Week 13 FCS Predictions: Montana State-Montana, SDSU-UND, Harvard-Yale, Lehigh-Lafayette + More

Week 13 of the 2025 FCS season is here, and it features five ranked matchups a day before Selection Sunday.

After an 11-4 mark last week, let’s predict some more scores.

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Predictions Record:
2025 Record: 107-36
2024 Record: 126-40

FCS Week 13 Predictions

Week 13 Viewing Guide

No. 3/3 Montana State at No. 2/2 Montana Prediction

Montana State is 9-2 overall and 9-1 vs. the FCS, featuring two currently-ranked wins over Northern Arizona and UC Davis. Montana is 11-0 with 10 D1 wins, including one currently-ranked win over UND. The winner on Saturday earns the No. 2 seed and coveted home-field advantage. The loser has a good shot to remain in the Top 4 seeds, potentially even the No. 3 seed, although a 9-3 MSU team would possibly drop further than an 11-1 Montana team. The final-score margin could be a factor in how far the loser drops.

For a more detailed look at the playoff implications, check out this article.

The home team has dominated this game in every matchup dating back to 2019. Part of that is because the home team has been very good that year. Another reason is just the overwhelming environment for the away team. Pound-for-pound, this is as heated a college football rivalry as any other. Not only is it hard to hear yourself speak or think offensively on the field, but it can be difficult to communicate with teammates and coaches or concentrate on in-game adjustments when you have fans hovering right above you trying to get into your head.

Things have snowballed quickly for the away team.

With that said, it seems we’re set for the closest game in a while. Montana State has looked like the more complete team than Montana and has played with more consistency. The Bobcats look better on the lines as well. Does that even out the home-field advantage?

Montana’s defense has been gettable this year. But a home crowd in a rivalry game like this can take their play to another level, where they are feeding off of that energy. Justin Lamson (2,170 passing yards, 19 TDs, 2 INT, 509 rush yards, 10 TDs) has been excellent at quarterback for MSU this year after transferring from Stanford. Is he ready for this game? You can prepare mentally and physically as well as you can, but until he’s in it, we don’t know how he’ll react to that stage. Poised and accurate? Or tight and erratic? The Griz will put MSU in passing situations, and then the blitz-heavy pressure comes while the decibels reach a new level on third down.

On the flipside, when Montana gets going offensively, it can roll as well as any team in the country. The combination of Keali’i Ah Yat, Eli Gillman, Michael Wortham, and Brooks Davis can make a defense hurt in so many ways. And their playmaking abilities make up for an OK offensive line. Gillman has rushed for 1,129 yards (No. 7 in the FCS) and 16 scores. Ah Yat is No. 3 in FCS passing yards (2,968). And Wortham is No. 3 in all-purpose yards per game (155.36).

They’ll go up against a top-tier defense that has impressive depth, speed, and tackling abilities. The Cats are allowing 16.2 points per game, ranking No. 8 in the FCS.

Montana State seems like the more popular pick, both in the spread and in some other predictions from FCS followers. I’m sticking with the home team here. It may take Lamson too long to settle in, and Montana is the type of team that seems to avalanche you when they seize that momentum. And in the best environment in the FCS, it’s hard for the road team to take momentum fully back. I do expect a close game, but Montana’s quicker start is the difference.

Prediction: Montana 24-21

RELATED: FCS Bracketology

No. 22/22 SDSU at No. 13/16 North Dakota Prediction

SDSU is 7-4 vs. the FCS with two currently-ranked wins (Montana State, YSU), but is on a four-game losing streak with QB Chase Mason sidelined due to injury. UND is 7-4 overall and 7-3 vs. the FCS, featuring two currently-ranked wins (YSU, SIU). The winner locks in a playoff spot at 8-4 and could be somewhere in the Top 16 seeds.

As for the loser…

UND would still have a decent shot at getting in at 7-5 with its two ranked wins and tight losses to highly-ranked teams, plus the No. 2 FCS strength of schedule. If SDSU lost, would a team on a five-game losing streak and a 3-5 conference record be worthy of a playoff bid? If Mason plays, he plays well, and SDSU plays well overall but loses a tight game at UND, the Jacks could sneak in at 7-5. If they lose by multiple scores with or without Mason, the committee may not give them a pass. Player availability is a discussion point for the committee.

