Cats vs. North Dakota State Predictions

[BleedingBLue]

It's finally game week + 2 days! Back in Frisco for another crack at a National Championship.

I like our chances in this one. NDSU is not nearly as good on defense as they have been in years past. They're still good, but they aren't dominant. I really think when we're on offense we have a distinct advantage. We have the best O Line in the country who should be able to open some good running lanes. The last 4 opponents for NDSU have all had success on the ground. The feature back(s) for USD, ACU, Mercer, and SDSU had solid YPC numbers. ACU ran for 6.6 YPC, and that's with sacks factored in. We're going to have those 1, 2, 3 yard carries through the game, but we should also be able to break off big chunks consistently. The best running game in the country, coupled with Tommy's improved passing ability should result in a good day for the offense. I'd guess we'll see Tommy use his legs again as well, forcing NDSU to keep a defender on him all game. Good for us.

Defensively, the biggest key to this game will be containing Cam Miller. The pass rush has to stay in their lanes and not allow him to break the pocket and rip off big gains. The second most important thing is containing Bryce Lance. He is by far their best weapon in the passing game, and makes it look easy. He's going to make some plays, but limiting how many he makes will be huge. We'd best be ready for the +1 run game as well. There are no games left after the 6th, and Miller wants to run. He's good at it, and similar to Tommy, I don't think anything gets held back.

This playoff run has been eerily reminiscent of 2021. First game against UT - Martin in Tommy's first ever start. The semifinals against a great team from the state of South Dakota with the exact same score as 2021. All leading to a clash with our playoff demon in NDSU. The biggest difference this year? We're a much better team all-around than 2021. We've never seen an offense quite like the 2024 Bobcats and the defense is a cohesive unit.

1-0, 16-0, National Champs

Cats - 38
Buffalo with an S - 25

[catatac]

I like it! I was thinking about the position breakdowns and hopefully someone more knowledgeable will put that together but I'd have to think, just looking at the offense we're getter at QB, OL, RB, TE, Kicker, Punter, Punt Return, Long Snapper (yes it matters), etc? Maybe WR goes to them, but who knows. This offense is insanely talented.

[TomCat88]

This is such a tough game to predict.

MSU has faced a couple gunslinger, but not running, QBs. Faced some running, not passing, QBs. Only two dual threat QBs have been Chachere and Dampier. I'd say Dampier is the most similar to Miller, who MSU did insanely well against last year (but that was last year). Dampier was 18-26-0, 172, 1; 3-34-1 rushing vs MSU this year (but that was 14 games ago).

I think the run games are similar between NDSU and USD in terms of effectiveness. NDSU is much more variable with Miller, while NDSU's RB combo is better than NDSU's.

The Bison are a lot like USD, statistically, on defense.

Seems like NDSU has faced more teams like MSU, than MSU has faced teams like NDSU. NDSU has played a tougher schedule.

The only two games between MVFC and BSC powers involved USD both times. Hard to take much from the UM vs UND game.

[RickRund]

Will be thinking this over. CATS by 6...

Massey has the bison 31-28.

(They are also picking Ohio St over Oregon?)

[GoCats18]

Montana State—-35
NDSU—-21

[utucats]

No score prediction from me but I think we dominate this game.

My prediction is that we are celebrating a Natty all throughout the 4th quarter. Tommy has all the tools now and I think he has a monster game.

[nanacat]

No score prediction from me but I think we dominate this game.

My prediction is that we are celebrating a Natty all throughout the 4th quarter. Tommy has all the tools now and I think he has a monster game.

This is my thought too. Tommy will fire up everyone. They all want this. He might want it a little bit more.

[Augustus]

21-0 at halftime.

41-17 final.

[GoldstoneCat]

The key for me with our history with these guys is getting some stops the first quarter and a half. Would be easy to get a "here we go again" vibe if they start going up and down the field on us. But we've been consistently excellent on defense so I think we can. I expect this to be the most competitive championship in a number of years, but I think we make our run in the middle 8 to get a 10 point lead, give up a fg in the 3rd, and score late to put them away. 38-24.

[RockyBearCat]

38-24 BOBCATS. rrrRrRrrr

[mslacatfan]

Can’t stop this train…. Gonna beat them by 15-20 points just like every other game this year.

LFG!!!!

[tetoncat]

No score prediction from me but I think we dominate this game.

My prediction is that we are celebrating a Natty all throughout the 4th quarter. Tommy has all the tools now and I think he has a monster game.

This is my thought too. Tommy will fire up everyone. They all want this. He might want it a little bit more.

Only concern with that is when he has been too pumped up his accuracy suffers.

[MSU Toddler]

Your Montana State Fighting Bobcats: 34
Bison: 24

[Long Time Cat]

usd, sdsu, ndsu all about the same so I’m going with the same prediction I had for the usd game.

Cats 31
mvfc participant 20

[94VegasCat]

I want this one to not be close. 49-24. Chance Wilson throws a TD pass in this one.

[Monymony]

I think it will be similar to most of the game last year. We were in control until Tommy went down. If Tommy doesn’t get hurt we win by 10+

[LTown Cat]

Cats 34
Buffs 27

[msuhunter]

51-17

[Helcat72]

Cats 34
Cows 27

[KageRage]

Cats 41, fluffy cows 22