The table is set, dinner is being served, it’s time to dive in to the FCS Playoffs. The first FCS Playoffs game will be at noon on Saturday. Sam Houston State, led by legendary FCS coach K.C. Keeler, will host Monmouth, the champions of the Big South. The Bearkats will look to start their championship run with a big win over the Hawks. However, Monmouth might have something to say about that.
Let’s take a look at this FCS Playoffs matchup of Monmouth vs Sam Houston State, review the betting odds and give our official FCS football prediction.
Monmouth vs Sam Houston State | FCS Football Playoffs
Date: Saturday April 24th, 2021 | Time: Noon ET
Coverage: ESPN3
Location: Elliott T. Bowers Stadium — Huntsville, TX
Monmouth vs Sam Houston State Betting Odds
Spread: MON +9 (-110) | SHS -9 (-110)
Moneyline: MON (+255) | SHS (-310)
Total: 60.5 — Over (-110) | Under (-110)
Monmouth is making their second straight FCS Playoffs appearance. The champions of the Big South dominated an above-average Kennesaw State team to win the Big South outright. Monmouth is led by Jerry Rice Award finalist quarterback Tony Muskett. He’s completing over 60% of his passes this year and has thrown for eight touchdowns with no interceptions. His favorite target is junior wide receiver Terrance Greene Jr. On the other side of the ball, the Hawks have been great this year. They’re holding their opponents to under 18 points per game. On top of that, the defense is holding opponents to 90 total rushing yards per game.
As for the Bearkats from Sam Houston State, they are an offensive juggernaut. Junior signal-caller Eric Schmid has been on a tear lately. On the year, he’s 124/200 for 14 touchdowns, but seven interceptions. When the Bearkats sprinkle in a little bit of the run game with running back Ramon Jefferson, they become one of the best offensive teams in recent FCS football history. Sam Houston State head coach K.C. Keeler won a national championship with Delaware in 2003, can he get another with the Bearkats?