Boy, do we have a treat on Saturday afternoon. Two of the most storied programs in FCS football history will meet in the first round of the FCS Playoffs. When Eastern Washington makes the trip to the Fargodome to take on North Dakota State, they will be looking to avenge the 2019 title game loss to the Bison. NDSU easily rolled over the Eagles in 2019 in Frisco, winning by a score of 38-24. Believe me when I say, there is no love lost between these two fanbases, especially during the FCS Playoffs. Can Eastern Washington avenge it’s 2019 loss, and get the better of the Bison?
Let’s take a look at this FCS Playoffs matchup of Eastern Washington vs North Dakota State, review the betting odds and give our official FCS football prediction.
Eastern Washington vs North Dakota State | FCS Football Playoffs
Date: Saturday April 24th, 2021 | Time: 3:30 PM ET
Stream: ESPN3
Location: Fargodome — Fargo, ND
Eastern Washington vs North Dakota State Betting Odds
Spread: EWU +7 (-110) | NDSU -7 (-110)
Moneyline: EWU (+215) | NDSU (-260)
Total: 55.5 — Over (-105) | Under (-115)
In the 2019 FCS Championship Game in 2019, Eastern Washington played with the Bison for a half. They headed into the break down a touchdown, but were outscored in the second half. Eagles quarterback Eric Barriere played in that game, going 13/25 for almost 200 yards, but threw two interceptions. The redshirt senior would love some payback. Eastern Washington’s offense has outscored opponents, 244-146, on the year. Barriere, a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, has had a great year, throwing for 18 touchdowns to only six interceptions. His favorite target is senior receiver Talolo Limu-Jones. He’s averaging 120 receiving yards per game with four touchdowns on the year. The Eagles offense needs to be better than it has been all year to pull of the upset in Fargo, however.
As for North Dakota State, they aren’t looking to be upset in the first round. If the Bison were to fall to the Eagles, it would be their worst finish by far in FCS Playoffs history. However, head coach Matt Entz will have his team prepared to play on Saturday. Cam Miller and Zeb Noland have seen alternating at quarterback lately for the Bison. Noland, the better passer, has been inconsistent all year, but the introduction of the freshman Miller has improved the Bison run game dramatically. NDSU has six different players with a rushing touchdown this year. They will look to slow the game down and control the clock. Watch out for NDSU wide receiver Christian Watson, as he might be the fastest player in FCS football. When he touches the ball, look out!
FCS Football Prediction: North Dakota State 28, Eastern Washington 24 (EWU +7, Under 55.5)
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