In our fourth FCS Playoffs game of the day, Holy Cross will travel to South Dakota to take on the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State. SDSU is coming off of a huge win versus rival NDSU last weekend. The Jackrabbits controlled most of the game, and were awarded the number one seed in the FCS Playoffs. As for Holy Cross, they beat Bucknell, 33-10, last weekend to claim the Patriot League title. Unfortunately for them, they have to find a way to slow down the Jackrabbits. That’s not easy.
Let’s take a look at this FCS Playoffs matchup of Holy Cross vs South Dakota State, review the betting odds and give our official FCS football prediction.
Holy Cross vs South Dakota State | FCS Football Playoffs
Date: Saturday April 24th, 2021 | Time: 3:00 PM ET
Coverage: ESPN3
Location: Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium — Brookings, SD
Holy Cross vs South Dakota State Betting Odds
Spread: HC +24 (-110) | SDSU -24 (-110)
Moneyline: Not Available
Total: 45 — Over (-110) | Under (-110)
Plain and simple, this could be our first blowout of the FCS Playoffs. South Dakota State is coming into this matchup riding high. They just beat the last national champion, NDSU, 27-17. Quarterback Mark Gronowski, a Jerry Rice Award finalist, has been fantastic this season, through the air and on the ground. He’s a bit inconsistent throwing, at a 57% clip. However, he has passed for over 1,000 yards and almost rushed for 400 yards. His backfield mate, Pierre Strong Jr., is a finalist for the Walter Payton Award. He missed one game this spring, but still has almost 500 yards rushing on the year.
On the other sideline, Holy Cross fans will be hoping for a miracle, and while it’s not likely, it’s possible. Holy Cross has flown under the radar for most of the year, but now their flight plan is out in the open. If the Crusaders want a win, freshman quarterback, and Jerry Rice Award finalist, Matt Sluka will need to be nearly perfect. On the season, Sluka has thrown for two touchdowns and ran in four. Holy Cross’ defense has been stingy this spring. They have given up only 12 points per game, holding teams to 44 rushing yards per game. Miracles can happen, right?
FCS Football Prediction: (1) South Dakota State 27, Holy Cross 10 (Holy Cross +24, Under 45).
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