The excitement is palpable as the road to the FCS championship game heats up this weekend! With four thrilling quarterfinal matchups lined up in the 2024 FCS playoffs, fans are gearing up for some intense action on the field.
Quarterfinal Matchups to Watch
First up, we have the two-time defending champion, South Dakota State, squaring off against Incarnate Word. The Jackrabbits have a strong track record against the Cardinals, having secured a commanding 21-point victory in their previous encounter back in September. Can they replicate that success and advance to the next round?
Meanwhile, Montana State, the top seed in the playoffs, is looking to maintain its perfect season against Idaho. The Bobcats showcased their dominance in the regular season matchup, winning by a staggering 31 points. Will they continue their winning streak, or will Idaho pull off a stunning upset?
Additionally, South Dakota will face UC Davis after both teams delivered impressive performances in the second round, each scoring 42 points in their respective victories. This matchup promises to be a battle of wills as both teams aim for a spot in the semifinals.
Lastly, North Dakota State will go head-to-head with seventh-seeded Mercer. The Bison were on fire in their second-round win, racking up an impressive 51 points—the highest of any team in the playoffs so far. Can Mercer rise to the challenge, or will North Dakota State continue its path of destruction?
How to Watch the FCS Playoffs
For fans eager to catch all the action, here’s what you need to know about watching the quarterfinals. The games will be broadcast on ESPN and ABC, with live streaming available through Fubo. This is your chance to experience the thrill of college football playoffs from the comfort of your home!
All three of the quarterfinal games can be streamed live with Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users. If you’re looking to save some cash, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $49.99—a $30 savings! This plan includes access to ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and over 200 channels of live TV and sports without the need for cable. What better way to enjoy the playoffs than with a front-row seat to all the action?
FCS Playoffs Bracket and Schedule
As we gear up for the quarterfinals, it’s essential to keep track of the playoff schedule. Here’s a breakdown of the upcoming games:
Quarterfinals
| Date | Matchup |
| Dec. 13 | No. 1 Montana State 52, No. 8 Idaho 19 |
| Dec. 14 | No. 3 South Dakota State 55, No. 6 UIW 14 |
| Dec. 14 | No. 4 South Dakota 35, No. 5 UC Davis 21 |
| Dec. 14 | No. 2 North Dakota State 31, No. 7 Mercer 7 |
Semifinals
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| Sat., Dec. 21 | No. 2 North Dakota State vs. No. 3 South Dakota State | 12 p.m. | ABC, Fubo |
| Sat., Dec. 21 | No. 1 Montana State vs. No. 4 South Dakota | 3:30 p.m. | ABC, Fubo |
Championship
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| Mon., Jan. 6 | Semifinal winners | 7 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
Round-by-Round Breakdown
To keep up with the playoffs, here’s a round-by-round schedule for the 2024 FCS playoffs:
| Date | Round | TV/Live stream |
| Nov. 30 | First round | ESPN2, Fubo, ESPN+ |
| Dec. 7 | Second round | ESPN+ |
| Dec. 13-14 | Quarterfinals | ESPN, ABC, Fubo, ESPN+ |
| Dec. 21 | Semifinals | ABC, Fubo |
| Jan. 6 | Championship | ESPN, Fubo |
As we approach the climax of the FCS playoffs, the anticipation is building. Which teams will rise to the occasion and secure their spot in the semifinals? With so much talent on display, every game is bound to be a spectacle. So grab your snacks, settle in, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend of college football!