Mason is in pads and practicing this week. Does he return? And how much does he cover up for an SDSU team that has had issues beyond quarterback with multiple All-MVFC-level players sidelined with injury?

Winning at UND is tough. The Fighting Hawks are 4-1 at home this year, 5-2 last year, 6-1 in 2023, and 4-1 in 2022. However, SDSU does own a two-game winning streak in Grand Forks.

SDSU has struggled to run the ball consistently this year, and it doesn’t seem likely the Jackrabbits will find the necessary success on a UND defense that is No. 5 nationally in rushing yards allowed per game (97.0). That turns SDSU into a one-dimensional offense, relying on the arm of its quarterback. Jack Henry, who began this season as SDSU’s No. 3 QB, has been thrust into the starting lineup in the last two games. He’s shown some promise. But he’s just a redshirt freshman. If Mason does play, how’s his mobility? Regardless of the signal-caller, keeping him clean is key if the Jacks are forced to throw it more than they’d like to. UND owns a dangerous pass-rush, led by Lance Rucker’s seven sacks and Kaden Vig’s 5.5.

UND will need that strong pass-rush to help its guys in the secondary. In consecutive weeks, the Fighting Hawks have lost starting cornerbacks Antonio Bluiett and Avery Scott to injuries, although Bennett Walker is back from an injury he suffered earlier this season.

The unknown of Mason’s status makes this one hard to predict. But with how the teams are trending, there is more confidence in picking UND at home.

Prediction: UND 28-24

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No. 8/10 Harvard at RV/No. 25 Yale Prediction

Finally, “The Game” has FCS playoff implications.

Harvard is 6-0 in Ivy League play, while Yale is 5-1. The winner on Saturday earns the auto-bid. If Yale were to win, the Ivy League’s chances of being a multi-bid league increase with Harvard likely getting an at-large bid at 9-1. If Yale loses, it likely won’t make the playoffs at 7-3 with a head-to-head loss to Dartmouth, who could potentially hit eight wins. A 10-0 Harvard team looks to have a shot at a Top 8 seed.

Bubble teams should be rooting for Harvard.

This is the 141st playing of The Game. When these two faced off in 2023, the Yale Bowl drew 51,127 fans. It’s among the best rivalry games in the FCS, and it now draws more national intrigue with the postseason stakes.

Harvard has mostly rolled its competition this year in its 9-0 start, outscoring opponents on average of 40.67-15.11. Last week, though, the Crimson needed a Kieran Corr 53-yard field goal as time expired to beat Penn 45-43. Penn had just taken the lead with 22 seconds left. Yale also found itself in a battle last week, beating Princeton 13-10.

Jaden Craig has been tremendous this season for Harvard, throwing for 2,456 yards, 21 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Yale’s defense allows 16.0 points per game and 208.9 passing yards per game. Linebacker Inumidun Ayo-Durojaiye leads the unit with 91 tackles.

Yale’s offensive strength is running the ball, led by Josh Pitsenberger’s 1,095 yards and 12 scores on the ground. That runs right up against Harvard’s strength. The Crimson allow just 3.2 yards per carry and 98.1 rushing yards per game.

It’s going to be a battle. But Harvard is the more complete team.

Prediction: Harvard 24-17

No. 4/4 Lehigh at RV/No. 24 Lafayette Prediction

Another historic rivalry has major playoff implications.

Lehigh is 11-0 vs. the FCS with one currently-ranked win (Yale). Lafayette is 8-3 overall, 8-1 vs. the FCS with no currently-ranked wins, and 6-0 in Patriot League play. The winner here earns the auto-bid. If Lafayette wins, the Patriot League will be a two-bid league, as Lehigh would be in the bracket as an at-large bid. If Lehigh wins, it is likely somewhere in the Top 5 seeds at 12-0 with two currently-ranked wins, while Lafayette may be left on the wrong side of the bubble.

Bubble teams should be rooting for Lehigh.

Saturday is the 161st playing of “The Rivalry”, which is the most-played rivalry in college football.

