There’s plenty of excitement in the air as the postseason rolls into full swing for college football fans. The FCS playoffs are heating up, and this Saturday, December 21, promises to be a thrilling day with two semifinal matchups that will determine who advances to the championship game in Frisco, Texas. Among these matchups, the spotlight is on the clash between Montana State and South Dakota, where history is on the line for both teams.
Montana State’s Path to Glory
Montana State has been a powerhouse this season, finishing undefeated and showcasing their dominance on the field. The Bobcats have not only defeated FBS program New Mexico but have also taken down playoff contenders like Idaho and Montana. Their only close call came against UC Davis, where they narrowly escaped with a two-point victory in a Big Sky showdown. With a rich history that includes a national championship in 1984, Montana State is eager to return to the title game, having made it just once since in 2021.
South Dakota’s Determined Journey
On the other side of the field, South Dakota enters the semifinals with a chip on their shoulder. The Coyotes have had a strong season, losing only two games—one to Wisconsin and another in overtime to their rivals, South Dakota State. Their resilience was on full display when they triumphed over then-top-ranked North Dakota State in the final week of the regular season. This marks a pivotal moment for South Dakota, as they aim for their first-ever trip to the championship game.
Semifinals Showdown: A Historic Matchup
As the two teams prepare to face off, one thing is clear: history will be made in Bozeman. Will it be the Bobcats returning to the championship stage, or will the Coyotes carve out their own legacy? The stakes couldn’t be higher, and fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a nail-biting contest.
Game Details: When and Where
Mark your calendars! The Montana State vs. South Dakota game is set for Saturday, December 21, with kickoff at 3:30 p.m. ET. The showdown will take place at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, Montana, where the atmosphere is sure to be electric. Fans will be on the edge of their seats, cheering for their teams as they battle for a coveted spot in the championship.
How to Get Your Tickets
If you’re looking to catch the action live, tickets for the Montana State-South Dakota FCS semifinals are available now on StubHub. Prices start at $92, with most tickets ranging from $150 to $250. For those who want to enjoy the game from the Sky Suites, tickets are available for just $168. With a stadium capacity of 20,000, there are still plenty of seats left for fans eager to witness this thrilling matchup.
FCS Playoffs 2024: A Quick Recap
The road to the semifinals has been filled with intense matchups and surprising outcomes. Here’s a quick look at the playoff schedule so far:
First Round Results
- No. 12 Illinois State 35, Southeast Missouri State 27
- No. 10 Rhode Island 21, Central Connecticut State 17
- UT Martin 41, No. 16 New Hampshire 10
- Lehigh 20, No. 9 Richmond 6
- No. 11 Villanova 22, Eastern Kentucky 17
- No. 15 Abilene Christian 24, Northern Arizona 0
- No. 13 Tarleton State 42, Drake 29
- No. 14 Montana 41, Tennessee State 27
Second Round Highlights
- No. 6 UIW 13, No. 11 Villanova 6
- No. 7 Mercer 17, No. 10 Rhode Island 10
- No. 3 South Dakota State 35, No. 13 Montana 18
- No. 4 South Dakota 42, No. 13 Tarleton State 31
- No. 1 Montana State 29, UT Martin 17
- No. 2 North Dakota State 51, No. 15 Abilene Christian 31
- No. 5 UC Davis 42, No. 12 Illinois State 10
- No. 8 Idaho, Lehigh 13
Quarterfinals Recap
- No. 1 Montana State 52, No. 8 Idaho 19
- No. 3 South Dakota State 55, No. 6 UIW 14
- No. 4 South Dakota 35, No. 5 UC Davis 21
- No. 2 North Dakota State 31, No. 7 Mercer 7
Upcoming Semifinals Schedule
| Game | Time (ET) | Tickets |
| No. 2 North Dakota State vs. No. 3 South Dakota State | Noon | Buy now |
| No. 1 Montana State vs. No. 4 South Dakota | 3:30 p.m. | Buy now |
What’s Next?
The anticipation is building as fans prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable semifinal clash. Will Montana State continue their undefeated streak, or will South Dakota pull off an upset and make history? One thing is for sure: the excitement of college football is alive and well, and this postseason is shaping up to be one for the books!
