Furman vs Montana FCS Playoffs Quarterfinal Prediction & Picks: Will the Bobcats Breeze Into the Semifinals?

While Army vs Navy is the lone game on this week’s FBS schedule, there is plenty of action going on at the other levels of NCAA football. Today, the quarterfinals of the 2023 FCS Playoffs will kick off with #2 Montana and #7 Furman meeting in Missoula, Montana (9:00 pm ET, ESPN2).

The matchup between the Paladins (10-2) and Grizzlies (11-1) features two accomplished, proud programs who haven’t been to the semifinals of the FCS playoffs in some time.

Furman’s most recent appearance was in 2005, when they lost to Appalachian State in the semis. Montana hasn’t been to the semis since 2011, an appearance that was later vacated due to NCAA sanctions for violations by boosters.

Bet on Furman vs Montana and Other FCS Playoff Games at BetOnline

Furman, who won the Southern Conference championship for the first time since 2018 this season, reached the quarterfinals with a 26-7 win over SoCon rivals Chattanooga last week. In the win, the Paladins held the Mocs to only 200 total yards and forced two turnovers.

Montana, who won the Big Sky Conference championship for the first time since 2009, reached the final eight with a 49-19 rout of Delaware last week. In a snowy night in Missoula, Grizzlies quarterback Clifton McDowell tossed two touchdown passes and ran for a score in a contest that was all but over at halftime.

Can the Paladins put in a more competitive performance than the Blue Hens and make a serious bid for the upset? Montana is the second-biggest favorite in the quarterfinals, eclipsed only #1 South Dakota State, who is favored by three touchdowns for tomorrow’s matchup with #8 Villanova.

Furman vs Montana Odds

Odds are courtesy of Bovada.

Spread

• Furman +18 (-105)
• Montana -18 (-115)

Over/Under

• Over 44 (-110)
• Under 44 (-110)

2023 Season Results for #7 Furman (10-2)

• vs Tennessee Tech: won 45-10
• at South Carolina: lost 47-21
• at Kennesaw State: won 31-28
• vs Mercer: won 38-14
• vs The Citadel: won 28-14
• at Samford: won 27-21
• at Western Carolina: won 29-17
• vs East Tennessee State: won 16-8
• at Chattanooga: won 17-14
• vs VMI: won 37-3
• at Wofford: lost 19-13
• vs Chattanooga (FCS Playoffs Second Round): won 26-7

2023 Season Results for #2 Montana (11-1)

• vs Butler: won 35-13
• at Utah Tech: won 43-13
• vs Ferris State: won 17-10
• at Northern Arizona: lost 28-14
• vs Idaho State: won 28-20
• at UC Davis: won 31-23
• at Idaho: won 23-21
• vs Northern Colorado: won 40-0
• vs Sacramento State: won 34-7
• at Portland State: won 34-10
• vs Montana State: won 37-7
• vs Delaware (FCS Playoffs Second Round): won 49-19

Can Furman Make a Game of It in Missoula?

If the Paladins are going to have a chance to at least put a scare into the Grizzlies, defense is going to have to lead the way, as it has for much of the season.

For the season, Furman is only 45th in the FCS in scoring offense (27.3 points per game) and 67th in total offense, averaging 352.2 yards per game.

But on defense, the Paladins have been one of the best in the country. They rank seventh in scoring defense (16.8 points per game allowed) and 19th in total defense (312.7 yards per game allowed), and they also rank eighth in red zone defense, 20th in third-down conversion defense.

Turnovers have been a big part of Furman’s success this season. They are tied for second in both interceptions (17) and total takeaways (26), and with only nine giveaways, the Paladins rank first in the division in turnover margin (+17).

Furman is going to need it to bring it on defense, as Montana is also getting it done on that side of the ball. The Grizzlies rank fourth in the FCS in scoring defense (14.8 PPG) and 18th in total defense (312.1 YPG), and they are tied for fifth in red zone defense, eighth in third-down conversion defense, and tied for 18th in takeaways (21).

Where the game could be decided is through the air. Both teams are very stingy against the run, with Furman ranking second in the FCS and Montana ninth, so the quarterback that can find more aerial success when it matters is likely to be on the winning side.

Furman vs Montana Prediction and Picks

Prediction: Montana 27, Furman 13

Picks: Furman +18 (-105 at BetOnline) & Furman/Montana under 44 (-110 at BetOnline)

I anticipate that this won’t be a particularly high-scoring game, which will make it harder for the Grizzlies to cover such a sizable spread. I expect the home team to get the job done, but I think the visitors will cover.

Where to Bet on College Football

Most top online sportsbooks offer a wide variety of college football odds throughout the season, including on the two CFP semifinal matchups between Michigan and Alabama and Washington and Texas.

In addition to being able to make weekly college football picks all the way from Week Zero to the College Football Playoff National Championship, you can also bet on Heisman Trophy odds, conference championship odds, win totals, and much more.

There are plenty of sports betting sites you can choose from that are good for college football betting. Below are some of the books that we highly recommend:

• BetDSI
• BetOnline
• BetUS
• Bookmaker
• MyBookie
• Sportsbetting.ag

If you don’t have an account at a book on this list, check out our reviews to help you determine if it is worth your interest and your betting funds.

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