Lehigh has been dominant this season, outscoring opponents on average of 33.1-12.3. The front seven has been excellent, helping the Mountain Hawks to the No. 1 FCS rushing defense that allows just 66.8 rushing yards per game. Brycen Edwards has 80 tackles and nine TFLs, while Tyler Ochojski has 50 tackles and 10 sacks. That bodes well against a Lafayette offense that is led by Kente Edwards and his 1,297 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. Dean DeNobile is a veteran QB, throwing for 2,267 yards, 19 TDs, and seven interceptions this fall.

The difference on Saturday may be the opposite side of the ball.

Lafayette is allowing 27.5 points per game, 131.7 rushing YPG, and 242.9 passing YPG. Lehigh is well-balanced offensively. The running back tandem of Luke Yoder (1,095 yards) and Jaden Green (762 yards) highlights the unit. But Hayden Johnson has elevated his play this season, throwing for 2,190 yards, 17 TDs, and five interceptions. Geoffrey Jamiel is having a special year with 1,000 receiving yards and eight scores.

Lehigh looks to take away the run while spreading the wealth offensively, notching a win and an undefeated regular season.

Prediction: Lehigh 34-28

More FCS Predictions

No. 24/RV SIU at No. 11/11 Illinois State

SIU is 6-5 overall with only five D1 victories and no currently-ranked wins. It would need a lot of help on the bubble, even with a ranked win over Illinois State. ISU is 8-3 overall and 8-2 vs. the FCS, featuring two currently-ranked wins over USD and SDSU. If the Redbirds win on Saturday to reach their ninth win and third ranked victory, they’d have an argument for a Top 8 seed.

Prediction: Illinois State 35-31

Sacramento State at No. 15/14 UC Davis

Sac State is 7-4 overall and 7-3 vs. the FCS with no currently-ranked wins. UC Davis is 7-3 overall and 7-2 vs. the FCS, featuring one currently-ranked win (NAU). The winner is certainly in as an at-large bid with an 8-4 record. The loser? Sac State likely wouldn’t get in at 7-5 and no currently-ranked victories. UC Davis has a better argument to get in at 7-4 with a ranked win over NAU, who has a decent shot at getting into the bracket if it wins its eighth game Saturday.

Prediction: UC Davs 38-31

Hampton at No. 10/9 Rhode Island

Rhody is 9-2 overall and 9-1 vs. the FCS with one currently-ranked win (UNH). A win would secure the CAA’s auto-bid, while also putting the Rams in the conversation for a Top 8 seed.

Prediction: Rhody 41-17

Maine at No. 25/NR New Hampshire

Maine is 6-5 overall and 6-3 vs. the FCS with no currently-ranked wins. It is likely out of the playoff hunt, but hitting seven wins by beating ranked UNH at least gives them a look. New Hampshire, meanwhile, is 7-4 overall and 7-3 vs. the FCS with one currently-ranked win (Monmouth). UNH would have a case to get in the bracket with eight wins. A head-to-head loss to Dartmouth, another potential eight-win team, will be a factor on the bubble.

Prediction: UNH 34-24

RELATED: Auto-Bid Scenarios

Dartmouth at Brown

Dartmouth is 7-2 with two currently-ranked wins over UNH and Yale. The Big Green will have an argument for the playoffs if it wins an eighth game on Saturday.

Prediction: Dartmouth 31-21

No. 18/17 Youngstown State at UNI

YSU is 7-4 overall and 7-3 vs. the FCS with two currently-ranked wins (Illinois State, SIU). The Penguins would have a shot at a Top 16 seed if they win their eighth game.

Prediction: YSU 35-21

Mercyhurst at CCSU

CCSU can clinch the auto-bid with a win over Mercyhurst. CCSU could also clinch with a loss and a Duquesne loss at Robert Morris.

Prediction: CCSU 27-20

UT Martin at No. 6/8 Tennessee Tech

TN Tech is 10-1 overall and 9-0 vs. the FCS with nine D1 wins and no currently-ranked victories. It is 7-0 in the OVC-Big South standings, while UT Martin is 6-1. The winner will clinch the auto-bid. If UT Martin pulled off the upset, this conference would likely be a two-bid league with TN Tech getting an at-large bid. If TN Tech wins, it’ll have an argument for a Top 8 seed, and UT Martin is left out with only six wins.

