College football’s 2023 FCS playoffs enter the semifinal round this week to determine which two teams will play for the national championship, and top online sportsbooks have odds on both games. The action starts on Friday night, with Albany a +21 underdog on the road against defending champion South Dakota State. On Saturday, Montana is at +1 at home against North Dakota State.
Check below for full betting odds for each FCS semifinal game, along with analysis and start time information.
FCS playoff semifinal odds
Friday, Dec. 15
Albany at South Dakota State
- Spread: Albany , South Dakota State
- Moneyline: Albany , South Dakota State
- Total: Over/under
Albany (11-3) pulled off an upset victory in the quarterfinals, beating Idaho on the road thanks in part to a 16-point fourth quarter explosion. QB Reese Poffenbarger threw for 341 yards and three TDs in that win, and he continues to be the offense’s most reliable playmaker in all respects. The Great Danes also have a defense that boasts three All-Americans, which helped shut down the Idaho offense in the second half last week.
South Dakota State (13-0) didn’t look quite as dominant as many were expecting in a 23-12 home win over Villanova last Saturday. The Jackrabbits were 20.5-point favorites in that matchup, but they went into halftime virtually tied. RB Isaiah Davis really got going in the second half and finished the day with 192 yards rushing and one long run for a touchdown. Any team that hopes to topple the defending champs will have to come up with an answer for the SD State running game, though so far this season no one has.
Saturday, Dec. 16
North Dakota State at Montana
- Spread: North Dakota State , Montana
- Moneyline: North Dakota State , Montana
- Total: Over/under
North Dakota State (12-1) is coming off a blowout victory over South Dakota on the road in the quarterfinals, outscoring its opponent 35-3 in the first half. QB Cam Miller is one of the most effective passers in the FCS, with a completion percentage that rarely drops below 70% and has been well over 80% in most of the team’s postseason games this season. The Bison have won the last two playoff meetings between these teams, but neither of those came in Washington-Grizzly Stadium.
Montana (12-1) looked vulnerable in a 35-28 overtime victory over Furman at home in the quarterfinals. Costly penalties and conservative play-calling down the stretch nearly cost the Grizzlies, but stiff defense and two special teams touchdowns by WR/KR Junior Bergen saved the day. The Griz will need a better performance to keep from getting eliminated once again by ND State. This time, Montana will have the advantage of playing at home, where the team hasn’t lost a playoff game since 2013.
How to watch the FCS semifinals
- Albany vs. South Dakota State — Friday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
- North Dakota State vs. Montana — Saturday, Dec. 16, 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2
