Betting on the FCS might not be quite as popular as betting on traditional FBS college football, but the "FCS Kickoff" between Montana and North Dakota State, two of the most proud football programs in the second-tier of college football, could end up being a tremendous doozy.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Grizzlies are never underdogs at home. Ever. In fact, those who are religious followers of the FCS know that going into Missoula might as well be like going into the Horseshoe right now. Teams not named Montana just don't win in this building.
That said, when you've got an FCS team which might legitimately have one of the best 50 collegiate football programs in America lining up on the other side of the field, you're going to have your work cut out for you.
North Dakota State is favored by 14.5 points, while the total is incredibly low by college football standards at just 46.
KEY MISMATCH
Montana’s offensive line could very well be in a lot of trouble in this game. According to reports, the team's defensive line was the dominant force in scrimmages leading into this opening game of the year, and most consider that defensive front to be good, yet not great.
Thanks to injury, there isn't a single projected starter for this home game against the defending FCS champs which is a senior, and there are only a total of 13 starts for the line which could have to take on a very good Bison front.
North Dakota State did graduate out both of its defensive ends from last year, but sophomores Greg Menard and Jarrod Tuszka were both FBS types of recruits and are men which could cause a lot of trouble right away for Montana.
KEY STAT
23.1 percent – Montana's third down percentage rate in the game played between these two in Fargo last year. The Grizzlies converted just under 50 percent of their third down tries against the rest of their foes in 2014.
BETTING ANGLE
The Grizzlies, even against some very tough foes who have tried to come to Missoula in the past, have scored at least 21 points in all of their home games dating back to the end of the 2012 season when they went just 5-6.
They're insinuated to put up just 16.5 points in this one against a North Dakota State team which only has four returning starters on defense, which sets this one up to be an over performance.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Not only did North Dakota State only bring back four returners on defense, but it has eight starters from last year's offense, including arguably the best quarterback in the FCS in Carson Wentz.
This isn't the same NDSU defense which held 13 of its 16 foes to 17 points or fewer last season, and the Grizzlies should at least exploit that some.
It isn't going to be enough to beat the No. 1 team in the FCS, but if nothing else, it should be enough to push this game past the total.
North Dakota State 34, Montana 21
The college football lines for this Saturday game surfaced at BookMaker before anywhere else on the internet. The North Dakota State Bison are favored at -14.5 alongside a total of 46. Gamble on the game between every commercial break with BookMaker's live betting feature. Along with an adjusted in-game moneyline, you can wager on what will happen on the next play or how many points will be scored in the next quarter. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! The preseason Week 1 duel between the North Dakota State Bison and the Montana Grizzlies will take place at Grizzly Stadium on Saturday, August 29, 2015. This 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff can be seen live on ESPN.
