We’re a week away from the FCS national championship game in Frisco, Texas. No. 1 seed Montana State and No. 2 seed North Dakota State kick off at 6 p.m. CT on Jan. 6. They’ll have the football TV spotlight to themselves with the game airing on ESPN.
This year, there is a two-week break between the semifinals and the title game compared to the usual three weeks. It still gives us media folks plenty of time to break down and predict what we think will happen.
But what do those in the coaching profession think about the final outcome?
I asked several FCS head coaches and assistant coaches across the country to share their anonymous predictions and reasoning. Here is what they said.
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The two teams have some similarities. Great QB, big time freshman RB. I just think this is Montana St year to get the chip. They have been dominant all year. Even though ND St is always in the mix this is a first year head coach so it’s his first title game. Going to be a battle. ND St is peeking, but I think Montana St avenges last years playoff game and wins a competitive, physical natty.
I think Montana State wins a close game. I think they’ll be able to run it and stop the run more effectively. Tommy will make a few more plays than Cam in a really entertaining game.
I’m going with North Dakota State. Expectations and understanding what it takes to win this game will be the difference.
The 2 most physically dominant teams remain. Whichever Offensive line can control the LOS and keep their top flight QBs clean should have the clearest path to victory. It really is a hard game to call. But I would give the edge to MSU. That QB just seems to have a little more magic to him. Excited to watch what promises to be a very evenly matched game!
This is going to be an extremely physical game. Montana St has done a great job of building its OL & DL using the MVFC blueprint. Two teams that pride themselves on running the ball. NDSU’s offense has struggled to get going at certain points during the season. Montana St defense has not shown many cracks this season and will keep things close. The difference will be Tommy Mellott out dualing Cam Miller & pushing the Bobcats to 16-0 with the win in Frisco.
Montana State is the pick. Too good all year long. Mellot and Co. are too explosive and will put up points on this NDSU defense. Top to bottom they are a more complete team. MSU 31-NDSU 14.
NDSU is going to have trouble stopping Montana State’s offense. MSU is good up front…and if you stop the downhill run game, Tommy can beat you pulling it. I would expect 15 runs from Tommy in this game. He can beat you on 3rd down throwing it too. He has definitely improved as a passer….best player in the country. On the other side, MSU has showed a susceptibility to downhill run game. Just don’t think they will be able to keep pace. The first team to get a 14 point lead will cruise. I think it’s Montana State 42-24.
I’m taking North Dakota State in the upset! Playing in a better conference all season have the Bison battle tested and ready to play. In a showdown of the best two quarterbacks in FCS Football, Cam Miller gets the better of Tommy Mellott. NDSU wins 27 -21.
The Bison battle and keep it close but Tommy Mellott will continue his incredible season leading the Bobcats to 16-0 and a National Championship.
Two really good complete football teams are going to play. Should be a great game after watching both of them. The edge goes to Montana St for me. I think that they have played consistent in every phase all year. If they play a clean game turnover wise they should win.
Montana State is my pick. They run the ball very efficiently over 300 a game. I believe Coach Vigen will have them up to the task of beating NDSU. It will be a great game, but I give the edge to Montana State.
North Dakota State will win. I’ve seen cam miller live and in color and he should be the 3rd QB off the board. Dude is unreal. Their offense is crazy efficient and defense will survive situationally
I love the culture and winning ways of NDSU but the best player in the country is playing for Montana State and he happens to play the position of QB, which is the most important position in the field. I am going with Montana State to win a close one in the National championship game.
I am a huge NDSU fan from the standpoint of consistency of success over a such a long period of time. HCs, QBs, OLs have changed but results have remained. With that being said, Montana St. has the edge in my eyes because of the QB position. Miller is outstanding and would be a star at every other school in the country except for one. The guy at Montana St. is just on a different level with his biggest impact being his leadership and the confidence that he plays with. Therefore, Montana St. 24, NDSU 17
Hard to call honestly both teams are built with good O & DL. Run the Ball well. And have great fan bases. I would go with Montana State. They were the only FCS team we played this year that made me go damn they are good. Their defense plays with their hair on fire and strain to the ball, their offense has a proven winner and one of the best players in college football at the helm playing QB. And they run the ball behind a great offensive line. I think it’s the bobcats time.
I’m going with Montana State in a close game. Ultimately with the way Tommy Mellott has been playing combined with Montana States ground game, it will just be too much for NDSU to handle.
I think NDSU will win in a shootout. Likely one score game. Both defenses are good but the offenses have been elite all year. Some of the small changes NDSU made on offense has made them even more dynamic and Cam Miller has been the best QB in the country all year.
What a great battle for the FCS national championship after that heartbreaking loss Montana State took last year… To get a redemption game with all the chips on the table what experience. Obviously I believe it’s gonna be a close game but I think Montana State’s gonna pull it out 35 to 31.
