FCS Semis

[BASON]

North Dakota State -20

On the surface this line seems ridiculous, but I can not get Sam Houston's game against JMU last year out of my head. They play a weak schedule and have a tradition of getting hammered in this round. I will take defense over offense all day long and here you have the #1 pass defense against the #1 pass offense. North Dakota should force a few turnovers and run the ball very well. Just does not look like a great match up for Sam Houston and I see an easy win for the home team in Fargo.

Still working on the other semi-final.

 

[BASON]

JMU -3

Took a longer look at this game as I do not know much about South Dakota so wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something. I don't think I am. I think the line is an overreaction to both games last week. JMU made some mistakes last week that kept the game close but I think they got their scare and will be focused. South Dakota has had a nice run but I do not see them moving the ball successfully against this JMU defense which is legit. Running the ball and defense win this game for JMU. I think this line is off and would jump on it now if you can.

 

[WyrickTheBeard]

JMU -3

Took a longer look at this game as I do not know much about South Dakota so wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something. I don't think I am. I think the line is an overreaction to both games last week. JMU made some mistakes last week that kept the game close but I think they got their scare and will be focused. South Dakota has had a nice run but I do not see them moving the ball successfully against this JMU defense which is legit. Running the ball and defense win this game for JMU. I think this line is off and would jump on it now if you can.

Went to JMU in the early 90's and I hope you are correct.

JMU's defense is legit, and my Dukes played a sloppy game on both sides of the ball last week. And hey, credit to Weber St for having a good game plan. Even still, if this game comes to a shootout, I feel like Schor, Mitchell, Sharp, Stapleton, and Alls are too much for SDSt to overcome. Grain of salt warning tho....I'm biased lol

It's not going to be a cakewalk, but I like our chances. It's easily going to be the better game of the two Semi's. Just can't come out on the negative end of the turnover stat in this one.

 

[BASON]

Thanks Wyrick, I think we are on the right side. Lots of folks predicting the upset.

For shits and giggles I will take Mary Hardin Baylor -1.5 over Mount Union. I really do not pay any attention to Division III, but we get the best offense against the best defense. I will always take the defense in this situation.

 

[BASON]

South Dakota looking way too popular a pick to me as it has been bet down to a Pk.

Adding a small parlay

JMU Pk/Texas A&M Commerce -6.5 -125

 

[BGFalcon]

JMU up to +1 in some places. They have had a tough path to the semis but I think they are the better team here.

 

[BASON]

I agree. Have to think most are betting this based on North Dakota's strong playoff run and the fact that South Dakota beat them. JMU is much more athletic which is what gave North Dakota fits last year. I think their defense will win them this game and they will be able to run the ball. Think we are getting excellent value in this line. Been wrong before but I like this game more and more.

 

[BASON]

Thank God for JMU. Easy winner. I needed it to make up for my bowl losers. Wish there were more FCS games. Also big parlay hit with A&M Commerce!

The break to the Championship game is a joke in my opinion. Definitely favors North Dakota St. This game should be played next week.

 

[BASON]

Anyone seen an opening line for the Championship game?

 

[Spalding]

That's going to be an all-time heavyweight battle. What an awesome game.

 

[Spalding]

NDSU -2.5. Total is 43

 

[BASON]

Thanks Spalding. I think this line will move up.

I will likely be on JMU again. I love the way North Dakota plays football, but JMU's athleticism won out last year and I think we see much of the same this year. The only thing I really do not like is the long layoff. I definitely think this works in N. Dakota's favor.

Should be a great game and I will have more on it later.

 

[Spalding]

NDSU lost both starting corners yesterday. Big losses and both are done for the year now.