This Saturday is looking to become one of the most anticipated FCS Championship games in awhile. The Jacksonville State Gamecocks are going to be playing in their first ever FCS Championship game against the four-time defending champs North Dakota State. The Bison started off the season with a loss at Montana, and later lost to South Dakota. Since that last game they have won eight straight in the dominating fashion that we are used to seeing from the Bison. The Jacksonville State Gamecocks are coming off their best season yet. They have dominated the season against everyone, with only one loss coming from the FBS Auburn Tigers. I think the Gamecocks have what it takes to end the Bisons "Drive for Five."
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks have arguably one of the best offenses in the FCS. They are ranked 2nd in total offense, just under Sam Houston State, a team that the Gamecocks held to only 10 points almost a month ago. Jacksonville State is not only a dangerous offensive power, but a dangerous defensive team as well. The Gamecocks are ranked 11th in total defense, and holding Sam Houston State to only 10 points, which has only been done by one other team in McNeese State, is impressive to say the least. The biggest question will be whether or not the Bison can contain the rushing offense of the Gamecocks. The Bison have a really good rushing defense, but I can't see them being able to stop the two-headed beast of Troymaine Pope and Eli Jenkins. I think that the Bison will have the advantage in the passing defense against the Gamecocks, but they will have to find a way to shut down the running game of the Gamecocks.
The North Dakota State Bison are the 3rd best in total defense, so this is not a defense that will be scored on easily. They rank 2nd in 3rd down conversion percentage defense, and that might be the most important defensive state for the Bison. If they can keep the Gamecocks from converting a lot of their 3rd down conversions then they have a strong chance of winning their fifth straight national championship. This is going to be a very tall task as the Gamecocks are looking like an FBS team that could compete against any of the Power 5 conference teams.
I strongly believe that these are the top two teams in the FCS, and this Saturday we are going to see these two giants go at it. Jacksonville State has the offensive weapons to make this a blowout, but I don't think it will be. I think the North Dakota State Bison have the experience and the ability to keep this a very close game. Ultimately I see the Jacksonville State Gamecocks winning this game by 3 points with a score of 35-32. I can't wait to see this game. It is going to be a classic.
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