mthoopsfan
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"Tennessee State at #14 Montana
A night game in Missoula could spell trouble for Tennessee State. While the Thanksgiving weekend crowd may be a bit lighter than normal, Washington-Grizzly Stadium is still the toughest place to play in the FCS.
The Tigers enter the bracket 9-3, and Montana is 8-4.
Montana’s defense has improved throughout the season. But offensively, the Grizzlies have had an up-and-down year. They’ll have to contend with a talented front seven led by Eriq George, Ahmad Nelson, and Sanders Ellis. The Tigers allow just 139.2 rushing yards per game compared to 195.7 passing yards a game. That’s where QB Logan Fife and his talented group of pass-catchers can make their money on Saturday. If Montana opens up the passing game, that’ll free up the box for standout RB Eli Gillman.
The crowd noise and Montana’s defensive improvements will make it tough on Tennessee State’s offense. Draylen Ellis has thrown for 2,733 yards, 22 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. And he is mobile. However, the aggressive Montana defense and Tennessee State’s offensive line, which ranks No. 68 in pass-blocking on PFF, is not a good combination.
A tight ball game early, but the Griz pull away in the second half.
Prediction: Montana 35-21"
herosports.com
"Tennessee State at #14 Montana
A night game in Missoula could spell trouble for Tennessee State. While the Thanksgiving weekend crowd may be a bit lighter than normal, Washington-Grizzly Stadium is still the toughest place to play in the FCS.
The Tigers enter the bracket 9-3, and Montana is 8-4.
Montana’s defense has improved throughout the season. But offensively, the Grizzlies have had an up-and-down year. They’ll have to contend with a talented front seven led by Eriq George, Ahmad Nelson, and Sanders Ellis. The Tigers allow just 139.2 rushing yards per game compared to 195.7 passing yards a game. That’s where QB Logan Fife and his talented group of pass-catchers can make their money on Saturday. If Montana opens up the passing game, that’ll free up the box for standout RB Eli Gillman.
The crowd noise and Montana’s defensive improvements will make it tough on Tennessee State’s offense. Draylen Ellis has thrown for 2,733 yards, 22 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. And he is mobile. However, the aggressive Montana defense and Tennessee State’s offensive line, which ranks No. 68 in pass-blocking on PFF, is not a good combination.
A tight ball game early, but the Griz pull away in the second half.
Prediction: Montana 35-21"
2024 FCS Playoffs: First-Round Predictions
The chase for the 2024 FCS national championship begins this weekend in the first round of the 24-team bracket.
herosports.com
