5) runs the ball as James Madison safety D'Angelo Amos (24) pursues during the first half of the FCS championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde)
North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance (5) runs the ball as James Madison safety D'Angelo Amos (24) pursues during the first half of the FCS championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde)

The top-seeded North Dakota State Bison defeated the No. 2 James Madison Dukes 28-20 on Saturday at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, to win the 2019-20 FCS National Championship Game.

With the win, NDSU completed its second consecutive undefeated campaign and continued its dominance over the FCS by winning its eighth national title in the past nine seasons. Meanwhile, James Madison lost to North Dakota State in the National Championship Game for the second time in three years.

One day after NDSU quarterback Trey Lance became the first freshman to win the FCS equivalent to the Heisman Trophy—the Walter Payton Award—he led the Bison to victory thanks largely to his legs.

North Dakota State rushed for 281 yards as a team in the win, and it held the Dukes to 365 total yards.

The Bison defense made the pivotal play of the game as well with safety James Hendricks intercepting James Madison quarterback Ben DiNucci at the goal line in the closing seconds to secure the win.

         

Notable Stats

Trey Lance, QB, NDSU: 6-of-10 for 72 YDS; 30 CAR for 166 YDS and 1 TD

Adam Cofield, RB, NDSU: 7 CAR for 24 YDS and 1 TD

Phoenix Sproles, WR, NDSU: 1 CAR for 38 YDS and 1 TD; 1 REC for 13 YDS

Ben DiNucci, QB, JMU: 22-of-33 for 204 YDS, 2 TD and 1 INT

Percy Agyei-Obese, RB, JMU: 18 CAR for 73 YDS

Riley Stapleton, WR, JMU: 10 REC for 100 YDS and 2 TD

             

Lance Dazzles on National Stage as Bison Win 8th National Title

Despite NDSU's dominance for nearly a decade, James Madison entered Saturday's game as a slight favorite, and it was expected to be a tightly contested affair.

That is primarily because the Bison and Dukes boasted two of the best defenses in FCS this season, per ESPN Stats & Info:

The defensive excellence wasn't on full display in the early going, as JMU bled 7:33 off the clock on its first drive, which lasted 17 plays and 86 yards, and concluded with a five-yard touchdown pass from DiNucci to Riley Stapleton:

James Madison made a big-time statement on that drive, which meant the Bison needed to answer in impressive fashion.

They did precisely that, as Lance orchestrated a 70-yard drive in less than four minutes. After Lance set the Bison up on the 1-yard line with a 13-yard run, Adam Cofield punched it in from one yard out to tie the game:

North Dakota State struck again on its next drive after forcing James Madison to punt, and it didn't take the Bison long to assume the lead.

After a pass interference call and a 14-yard run by Lance set the Bison up in JMU territory, NDSU used some razzle dazzle, as wide receiver Phoenix Sproles scored on a 38-yard reverse that saw him fake the pitch:

James Madison did manage to answer with a field goal to cut the deficit to four, but it was the Bison who entered halftime with momentum on their side.

The Dukes thought they executed a huge third-down stop late in the half, but NDSU outsmarted James Madison again with a fake field goal that saw Hendricks rush for a 20-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 11:

While the total yardage numbers were comparable in the first half and the numbers didn't indicate that North Dakota State should have a two-score lead, first-year head coach Matt Entz's willingness to call some trick plays were the difference.

Lance's ability to do damage with his legs also played a big role in NDSU's early success, including this run, which saw him plow through the entire JMU defense and give his team a ton of energy:

As pointed out by Bob Grebe of WHSV, James Madison didn't have the defensive game plan it needed to keep Lance in check from a running perspective:

That seemingly began to change in the third quarter, as James Madison held North Dakota State scoreless and kicked a field goal to pull to within eight points.

Just when it looked like the Dukes were trending in the right direction, though, Lance made another highlight-reel play on a 44-yard touchdown run in the opening second of the fourth quarter to give NDSU a 15-point advantage:

It would have been easy for James Madison to pack it in against a top-flight defense at that point, but the Dukes continued to fight. They cut the lead back down to eight on another five-yard touchdown pass from DiNucci to Stapleton with 6:55 remaining.

The key play on that drive was conversion by DiNucci on a 4th-and-6 that saw him lower his head and bowl over a defender on a six-yard run:

North Dakota State had a chance to essentially put the game away on the ensuing drive, but the Dukes stopped the Bison on a 4th-and-2 and took control of the ball at their own 37 with 2:40 remaining.

