South Dakota State has won 2 of the last 3 regular-season meetings with North Dakota State, but they're 0-3 against them in they playoffs. A couple wildcards in this one: how much of a distraction for NDSU was the Chris Klieman news, and—as I said last week—which SDSU team will show up? The good Jackrabbit squad has shown up in their first two playoff games, so it looks like the Bison will have to be at the top of their game. I actually think SDSU might be the slightly better team on paper, but their mediocre run defense (caused by a weak D-Line) means they don't match up optimally. I'll take the Bison to win by the same margin they won by in the regular season.
Here's my assessment of the matchups & my pick for the game:
Now you all see the breakdown, you know why I'm concerned about this game.
I know you have your punting scenario you use, NDSU does have the 3rd team All-American Punter and MFVC First team return specialist. Not many teams get the edge on us in the O-Line. This should be an epic battle, and hope the Bison can pull it out.
Gil Dobie wrote:Now you all see the breakdown, you know why I'm concerned about this game.
I know you have your punting scenario you use, NDSU does have the 3rd team All-American Punter and MFVC First team return specialist. Not many teams get the edge on us in the O-Line. This should be an epic battle, and hope the Bison can pull it out.
I'm concerned about every game, but NDSU has top 20 offense and top 10 defense while the Jacks are top 10 in offense but more middle of the pack on D. Plus you're at home. I think it's at least a 10 point win for the Bizon.
Gil Dobie wrote:Now you all see the breakdown, you know why I'm concerned about this game.
I know you have your punting scenario you use, NDSU does have the 3rd team All-American Punter and MFVC First team return specialist. Not many teams get the edge on us in the O-Line. This should be an epic battle, and hope the Bison can pull it out.
I'm concerned about every game, but NDSU has top 20 offense and top 10 defense while the Jacks are top 10 in offense but more middle of the pack on D. Plus you're at home. I think it's at least a 10 point win for the Bizon.
This rivalry is getting to be like the Bison/Sioux series. Throw out the record book, home field, etc. Anything can happen.