The 2019 FCS title game is here, and in what appears to be a great matchup between James Madison and North Dakota State, we began to wonder what the head coaches around the FCS were thinking of this matchup. So we promised anonymity so they could maybe be a tad more honest than they might be with a microphone in their faces, and we asked them who was going to win, and why?
We polled nearly two dozen FCS coaches, many of whom have faced these two schools in the past few years — both in the regular season and postseason. Here's what they told us:
[divider]More FCS Championship:
- FCS Home
- JMU vs. NDSU By The Numbers
- Championship Game Superlatives
- Interactive Map: FCS Title Game Hometowns
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HERO SPORTS PREDICTIONS: B-Mac And Herd Pick The Title Game: They Disagree
THE FCS COACHES PICKS
From the Ohio Valley: NDSU WINS: "I don’t think North Dakota State is quite as powerful as they have been. But I do think that their experience in this process will be enough to get them over the top of a very good James Madison team. Will be a low-scoring game that will be decided by a few critical plays!"[divider]
From the SoCon: JMU WINS: "(JMU plays) great defense, especially against the run – better balance on offense. Both teams are incredibly talented and very well coached. JMU has picked up some big-time transfers that made a huge difference for them. Love the fact that NDSU has built their program through high school recruiting and development."[divider]
From The Patriot League: NDSU WINS: "I think that NDSU wins. They play mistake free football, they will have enough support that it will be like a home game, and they have been there before. If JMU is to win, it will have to be due to QB experience and NDSU QB playing like a freshman, which has not really happened."[divider]
From the Missouri Valley: NDSU WINS: "North Dakota State. Number one they expect to win this game. They have the best player in the country in Trey Lance. They have proven to win in all different ways. They can win with scoring points or grinding it out and playing great defense. They are a complete team."[divider]
From The Big Sky: NDSU WINS: "A much tougher one to pick (than FBS). Game possibly leads us into August because the two defenses are so strong it might be scored by 2’s (safeties). Have to go with the Bison in a tight one. Tradition overcomes transfers."[divider]
From the Missouri Valley: NDSU WINS: "NDSU! Trey Lance is fun to watch and something special! Hard to pick against a team who has won 7 of the last 8 national championships, 127 wins and 8 losses in the past 9 seasons, 7 of 8 conference games they held teams in our league to 17 pts or fewer. This program has been built to sustain success.”[divider]
From the Missouri Valley: NDSU WINS: "No question NDSU. Coach has done a GREAT job of keeping their identity & toughness. Very disciplined and that QB is very talented & cool under pressure for a Freshman."[divider]
From the Southland: NDSU WINS: "North Dakota State is my pick. I think the culture and tradition will take over in the end. I do believe from watching them from afar that their QB is as good as they’ve had there and that’s saying a lot with the players they’ve had play that position. One thing you can appreciate about both of these programs is their consistency and plug-and-play mentality every single year. It is rare for graduation not to hurt programs but NDSU and James Madison prove otherwise. These are two amazing programs and probably a toss up but I can’t go against NDSU and their culture and run they’ve been on."[divider]
From the Ohio Valley: JMU WINS: "James Madison in a close one! Red Zone Offense and kicking is huge in a big, close game and JMU has a slight advantage. NDSU is great at taking care of the ball! Only 6 TO’s all year. JMU has 15. Stapleton Brothers will make a redzone play to be difference in game!"[divider]
From the SoCon: NDSU WINS: "Hard to pick against NDSU. They are just solid in all three phases. I think the biggest difference is their OL & DL are special. That is where Championships are won, along with a “Winner” at QB. The Bison have it all. JMU’s speed and playmakers will make it a game, but Bison will win it in the trenches."[divider]
From the CAA: JMU WINS: "I believe James Madison will win this year. These two teams are about as evenly matched as you can get in most offensive and defensive categories. However; I give the advantage up front to the Dukes. They are exceptional up front on both sides of the ball, but their defensive front can control a game! And in a game this evenly matched it can come down to the kicking game; where I give the slight advantage to JMU; especially Ethan Ratke, their placekicker. Could come down to last second FG to get the “W”!"[divider]
From the Ohio Valley: NDSU WINS: "NDSU- with its experience of playing in title games. The QB has had a terrific season. James Madison is very hungry with something to prove."[divider]
From the Southland Conf.: NDSU WINS: "I believe NDSU in a much closer defensive game than some may consider. JMU will be the most athletic defense they have faced and will likely be able to limit Lance’s off-scheduled plays. I feel both defenses will play well with the extra time in prep. Kicking game will be interesting. NDSU’s discipline in special teams vs return skill of JMU."
From the Big South.: NDSU WINS: "I’m going to have to go NDSU . Don’t really have a reason other than the history of the program and the history of the championship game. It’s two really good programs. I’m not surprised that these two are playing it’s become the norm. Plus we played NDSU just 2 season ago so we know what they are bringing to the table. It could go either way. They have been the Alabama of this league, but as you know Alabama has been dethrone."[divider]
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