1 reason why each FCS semifinal team can win the title

In 2024, the final four FCS teams all have legitimate shots at winning it all. Here’s a reason why for them all.

Montana State — Running game

Montana State’s running game is dominant. The Bobcats average 306.6 rushing yards per game on 6.8 yards per carry. Only one other school — Davidson — averages more than 250 rushing yards per game this season. Montana State’s 37 red zone rushing touchdowns, 196 rushing first downs and 48 rushing touchdowns all lead the FCS.

Running the ball at an elite level also means Montana State also controls time of possession, averaging 33 minutes per game with the ball. Such dominance on the ground means the Bobcats are scoring via runs when they have possession while keeping the other team’s offense off the field. That’s a championship recipe for success.

South Dakota — Talent at every level

A quick look at South Dakota’s depth chart will look a bit like the All-MVFC team. On offense there are two all-conference running backs, three all-conference offensive linemen and an all-conference tight end. That’s without mentioning quarterback Aidan Bouman or wide receiver Carter Bell, two all-conference-level talents at their positions. 

On defense, MVFC Defensive Player of the Year Mi’Quise Grace leads a trio of all-conference defensive linemen, linebacker Gary Bryant III has over 100 tackles and all-conference defensive backs Dennis Shorter and Mike Reid are fantastic.

South Dakota has few holes on its team this year. The Coyotes are a complete team and that could be why they win their first-ever FCS title.

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South Dakota State — Run defense

South Dakota State allows only 89.1 rushing yards per game, the fewest yards allowed of any remaining FCS team. The Jackrabbits have also allowed just seven rushing touchdowns (No. 2 in the FCS).

With all of the remaining playoff teams having great rushing attacks, a proven ability to stop the run will be important down the closing stretch for South Dakota State. If SDSU can make its opponents one-dimensional, forcing them to pass in the last two games, it could lead to a three-peat.

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North Dakota State — An efficient offense

North Dakota State has one of the most efficient offenses in the FCS — and it could be the reason the Bison win their 10th title. It starts with quarterback Cam Miller, whose 177.98 passing efficiency rating ranks No. 2 in the FCS, and the team’s passing efficiency of 177.17 ranks first in the FCS. As a unit, the offense converts 53.4% of its third downs, the third-best in the FCS. The Bison have also lost only six turnovers — the best in the FCS — and also convert almost 93% of the time in the red zone.

What do all of those stats mean? They mean that North Dakota State is efficient with the ball, especially through the air, limiting its turnovers and converting on the aptly named money down. If North Dakota State’s offense avoids mistakes, it could be smooth sailing on the route to double-digit titles.