Cats Open as Favorites (-8.5)

[Clinton T]

I watched all of Illinois State's playoff games and I feel this number is right on the money. I think it creeps north of -10 by kickoff. We should be able to do what we want on offense. Go watch their game with UC Davis...it should give you a good feeling

[ilovethecats]

Yep it’ll be 10 around gametime and Cats win by 20.

[CalgaryCat]

ISU seems like a real Jekyll/Hyde team. The win against NDSU was not exactly a fluke, but they’ve had some rough games through the season. One of the few teams who make us look a bit small in the trenches. Their WR1 is scary. Better matchup than last year in Frisco for us, but definitely not a gimme

[110010110]

We were the favorite headed into the championship game last year too. I don't remember exactly what the line was but being -8.5 doesnt help my nerves any.

[hokeyfine]

Their running back and receiver are pretty good.

[RICO CAT]

They have already proven themselves to be giant killers. This will be a real challenge.

[CodyCat]

This will be an absolute battle. If this game is in Bozeman it’s probably similar to yesterday. But, it’s not.

[RICO CAT]

I watched some of the highlights from their semi-final game against Villanova and they kind of remind me of that team we just played from Missoula. A passing game that can quickly strike creating big plays and a strong running back #5 Dawson, who’s running style reminds me of Gillman. Bobby on the phone with their coach now giving them the inside scoop.

[nanacat]

They have already proven themselves to be giant killers. This will be a real challenge.

This!!

[84CatGrad]

I do not expect anything but a dogfight from the Redbirds. Anyone that goes into Fargo, throws 5 picks, and wins, has my respect.

[kwcat]

To me, they don’t compare at all to MCC. They are a lot bigger more physical and better in the trenches. They have certainly played up and down over the year. But seem to be playing pretty well as of late.

[technoCat]

Dawson is more like Pitsenberger. Sopkowitz is more like the O'Groske from SDSU than anything the Gris have.

[ZebraCat]

I'll just leave this here. Illinois State is 71st in total defense. 36th in rush D (33 spots behind SFA). 103rd in passing yards allowed. 41st in total offense.

[91catAlum]

I'll just leave this here. Illinois State is 71st in total defense. 36th in rush D (33 spots behind SFA). 103rd in passing yards allowed. 41st in total offense.

That's fine, but they're on a roll the last 5 games or so. I'd be in retested to see where they rank over that stretch of games.

[msuhunter]

This will be an absolute battle. If this game is in Bozeman it’s probably similar to yesterday. But, it’s not.

This. I wouldn’t touch that line at all. Weird things happen at neutral site games for whatever reason.

[ZebraCat]

I'll just leave this here. Illinois State is 71st in total defense. 36th in rush D (33 spots behind SFA). 103rd in passing yards allowed. 41st in total offense.

That's fine, but they're on a roll the last 5 games or so. I'd be in retested to see where they rank over that stretch of games.

Last four games. They got shellacked at home to close the season against Southern Illinois. Their game against NDSU was a once in a decade type comeback. After that, the perfect storm happened for them make the National Championship. I am in no way saying they aren't a good football team.

They gave up 321 yards to SELA, but just 3 points. 533 yards to Davis. Pinnick looked like a freshman several times. They left at least 10 points on the board. Davis never had a good D. Nova was a good offense with a mediocre schedule and Mcquade looked like a 12 year old playing QB. Some of it was Illinois State, some of it was having no idea what his WRs were doing.

[CodyCat]

The Redbirds remind me of the 2021 Cats. Caught lightning in a bottle. Beat the #1 seed on the road. Hopefully they are just like the 21 Cats and lose the title game.

[nanacat]

The Redbirds remind me of the 2021 Cats. Caught lightning in a bottle. Beat the #1 seed on the road. Hopefully they are just like the 21 Cats and lose the title game.

Well losing in 2021 has a ton to do with Tommy getting hurt on the 1st or 2nd play of the game. The Redbirds are tough and motivated. But so are the Cats. Should be a great game!

[bpcats20]

We will need to be healthy as possible - especially on defensive front seven. Feel like this game will feel like the Yale game going against that defense.

[BlueAndGoldNation]

We will need to be healthy as possible - especially on defensive front seven. Feel like this game will feel like the Yale game going against that defense.

Exactly! The comparison of Yale is perfection. They are well coached, very physical on both lines, has a stud WR that can win jump balls over the middle, has a QB that is more than capable of making big plays with his arm or legs, and a bruising running game that likes to control Time of Possession to limit opportunities by the opposing offense. They like to have 14 play 7 minute TD drives. That's their bread and butter...

This is going to be a boxing match. The most physical team with the least amount of mistakes will win. Simple as that. I like our chances but it is certainly not a gimme!