Cats vs. North Dakota State Round 2 Predictions

[BleedingBLue]

The game we have all been asking for is here. It's been 3 or 4 years now that we have all been clamoring for a home game against the mighty Bison (with an s, not a z). Both teams come in with questions. Can the NDSU D handle the Cats O? Can the Cats D handle the NDSU O? I'm not sure either defense can hold up all game. Is NDSU finding their stride after 3 losses in September and October? Or is their winning streak a product of their schedule? Are the Cats the top 5 teams we all thought they were 6 weeks ago? Or is there something missing preventing us from being that team? Saturday will answer these questions.

With a bye week, some time to reflect, and extra time to prepare, I expect a solid gameplan from both sides of the ball. Chambers should be heavily involved, and we should look a lot better on offense than the last time we played. NDSU is 17th in total rush D at 107.8 YPG, but they are 33rd in YPC at 3.69. The top back for some of the better teams they played (Central Arkansas, South Dakota, North Dakota, and SDSU) all averaged over 5 YPC. I'm very confident we will have a good day on the ground.

Defensively, Cam Miler really worries me. He is one of the most efficient QBs in the FCS. If we do the same thing on D we've been doing against mobile QBs, he will torch us through the air. We have to generate pressure and force him to beat us with his legs. I worry we won't do that though, and the conservative keep him in the pocket crap will continue.

All that said, I think we squeak one out at home. It's a race to 35.

Cats - 35
Bison - 31

[ringthebells]

Bobcats run for 300 yards.
MU 33
NDSU 28

[Augustus]

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.

[gtapp]

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

[nanacat]

UND beat NDSU, Sac beat UND, Cats beat Sac. Could mean something, could mean nothing.
Can't bring myself to predict a score, but I think we'll be better prepared than 2 weeks ago. Cats win a very close one.

[BFcatfan]

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.

Negative Nancy… I’m selling those shirts if you want me to hook u up.

[Prodigal Cat]

Some real captive of the moment fans here. Cats are an elite team and are very tough to beat at home. If they can come out of the gate fast I think NDSU can only hope to slow them a bit.
Cats 42 NDSU 31

[MSU Toddler]

Your Montana State Fighting Bobcats (finally play a complete game): 38
NDSU: 27

[mslacatfan]

Just a friendly reminder to the “sky is falling” crowd…. We have won 26 games in row at home, longest streak in the country.

This team is very, VERY difficult to beat in Bozeman.

NDSU is a damn good team, but we can absolutely beat them. I bet we are the favorites to win when the initial betting lines are released.

[84CatGrad]

Just a one point win and I'll be dancing in the streets.

[GoCats18]

Montana State—40
NDSU—30

[BelligerentBobcat]

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

I knew roids would make you angry, didn’t know they diminished brain capacity.

[gtapp]

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

I knew roids would make you angry, didn’t know they diminished brain capacity.

Your right! I forgot to capitalize the U in NDSU.

[CatsNoMatterWhat]

I never make predictions and I'm not going to start now (mainly because I feel like I'm a huge jinx)...

...but I'm nervous.

[nevadacat]

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?

[RickRund]

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?

[SparkCat]

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.

[monk38]

Bobcats come out fired up!!!

MSU 42

NDSU 13

[VimSince03]

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.

[VimSince03]

I think fans have way over analyzed this team and coaching staff. I don't like that they are built to not come from behind. However, they are built to suffocate teams with fast starts on offense and turnovers on defense. They are a very streaky team on both sides of the ball and it seems our coordinators struggle with lapses as much as the players. If we catch fire, it gets bad quickly for the opponent and NDSU does not work well coming from behind either. Two very similar teams taking the field this Saturday.

If we start fast on offense and give some punches on defense:

MSU - 38
NDSU - 24

If we don't get off the field on 3rd down and not produce points on our first two drives:

MSU - 17
NDSU - 38