Here's my thoughts on the game:
I thought SDSU would be a tougher matchup for the cats then NDSU. That said, this is NDSU and there is no one else like them when it comes to winning in Frisco and knowing what it takes to win in Frisco. It's been 3 years since NDSU's last title. Cam Miller was a freshmen, and many of these Bison players have never won a title and for many of them, it's their last chance. It's the longest title drought for NDSU since their dominant run started. That's not lost on them. NDSU's run game is solid. Char'mar Brown was the Jerry Rice Award winner (and deservedly so) and NDSU's OL is what it's always been with multiple NFL guys on it. Their defense seems to have found a new gear though in the playoffs holding Mercer to 7 points and an explosive SDSU offense to just 21 points, but really bottled up their run game.
For the cats, Tommy will have to be the X-factor in this game. I believe he's gonna have to run and use his feet more in this game then he has all year. For the most part, I expect NDSU to bottle up Jones and Humphrey. I don't see either of those 2 running wild on the Bison defense. Their DL is very good, especially Eli Mostaert in the middle. He's had a hell of a year. Tommy will have to add something to the run game and if he can gash the NDSU D with his feet, then that's how the cats win this game.
The other thing to watch out for is the passing game. Both teams secondaries are not the strongest and at times this year have been exploited. The team who takes more shots and completes more throws down field I believe will be the winner. In recent weeks Cam Miller has been very successful at this and his favorite connection is Bryce Lance (Trey Lance's brother) who has really exploded and become a hell of a player. The cats will need to account for him at all times. Meanwhile, NDSU's defense will have to account for Taco Dowler at all times as that's typically Tommy's top target, but also being mindful of the fact that Tommy may pull it down and take off.
It will be a tall task for both defenses in this game. The one thing I'll say about NDSU compared to any other team the cats have played is their not gonna beat themselves. Their not gonna fumble the snap twice in the red zone like USD, or try a surprise onside kick with the game tied and fumble because the back runs into his own OL men like Idaho. NDSU does not beat themselves, their not gonna take any risks, and their the kings of playing it safe. They're a very disciplined team and that's part of what's made them so successful all these years.
I'm expecting a little more of a high scoring game. Somewhere in the 31-28 area and I truly believe this is a 50-50 game. I could see either team hoisting the trophy on Monday night. I think I give a slight edge to the cats but not by much. Should be a very fascinating game!