Cats vs. North Dakota State Predictions
Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2024 1:50 pm
It's finally game week + 2 days! Back in Frisco for another crack at a National Championship.
I like our chances in this one. NDSU is not nearly as good on defense as they have been in years past. They're still good, but they aren't dominant. I really think when we're on offense we have a distinct advantage. We have the best O Line in the country who should be able to open some good running lanes. The last 4 opponents for NDSU have all had success on the ground. The feature back(s) for USD, ACU, Mercer, and SDSU had solid YPC numbers. ACU ran for 6.6 YPC, and that's with sacks factored in. We're going to have those 1, 2, 3 yard carries through the game, but we should also be able to break off big chunks consistently. The best running game in the country, coupled with Tommy's improved passing ability should result in a good day for the offense. I'd guess we'll see Tommy use his legs again as well, forcing NDSU to keep a defender on him all game. Good for us.
Defensively, the biggest key to this game will be containing Cam Miller. The pass rush has to stay in their lanes and not allow him to break the pocket and rip off big gains. The second most important thing is containing Bryce Lance. He is by far their best weapon in the passing game, and makes it look easy. He's going to make some plays, but limiting how many he makes will be huge. We'd best be ready for the +1 run game as well. There are no games left after the 6th, and Miller wants to run. He's good at it, and similar to Tommy, I don't think anything gets held back.
This playoff run has been eerily reminiscent of 2021. First game against UT - Martin in Tommy's first ever start. The semifinals against a great team from the state of South Dakota with the exact same score as 2021. All leading to a clash with our playoff demon in NDSU. The biggest difference this year? We're a much better team all-around than 2021. We've never seen an offense quite like the 2024 Bobcats and the defense is a cohesive unit.
1-0, 16-0, National Champs
Cats - 38
Buffalo with an S - 25
I like our chances in this one. NDSU is not nearly as good on defense as they have been in years past. They're still good, but they aren't dominant. I really think when we're on offense we have a distinct advantage. We have the best O Line in the country who should be able to open some good running lanes. The last 4 opponents for NDSU have all had success on the ground. The feature back(s) for USD, ACU, Mercer, and SDSU had solid YPC numbers. ACU ran for 6.6 YPC, and that's with sacks factored in. We're going to have those 1, 2, 3 yard carries through the game, but we should also be able to break off big chunks consistently. The best running game in the country, coupled with Tommy's improved passing ability should result in a good day for the offense. I'd guess we'll see Tommy use his legs again as well, forcing NDSU to keep a defender on him all game. Good for us.
Defensively, the biggest key to this game will be containing Cam Miller. The pass rush has to stay in their lanes and not allow him to break the pocket and rip off big gains. The second most important thing is containing Bryce Lance. He is by far their best weapon in the passing game, and makes it look easy. He's going to make some plays, but limiting how many he makes will be huge. We'd best be ready for the +1 run game as well. There are no games left after the 6th, and Miller wants to run. He's good at it, and similar to Tommy, I don't think anything gets held back.
This playoff run has been eerily reminiscent of 2021. First game against UT - Martin in Tommy's first ever start. The semifinals against a great team from the state of South Dakota with the exact same score as 2021. All leading to a clash with our playoff demon in NDSU. The biggest difference this year? We're a much better team all-around than 2021. We've never seen an offense quite like the 2024 Bobcats and the defense is a cohesive unit.
1-0, 16-0, National Champs
Cats - 38
Buffalo with an S - 25