Down in the heart of Texas, two hated rivals from the northern part of the United States will do battle for the FCS National Championship when South Dakota State squares off with North Dakota State. Two squads that have had a long football rivalry (North Dakota State leads the overall series 63-45-5) and are usually for the Dakota Marker trophy, this Division I-AA title tilt has some special rivalry intrigue to it. Though the Bison lead the overall series with the Jackrabbits, the latter has actually won the last three meetings, dating back to the 2021 spring season. However, over time, NDSU is 4-0 against SDSU in the FCS Playoffs. Nonetheless, it would be wise to throw out the record books when these two historic foes square off in Frisco.
In this article, SBS will be going over what to look for from each team, a prediction for the championship game, and some other notes about NCAA football wagering.
| 2023 NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship Game | The Pick |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota State vs. North Dakota State | SDSU -6 | -110 | -110 | -110 |
Team Spotlight: North Dakota State Bison
Spearheaded by coach Matt Entz in his fourth season at the helm, the Bison have been strong this year per usual and are pinned as the No. 4 team in the FCS ranks. During the 2021 season, North Dakota State finished the year with a 14-1 record and was able to win the FCS National Championship with a strong victory over Montana State in the title game. While the Bison did fall to SDSU earlier this year, 23-21 at the Fargodome, this is still a contest where it can be anyone’s game, especially considering the extra rivalry hatred between the two. Moreover, the Bison are rolling with double-digit wins in two of their playoff matchups so far (Samford and Montana), to go along with a thrilling 35-32 win over Incarnate Word in the semifinals.
In terms of who to watch out for, the NDSU rushing attack has been the focal point of the offense with running back Kobe Johnson leading the way with 902 rushing yards on the year. While the Bison do not normally favor the pass, at least this year, quarterback Cam Miller is efficient at times leading the North Dakota State offense. Receiver Zach Mathis is the main offensive threat on the outside for the Bison (399 receiving yards and three scores this season).
Team Spotlight: South Dakota State Jackrabbits
A squad that is recognized as the No. 1 team at the FCS level, the Jackrabbits are certainly a team that has earned that honor with a spectacular 2022 campaign. Led by a dynamic running back in Isaiah Davis (1,348 rushing yards with 14 scores), SDSU has definitely been able to demolish most foes thanks to their balanced attacks. Sophomore quarterback Mark Gronkowski is also one to watch, with 23 passing scores on the year, and has been masterful at piloting the Jackrabbits offense. A squad that has blown past the competition during the FCS playoffs, with double-digit wins in all three games, SDSU has shown no signs of slowing down during this season.
As referenced above, the Jackrabbits have had some consistent success against the Bison as of late, winning three in a row against their hated rivals. Head coach John Stiegelmeier is in his 26th year as the head man for South Dakota State, and this could be his best chance at his first FCS title if he can knock off the Bison. Following a championship game loss in 2020, this is also perhaps the best Jackrabbits team ever and one that could achieve immortality with a title game win later this month.
Prediction: In what should be a contest that goes down to the wire, this is the year the Jackrabbits finally get over the hump and win the FCS National Championship.
After you are all dialed in regarding the FCS National Championship Game, check out the variety of resources SBS has placed at your disposal to make your gaming journey a breeze. For instance, our NCAAF betting sites guide is a must-read page if you are interested in getting the latest news regarding NCAA football betting markets for 2023 and beyond. Moreover, with the college football season coming to a close, you still should check out the SBS best bonus betting sites rundown, which goes over a catalog of different bonus offers and tips for getting the most out of promotions. Finally, for those that are always on the go, the SBS best betting apps breakdown is a must-read, so you have everything you need to know about mobile wagering.
About the Author
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football in the Mountain West Conference, and basketball. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones.
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