FCS Playoffs Quarterfinal Preview & Prediction: No. 7 Furman at No. 2 Montana
The only matchup between these programs came in 2001 in the FCS National Championship game. Montana defeated Furman, 13-6, in Chattanooga to win the second national championship in school history.
The winner of this game will advance to face the winner of No. 3 South Dakota vs. North Dakota State in the semifinals of the FCS Playoffs.
2023 Predictions Record: 84-40
2022 Predictions Record: 115-35
Furman (10-2) @ Montana (11-1)
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. CT (ESPN2)
Line: Montana (-17.5)
Series History: Montana leads 1-0
Key Players: Montana
Clifton McDowell (QB): 105 for 174 (60.3%), 1,493 Passing Yards, 11 Passing TDs, 2 INTs, 616 Rushing Yards, 8 Rushing TDs
Eli Gillman (RB): 165 Carries, 899 Rushing Yards, 5.4 YPC, 10 Rushing TDs
Junior Bergen (WR): 45 Receptions, 663 Receiving Yards, 14.7 YPC, 4 Receiving TDs
Braxton Hill (LB): 96 Total Tackles, 5 TFLs, 2.5 Sacks, 2 INTs, 3 PBUs, 5 QBHs
Riley Wilson (LB): 41 Total Tackles, 12 TFLs, 7.5 Sacks, 4 QBHs
Alex Gubner (DL): 32 Total Tackles, 8 TFLs, 3 Sacks, 2 QBHs
Key Players: Furman
Tyler Huff (QB): 168 for 254 (66.1%), 1,681 Passing Yards, 9 Passing TDs, 5 INTs, 520 Rushing Yards, 5 Rushing TDs
Dominic Roberto (RB): 180 Carries, 755 Rushing Yards, 4.2 YPC, 9 Rushing TDs
Cally Chizik (DB): 55 Total Tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 5 INTs, 2 PBUs, 3 QBHs
Travis Blackshear (CB): 25 Total Tackles, 2 TFLs, 4 INTs, 9 PBUs
Matt Sochovka (DL): 18 Total Tackles, 5 TFLs, 2 Sacks, 5 QBHs
Braden Gilby (LB): 81 Total Tackles, 7 TFLs, 3 Sacks, 5 PBUs, 6 QBHs
Furman struggled with injuries at the end of the season, which contributed to a shocking loss to Wofford. Quarterback Tyler Huff and running back Dominic Roberto have both returned and the Paladins flexed their muscle in a dominant win over Chattanooga last weekend.
The Paladins have been dominant against the run as Furman's rushing defense ranks No. 3 nationally (92.7 YPG Allowed). Furman has held back-to-back opponents to under 60 yards rushing, which will be a key this weekend against the Grizzlies. The defensive line might not load the box score, but Matthew Sochovka and Sirod Cook create plenty of opportunities for an experienced linebacker core to make plays in the backfield.
Montana has defeated the previous five opponents by 24 points or more, including a dominant 49-19 win over Delaware in the second round of the FCS Playoffs. Clifton McDowell is 8-0 since being named the starting quarterback and will be a massive test for the Furman defense due to his dual-threat ability.
McDowell is surrounded by plenty of offensive weapons, led by Jerry Rice Award winner Eli Gillman. The Grizzlies have an elite wide receiver core with Junior Bergen, Keelan White (648 Receiving Yards), and Aaron Fontes (460 Receiving Yards). All three receivers can produce explosive plays and make defenders miss in the open field. It will be an interesting matchup against a Furman secondary that ranks No. 2 nationally with 17 interceptions.
Montana ranks No. 4 nationally in scoring defense (14.8 PPG Allowed) as the Grizzlies have held every opponent this season to under 30 points. Alex Gubner is a matchup nightmare on the interior of the defensive line, which allows the linebackers to play aggressively and create negative plays at an extremely high rate.
This will be an extremely interesting matchup due to the talent on the line of scrimmage for both teams. Both quarterbacks can make plays with their arms and legs, which should create some challenges for both defenses. The Grizzlies will have a massive home-field advantage, but I expect the Paladins to keep this game competitive.
Prediction: Montana (27-16)