Prediction: TN Tech 31-28

Western Illinois at Gardner-Webb

Gardner-Webb is 7-4 overall and 7-2 vs. the FCS with no currently-ranked wins. WCU losing last week hurt G-W’s playoff resume. If the Runnin’ Bulldogs win Saturday to reach their eighth win, they would at least be considered by the committee, but they would need some bubble help.

Prediction: Gardner-Webb 28-21

SC State at Delaware State

With both teams 8-3 overall and 4-0 in MEAC play, the winner will play in the Celebration Bowl. Delaware State’s breakout season, led by head coach DeSean Jackson and 1,000-yard running back Marquis Gillis, continues with a win.

Prediction: Delaware State 31-27

Morehead State at Drake

Drake is 6-1 against PFL opponents, while Presbyterian and San Diego are both 5-2. Drake can clinch the auto-bid with a home win over Morehead State. If Drake loses, multiple tiebreaker scenarios could unfold.

Prediction: Drake 20-14

RELATED: 2025 FCS Attendance Leaders

Western Carolina at VMI

WCU is 6-5 vs. the FCS with no currently-ranked wins. It likely cost itself a playoff spot with a loss last week vs. ETSU, but hitting a seventh win on Saturday at least makes the committee give you a look.

Prediction: WCU 41-28

The Citadel at ETSU

ETSU is 6-5 overall and 6-4 vs. the FCS. It doesn’t have any currently-ranked wins, but it did knock WCU out of the rankings last week and only lost to ranked West Georgia and Mercer by a combined eight points. If the Bucs get their seventh D1 win on Saturday, the committee would at least consider them.

Prediction: ETSU 31-21

No. 14/13 SFA at Northwestern State

SFA has already clinched the auto-bid and is 9-2 overall, 8-1 vs. the FCS with eight D1 wins, and one currently-ranked victory (Lamar). If SFA wins, it could be somewhere in the Top 16 seeds.

Prediction: SFA 38-17

Nicholls at No. 21/20 Southeastern

Southeastern is 8-3 overall and 8-1 vs. the FCS with no currently-ranked wins. The Lions would have an argument for the playoffs if they hit their ninth win, but no ranked victories could be an issue on the bubble.

Prediction: Southeastern 24-17

McNeese at No. 19/19 Lamar

Lamar is 8-3 overall and 8-2 vs. the FCS with two currently-ranked wins (USD, Southeastern). It would have an argument for a Top 16 seed if Lamar improved to 9-3.

Prediction: Lamar 24-10

Alcorn State at No. 20/15 Jackson State

Jackson State and Alabama State are both 8-2 overall and 6-1 in the SWAC East. JSU owns a head-to-head win over the Hornets, so it can clinch a spot in the SWAC championship game with a victory on Saturday. The Tigers should be locked into this one to punch their ticket.

Prediction: Jackson State 35-24

Austin Peay at No. 5/5 Tarleton State

Tarleton State is 10-1 overall, featuring an FBS win (Army) and one currently-ranked win (West Georgia). If the Texans beat Austin Peay, it will be somewhere in the Top 8 seeds and likely in the Top 5. Austin Peay is 7-4 overall with an FBS win (Middle Tennessee) and one currently-ranked win (West Georgia). If the Govs pull off the upset and get a win, they are in the bracket. If they lose, they will be right on the bubble with a 50/50 chance of getting in.

Prediction: Tarleton State 35-24

No. 17/18 Abilene Christian at Central Arkansas

Abilene Christian is 7-4 overall and 7-2 vs. the FCS, featuring three currently-ranked wins (SFA, West Georgia, Tarleton). If the Wildcats win, they could be somewhere in the Top 16 seeds. If they lose, they would still have an argument to get in, but would be more nervous on Selection Sunday.

Prediction: Abilene Christian 28-21

Southern Utah at North Alabama

SUU is 6-5 vs. the FCS with one currently-ranked win (Abilene Christian). It also has a win over Austin Peay, who will be on the playoff bubble. If the Thunderbirds win, they will have seven D1 victories, on a six-game winning streak, and have wins over two teams in the playoff hunt. The committee would have to at least consider SUU.

Prediction: SUU 38-14