FCS National Championship: NDSU vs JMU preview, prediction, live stream

The FCS National Championship pits the nations two best defenses against each other. NDSU looks to win their sixth championship in seven years against JMU.

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North Dakota State (13-1) is coming off a 55-13 thumping against Sam Houston State. The Bison looked dominant totaling 642 yards on offense including a whopping 471 yards on the ground. More importantly, the Bison held the nations best scoring offense in Sam Houston State to a season low 13 points.

North Dakota State was led by running backs Bruce Anderson and Seth Wilson. Anderson totaled five touchdowns including three on the ground while running for 183 yards. Wilson came in for relief of Anderson and put on a show rushing for 194 yards on 24 carries. Easton Stick continued his efficient play by completing 10-17 passes for four touchdowns and rushing for 32 yards and another touchdown.

The North Dakota State defense is in the top three nationally in scoring defense, turnovers gained, and yards allowed. The playoffs have been even better for the Bison who are only allowing nine points a game. The Bison picked off Sam Houston State quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe three times and imposed their will on the Bearkats.

James Madison (14-0) obliterated South Dakota State 51-16 forcing 10 turnovers including five on the Jackrabbits first five possessions. The Dukes defense lived up to their hype picking off six passes, recovering four fumbles, and recording five sacks.

Offensively the Dukes were led by Georgia Tech transfer Marcus Marshall who rushed for 203 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. Marshall has been terrific for the Dukes rushing for 331 yards and four total touchdowns over the last two playoff victories.

Quarterback Bryan Schor had another great game for James Madison. Schor completed 18 of 25 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns. Through three playoff games, Schor has been terrific throwing for 817 yards and five touchdowns.

Date: Saturday, Jan. 6
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Frisco, TX
Venue: Toyota Stadium
TV: ESPN2
Live Stream: Watch ESPN

Keys to Victory

Winning national championships has become the norm for North Dakota State. The Bison are looking to win their sixth title in seven years. North Dakota State’s only loss came to South Dakota State when they turned the ball over five times. For the Bison to win their sixth championship, taking care of the football and establishing their running game will be key.

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North Dakota State is averaging 282 yards on the ground per game and in order to beat James Madison, they will have to continue their dominance on the ground. The Dukes only allow 87.4 yards per game on the ground making this the best rush defenses the Bison have faced.

Bruce Anderson will have to have another huge game for the Bison to win another national championship. The Bison must take care of the football, not beat themselves, and continue to run the ball at a high level.

James Madison, the reigning national champions and winners of 26 straight games are playing with a ton of confidence and rightfully so. They just forced 10 turnovers and put up 51 points on a very good South Dakota State team.

Quarterback Bryan Schor will have to be at his best against a Bison defense only giving up 148 yards per game through the air and forcing 20 interceptions. Schor has been a game manager all year but has thrown 12 interceptions. For James Madison to win their second straight title, Schor must take care of the ball and not commit any turnovers.

Defensively, the Dukes must show that they are the best defense in the country. James Madison must force the Bison into third and longs and make Easton Stick beat them. Stick is a game manager who has not been relied on to win a game with his arm. If James Madison can force Easton Stick to throw the ball 30 times, they have a great chance.

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Prediction

The FCS Championship will be a battle of strengths. North Dakota State’s run game has been dominant all year but will face the third best rushing defense in the country. With multiple tailbacks capable of having huge nights, look for the bison to have the edge. Defensively, expect the Bison to hold James Madison below 100 rushing yards and blitz often to make Bryan Schor make quick decisions. The North Dakota State secondary has been solid all year and will continue to be in the national championship.  A tight game will come down to the Bison being able to get a stop late and bleed out the clock with their run game.

Final Score: North Dakota State 20, James Madison 17