The 7 best potential 2023 FCS title game matchups, and why

Only six games remain before the 2023 FCS championship game is played in Frisco, Texas on Jan. 7. Before the quarterfinals kick off, it's time to rank the most intriguing possibilities for a national championship matchup — and why.

1. No. 4 Idaho vs. No. 2 Montana

Last year, we saw a great FCS rivalry on the national title stage, and we could potentially see another one play out with everything on the line in 2023 — the Little Brown Stein between Idaho and Montana. The last two games between the Vandals and Grizzlies have been decided by one possession, with the latest edition of the rivalry coming down to the final drive. If these two meet in Frisco, expect an amazing game yet again.

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2. No. 1 South Dakota State vs. No. 2 Montana

The No. 1 team vs. the No. 2 team. That matchup alone would be in contention for the top championship possibility, but when adding the FCS brands of South Dakota State and Montana, it gets even better.

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3. No. 1 South Dakota State vs. North Dakota State

A rematch of last year's title game. In most years, this matchup would be No. 1 on this list, but since we saw it last year, it comes in at No. 3.

4. No. 1 South Dakota State vs. No. 3 South Dakota

A battle of the Mount Rushmore State comes in fourth on this list of top potential championship matchups. The Jackrabbits dominated the Coyotes 37-3 in the regular season, but anything can happen if the rivals meet with a title on the line.

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5. No. 5 UAlbany vs. No. 3 South Dakota

If you would've asked FCS fans before the season about UAlbany and South Dakota making the FCS title game, many would've looked at you in shock. In the preseason, most would've thought the Great Danes and Coyotes — picked 11th and 9th in their conference preseason polls, respectively — would miss the playoffs entirely. A matchup of FCS upstarts and surprises would make for a must-watch game.

6. No. 8 Villanova vs. No. 7 Furman

Two historic FCS powers meeting on the biggest stage is always exciting, but if Villanova and Furman meet this year, it would be the lowest-seeded matchup for a title game since the championship expanded. A No. 7 vs. No. 8 matchup would be enticing.

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7. No. 5 UAlbany vs. No. 2 Montana

If you like defense, this is the game for you. UAlbany and Montana are two exciting defenses with All-American-quality players at every level: the trenches, the linebackers and the secondary. The offenses aren't too shabby either, led by a tantalizing quarterback duo in Reese Poffenbarger and Clifton McDowell. These two teams match up well on paper and would create some exciting individual battles.