This is the fourth time in the last five seasons that South Dakota State has reached the semifinals. For them to get back to the champsionship game they will need to make it through a tough 11-2 Montana State that is coming off a a huge win against defending national champions Sam Houston.
The Bobcats have only lost one FCS game this year and are on an 11 game home winning streak. Overall they are 20-2 at home since 2018 and this game has been sold out since Tuesday. Although the Jacks are good on the road, going into Villanova and Sacramento State is a completely different than going into Bobcat Stadium.
Both teams boast a strong offensive line and have the number six and number eight ranked rushing game in the FCS. The Jacks are coming off the best 30 minutes of football all season outscoring Villanova 21-0 in the second half in route to a 35-21 win.
SDSU will look to run the ball with Davis and if available, Pierre Strong who left the last game with a concusion and will be a game-time decision. If they get their dynamic duo back and are able to stop Montana State on offense, SDSU could have a good chance at pulling out a victory in Bobcat Stadium.
For the Bobcats, the offense has rallied around Tommy Mellot who has 8 rushing tochdowns and threw 2 touchdowns against Sam Houston in the quarterfinals. Adding to Mellot's rushing is Isaiah Ifanse who has rushed for over 1,500 yards this season. If Montana State can keep position and utilize their number two ranked scoring defense, expect this game to be a blowout like Sam Houston.