In a highly anticipated faceoff for a chance at the national championship game, the stage is set for a showdown between two FCS powerhouses. The No. 2-seeded Montana Grizzlies, boasting a 12-1 record, will go head-to-head with the North Dakota State Bison (11-3) at Washington Grizzly Stadium in Missoula this Saturday. The clash, scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff, will be nationally broadcast on ESPN2.
These teams, familiar foes and perennial contenders at this level of football, secured their spots in the FCS semifinals with noteworthy victories. Montana edged out Furman in a thrilling 35-28 overtime battle, marking their first semifinal appearance since 2011. On the other side, the North Dakota State Bison, a dominant force in collegiate football, showcased their prowess by defeating No. 3 South Dakota 45-17 in the quarterfinals. This win followed their impressive road victory over No. 6 Montana State in a 35-34 overtime nail-biter.
The upcoming semifinal clash will mark the fourth meeting between Montana and North Dakota State since 2015 and the tenth overall encounter. North Dakota State currently holds a 5-4 record against Montana, with a perfect 2-0 record in playoff matchups, including a decisive 49-26 victory in Fargo, North Dakota, during last year’s playoffs. Despite historical matchups, this will be the first playoff meeting between the two teams in Missoula.
The last time these programs faced off in Missoula was in 2015, where the Grizzlies emerged victorious in a thrilling 38-35 contest. As the teams prepare for this highly anticipated playoff game, fans eagerly await the outcome of a matchup that promises intense competition and a step closer to the coveted national championship.
By: Digital News Updates staff