Both games are also available on ESPN+ as well as ABC. As for the games themselves, here are my thoughts:
SDSU vs. NDSU: coming into this game, I think SDSU looks like the better team. Their defense surrendered 18 to the Griz and 14 to UIW. NDSU was able to hold Mercer to 7 but surrendered 35 to ACU. Cam Miller though has thrown 3 INT's in the playoffs so far (1 vs. ACU, 2 vs. Mercer) including one really bad pick in the second half against Mercer where he threw it into triple coverage. He doesn't seem very sharp right now. He'll need to elevate his game on Saturday. SDSU on the other hand has been rolling offensively putting up 35 against the Griz and 55 against UIW. They seem to have found a new level on offense. SDSU in both games has had an early turnover (fumble vs. UM, INT vs. UIW) that could be a back breaker against NDSU.
The Fargo Dome is already sold out for this game. It's gonna be vintage Fargo Dome at full capacity and very noisy. How does SDSU handle that? We'll find out. SDSU is currently a road favorite, and I like them in a tight one. Give me the Jacks to go to Frisco.
USD vs. cats: Two things that concern me about USD. 1. Unlike NDSU and SDSU, they're the new kids on the block. They quite literally have never been in this position before. How do they handle going on the road in the semis with a chance to go to Frisco? Do they rise to the occasion or do they crumble? 2. Injuries. USD man for man may have the best Oline unit in the FCS, but 2 of their starters on the line went down in the first half on Saturday against Davis. After they went out, they were not the same. The run blocking wasn't as good and the pass protection wasn't as good. What's the status of those 2 guys? I don't ever remember those 2 coming back into the game and USD will need those 2 if they wanna have a chance. USD does have a lot of playmakers though. Theiss is one of the best RB's in the FCS, their TE (spacing on his name) is a monster and jut returned after missing the 7 previous games. Boumann the QB has a huge arm and won't be afraid to take shots down field.
If USD's Oline is at full strength, then they will be able to hold up in the trenches with the cats. This will be the cats Dline's biggest challenge of the season. UT Martin and Idaho both found success testing the cats secondary so Boumann will need to take some shots downfield and convert on them. The Yotes have the guys to hurt the cats, but I think their defense has been suspect against both Tarleton and Davis. I think this could be close and potentially a high scoring game, but I don't think USD is ready for the moment. Give me the cats to advance to Frisco and face SDSU.
