FCS Playoff Game Breakdown: Albany at Montana State
Albany at Montana State
Albany's win over Central Connecticut State will be renamed the "Jeff Undercuffler Show" in years to come. In a span of 17 seconds left in the second quarter and all of the third, the Great Danes' quarterback threw five of his six touchdowns on the day! With such a prolific day, it's hard to think they're only ranked 33rd nationally passing. That's no fault of Juwan Green (two touchdowns) and Jerah Reeves (one touchdown) as each went over 100 yards, carving up the Blue Devils' secondary like a Thanksgiving Day bird. The defense played well against a typical solid CCSU offense. It may have been Albany's best game of the year, a good time to be hitting all cylinders.
Montana State had to be impressed with what they saw. But you also know they won't be intimidated. The Bobcats go at offense entirely different, boasting a #8 national rushing attack. Using more of an RPO-style offense than a true triple-option, they can hit from a number of directions. The passing game isn't completely ineffective, it's just not called upon that often. Quarterback Tucker Rovig directs a group backs and receivers who come at you from all different directions. Logan Jones is the top rusher, but their stat sheet is filled with players averaging more than 40 yards per game on the ground. Travis Jonsen is a Swiss-Army knife receiver, who's accounted for over 900 yards rushing and receiving this season.
This should be a fun game to watch. One has to wonder how the travel is going to affect Albany, as this isn't their normal East Coast game. The state of Montana has been a wasteland to many FCS programs seasons over the years. If the Danes' run defense can stand up, it should be a close one.
Prediction: Montana State 38, Albany 28
FCS Playoff Central