Cats vs. North Dakota State Round 2 Predictions

[Cledus]

Our home win streak ends next weekend. Won't predict a score.

Sorry to be the wet blanket, but we just don't have it this year.

If by chance we do win, I don't want to make it to the semis because Missoula will beat us again and that will be unacceptable. I'd much rather lose to a Dakota.

After their last loss, NDSU seems to be hyper focused and recommitted to playing the kind of ball that got them to the top. I could easily see them winning in Bozeman.

[wapiti]

We run for 323 yards and pass for 148

[rfischer94]

My stepladder broke while putting up Christmas lights. It was green and yellow. Home Depot just delivered my new one. It is blue and gold. An omen?

[kwcat]

Our home win streak ends next weekend. Won't predict a score.

Sorry to be the wet blanket, but we just don't have it this year.

If by chance we do win, I don't want to make it to the semis because Missoula will beat us again and that will be unacceptable. I'd much rather lose to a Dakota.

I agree. Vigen is not capBle of winning these types of games.

NDSu 42
MSU. 17

Stop being such candy asses. Your comment about not wanting to play Missoula again is lame. Good thing the team probably does not have this attitude. Tell you what, if the Griz can turn their season around, a team the could barely beat a D2 school, this team can definitely do the same.

Like...did we not beat SDSU at home in the semis in 2021? Or does that game not count? Same with SHSU on the road? Complete BS that people still think Sam Houston was overrated that year.

Thanks Vim, was just about to make the same comment.
Disappointed in coaches and players at times this year, but hopeful.

[Montanabob]

cats 28
ndsu 17

[lakesbison]

NDSU 31
Cats 18

I think NDSU jumps on you early and your guys have griz flashbacks

[Trailbiker51]

If you want to see what NDSU fans think of our upcoming game with them, go to their football forum.
They are worried as h__l.

[onceacat]

What I like:

NDSU's best win this season was against a UNI team that lost a home game to Weber by a couple scores. (Reminder, MSU crushed Weber 2 weeks later before Weber collapsed)

NDSU got blown out against a team that MSU took down to the wire.

NDSU got blown out by a UND team that got beat by a Sac State team that MSU beat on the road by 2+ scores.

MSU has blown out better teams that NDSU at home with regularity (last years UM & Weber). MSU doesnt lose at home, even against good teams.

NDSU has only played 4 road games this season. And, frankly, the UND game was only 80 miles away, so not even really a road game (Brookings is only 2 hours away). Its 2-2 in those games & 2 of them were blowouts. UNI was a solid team, but this NDSU team has not been remotely road tested. Also, NDSU will have to travel further to MSU than to all of its easy road trips combined.

What I don't like:

NDSU had an easy game in the quarters, with lots of starters rested in the 4Q...which negates a ton of MSUs bye week advantage.

MSU hasn't played as well down the stretch as the SDSU game & Weber game indicated.

NDSU has a TON more playoff experience than MSU *(which is kinda shocking considering that MSU has 2 semi & one championship appearance in the last 3 years)

If MSU can score early & play with a lead, this is a pretty easy win by 2 scores...something like 30-21.

If MSU has a slow start? Ugh...could be 30-21 the other direction.

[seataccat]

I just don't see the current bobcats competing with these guys.
Cats 12
Bison 45

[tagleason]

No score estimate from me but I’m going with Coach Vigen. ndsu.org will explain why bison is pronounced as if it was a z, not an s.

[The Butcher]

Brookings is only 2 hours away.

If you can make Fargo to Brookings in 2 hours you are driving about 100 mph.

[LTown Cat]

Cats--20
Cattle--31

[BelligerentBobcat]

When you take out sacks, NDSU is allowing 4.85 yard per carry. Our offense should be able to handle things, the defense will have a tough time though. NDSU has gotten quite a few turnovers and they depend on that. If we can play clean, should win no problem. Turn the ball over, don’t get stops, we lose.

Cats win by 10.

[Bisonfan23]

Montana State wins by 3+ touchdowns. This version of the Bison defense is not good. The D-line is small and gets pushed around. There is no depth with the D-line and the linebackers are small. The secondary is slow and average at best. The general progression towards an average defense has been happening for a couple of years now under HC Entz. I predict the Bobcats run for over 350 yards and the game will be decided by the end of the 2nd quarter.

[technoCat]

Drake moved the ball against them. They just made a lot of stupid mistakes and turned the ball over. I see them as kind of like a good EWU team from the past where the offense got them some leads and the defense wasn't great but got opportunistic turnovers. Course hard to tell how good the offense really is against a clearly overrated Drake. The only other game of theirs I saw was UND and their offense looked pedestrian.

If the Cats avoid the gris hangover and shock of having to play NDSU out the gate that has so thoroughly defeated some posters here, I think we win pretty handily. We are a different beast at home. Course if they let the mystique of the green and yellow intimidate them it will be a long day. I'm personally picturing a game much like against SDSU in 2021.

[LoggerCat]

Cats by 10!

[bpcats20]

Bison win. They have gotten better as a team as season has gone along… also. Can tell their coaching is dialed in.

Cats players may have gotten better but as a team we are struggling. That includes coaches not being dialed in with their play calling.

[ringthebells]

NDSU run defense is not good. You guys run a lot so that is certainly in your favor. Don't undersell the NDSU offense though. They are clicking the last couple of games and have some weapons. Your defense was good when you played the Jacks. I haven't watched really close since then. If your defense plays well, you should win. If NDSU gets to running, watch out. Both teams could score a lot.

[msuhunter]

NDSU is rolling right now, Cats are not. Especially with Chambers being listed as the backup QB. Hopefully he gets more reps but we'll see.

On the plus side, this is the most beatable NDSU team the Cats have faced since 2010.

[rivercat]

Cats lost badly to the rival. It happens and isn't a predictor going forward. NDSU is not nearly the juggernaut it has been in years past.

I think the Cats have better personnel than the Bison this year. If the Cats play up to their ability, they win by several scores. And they should play well because they are playing at home where they do not lose.