JMU got the ball all the way down to the NDSU 3-yard line, but DiNucci was intercepted by Hendricks, who scored a rushing touchdown earlier in the game, which sealed the win for the Bison.

Lance wasn't asked to do much through the air, but he carries the NDSU offense with his legs and finished the season with no interceptions in 16 games, while the Bison defense came through in the clutch as well.

FCS Championship 2020: Odds, Time, TV Schedule for James Madison vs. NDSU

Alex Ballentine
Jan 10, 2020
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 31:  Quarterback Trey Lance #5 of the North Dakota State Bison looks to pass against the Butler Bulldogs during their game at Target Field on August 31, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 31: Quarterback Trey Lance #5 of the North Dakota State Bison looks to pass against the Butler Bulldogs during their game at Target Field on August 31, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)

The North Dakota State dynasty has an opportunity to extend its championship streak when it takes on James Madison in the 2020 FCS Championship Game on Saturday.

The Bison have won seven of the last eight national championships and are set to meet the only team to interrupt that streak in the Dukes.

NDSU's dominance has spanned the reigns of three head coaches. While former head coach Chris Klieman was having a successful debut with Kansas State, former defensive coordinator Matt Entz took over the position seamlessly and has the Bison in the championship game at 15-0.

James Madison will be the Bison's opponent for the third time in four years and also feature a first-year head coach. Curt Cignetti took over the program from Mike Houston, who also moved up to the FBS ranks, taking the East Carolina job after leading the Dukes to their past two national title appearances.

                    

2019 FCS Championship Information

Date: Saturday, January 11

Time: Noon ET 

TV: ABC

Odds: James Madison -1.5; O/U: 50

Odds via Caesars

                      

Preview

There may have been a changing of the guard in the coaching staff for North Dakota State, but the DNA of the program remains the same. The Bison are looking to run you into the ground and play consistent defense to control the game.

Their run game is both prolific and diverse. They lead the FCS in yards per carry and rank fourth in rushing yards per game, yet they don't have a single rusher with more than 1,000 yards on the season. Instead, they will attack defenses with myriad runners, including quarterback Trey Lance.

The past two North Dakota State quarterbacks—Carson Wentz and Easton Stick—have been drafted in the NFL. Lance could be the next when he's done in Fargo.

The redshirt freshman has been dynamic through the air and on the ground. He has a perfect touchdown-to-interception ratio with 28 scores and no picks while throwing for 2,714 yards and completing 67 percent of his passes.

The quarterback isn't generally called on to do much, but he's coming off of one of his best games of the season in the semifinal against Montana State, against whom he threw for 223 yards on 15-of-21 passing and three touchdowns.

Cignetti knows that finding a way to stop Lance will be an important aspect of picking up the win for the Dukes, per NCAA.com:

"They are extremely multiple with a lot of different personnel groupings. They huddle. They'll bring big people out on the field yet shift to empty. So a lot of shifts, a lot of motions, a lot of different looks, a lot more quarterback run, quarterback-read type stuff probably than we do. More out-of-pocket passes, probably, than we do."

James Madison brings a little more experience at the quarterback position but is nearly identical in terms of their build as a team. Senior Ben DiNucci has thrown for 3,237 yards and 27 touchdowns. The Pitt transfer isn't the focal point of the offense, though.

RALEIGH, NC - SEPTEMBER 01:  Ben DiNucci #6 of the James Madison Dukes during their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 24-13.  (Photo by Grant H
RALEIGH, NC - SEPTEMBER 01: Ben DiNucci #6 of the James Madison Dukes during their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 24-13. (Photo by Grant H

The Dukes also look to primarily move the ball on the ground. DiNucci isn't as involved as Lance in the run game, but they use him as well as running backs Percy Agyei-Obese and Jawon Hamilton to grind down opposing defenses.

Cignetti's side also features some athleticism at the receiver position that can get the Bison out of the box if need be. Brandon Polk has become an explosive option for the Dukes with 72 receptions, 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season.

Riley Stapleton can also cause problems with his 6'5" 230-pound frame. Entz described the issues of preparing for bigger-bodied receivers for NCAA.com:

"I think the main thing or the thing that's always difficult when you're talking about a scout team, doesn't matter if it's JMU or anyone, is the length that some of the receivers provide -- a Riley Stapleton, who is 6'4", 6'5", it's hard to emulate that length and the difference. He can go up and get 50/50 balls and they become a big concern. So that, of course, is always a concern."

With both teams possessing big-time rushing attacks, strong defenses and championship experience, this is as good a matchup as fans could hope for.

Expect another defensive battle like the one these two waged in 2017. The Bison edged out the Dukes 17-13 that year en route to another championship.