As we gear up for the thrilling climax of the 2024 FCS playoffs, the field is narrowed down to the elite four teams that dominated the season: Montana State, North Dakota State, South Dakota State, and South Dakota—all boasting undefeated records against their non-FBS opponents. With each team reportedly overcoming challenges throughout the season, all are primed and ready for this pivotal semifinal round. But only two will advance to battle for the national championship in January. Buckle up; it’s going to be an intense showdown!

Semifinal Matchups Set

This weekend features must-watch matchups: - **No. 3 South Dakota State vs. No. 2 North Dakota State** (Saturday, noon ET, ABC) - **No. 4 South Dakota vs. No. 1 Montana State** (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+) Prepare for a Dakota Marker rematch as NDSU and SDSU clash for the sixth time in 13 years during the playoffs. The excitement builds further: this year’s competition includes Montana State, the only unbeaten team in the subdivision, taking on the up-and-coming South Dakota. Weather shouldn't hinder excitement, with NDSU playing indoors and Bozeman’s temperatures hovering around the 40s.

Championship Aspirations

Entering the playoffs, the odds were heavily tilted in favor of these semifinalists, who collectively had a staggering 86.5% chance of clinching the title according to SP+. South Dakota State has seen notable increases in their chances thanks to recent remarkable performances, outpacing SP+ projections by nearly 14 points over their last five games, culminating in a commanding 55-14 victory against Incarnate Word last week.

A Dominating Performance

The semifinalists delivered impressive quarterfinal wins, dominating their opponents with an impressive average score of 43-15. This group of contenders showcased substantial leads throughout their games, with South Dakota experiencing the most anxiety only when pitted against a tough UC Davis team. For Montana State, their last game was a thrilling one. Tied at 10-10 against Idaho just before halftime, the Bobcats surged ahead with a stunning 28-0 run, closing out a 52-19 victory. Quarterback Tommy Mellott once again proved his prowess, throwing for 174 yards while rushing for another 131, contributing to three touchdowns.

Breakdown of the Semifinal Matches

#### South Dakota State (3) vs. North Dakota State (2) Both teams are coming in with formidable SP+ rankings, NDSU sitting at second and SDSU at third. On the offensive front, standout players will look to make their mark: - **SDSU:** RB Amar Johnson, a senior powerhouse, recently finished his season with explosive performances. - **NDSU's Cam Miller**, the MVFC Offensive Player of the Year, is determined to lead his team after a hard-fought victory earlier this season.

#### South Dakota (4) vs. Montana State (1) In their matchup, Montana State boasts the best offensive ranking while South Dakota lands fourth. With an impressive run this season, Montana State’s unique playstyle will certainly keep viewers on edge. Star quarterback Tommy Mellott's dual-threat capability has thrown defenses into disarray, accumulating both passing and rushing yards that total beyond 8,000 across three seasons. Bobcat Stadium, known as a fortress with a record 34 wins in the last 35 games, will be the ultimate test for South Dakota as they look to upset the top seed.

Excitement Builds for Epic Showdowns

As fans and analysts predict outcomes, options for betting are alive and well. Current projections lean slightly toward SDSU, predicting them to edge NDSU by a narrow margin, while Montana State has drawn confidence in their home-field prowess. With the stakes higher than ever, expect nothing less than breathtaking moments as the top teams lay it all on the line this Saturday. Get ready; history is about to be written!