The number one ranked team in the FCS, the Montana State Bobcats will have Friday’s stage all to themselves when they travel to take on the Idaho Vandals. Idaho has started their season 0-4, but their losses within the FCS have all been competitive. They fell by 4 points at Cal Poly, 6 points at home against 14th-ranked Lamar, and 2 points at home to Abilene Christian. Idaho now gets the chance to take down the top team in the Big Sky early in the season and get their season back on track.
Montana State will enter Moscow as the top team in the Big Sky, but laying two touchdowns on the road could be asking a lot. The Bobcats have been impressive on offense, averaging 37.6 points and 435 yards per game this season. Quarterback Justin Lamson has been especially impressive through the air, averaging 253 passing yards while completing 75% of his passes. The Bobcats defense can also get the job done when needed. In their most impressive win of the season, Montana State went into Nevada and held them to only 7 points on their home field. Montana State has earned their top ranking, but I see this as a let down spot for the Bobcats.
Idaho’s offense has been formidable this season, averaging 26 points and 254 passing yards per game this season. They are led by senior quarterback Joshua Wood, who has already thrown for 1005 yards this season, and only 1 interception. Under Wood, the Vandals are averaging 7.8 yards per attempt, and they have been competitive in every game they have played against FCS competition. Idaho should be well-prepared to give the top team their best punch after coming off a bye this previous weekend. Overall, Montana State has been impressive, but Idaho’s recent competitiveness and home-field advantage will prove to be too much for the Bobcats to cover a two touchdown spread.
Montana State vs Idaho prediction: Idaho +14.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.
