North Dakota State vs South Dakota State FCS Championship Prediction, Odds & Best Bet for Independence Bowl 2022

North Dakota State vs South Dakota State Game Info

2022 FCS Championship Game
North Dakota State Bison (12-2) vs. South Dakota State Jackrabbits (13-1)
Date: Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023
Time: 2 p.m. ET
Venue: Toyota Stadium — Frisco, TX
Coverage: ABC

The 2022 FCS Championship Game is set as the North Dakota State Bison are slated to face the South Dakota State Jackrabbits on Sunday, Jan. 8. The championship game has featured at least one of these teams in 10 of the last 11 seasons, highlighting just how big this matchup is.

North Dakota State advanced from the semifinals with a 35-32 win over Incarnate Word thanks to a backfield that combined for 328 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on 48 carries. Meanwhile, South Dakota State is making its FCS Championship return after blowing out Montana State, 39-18, in their semifinal tilt.

Can North Dakota State win its ninth FCS Championship since 2012? Or will South Dakota State take home the gold for the first time in program history?

North Dakota State vs South Dakota State Odds & Spread

All FCS betting lines, odds and prop bets are from FanDuel Sportsbook.
Moneyline: NDSU: (+146) | SDST: (-178)
Spread: NDSU: +3.5 (-105) | SDST: -3.5 (-115)
Total: 46.5 — Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)

South Dakota State enters this contest as a clear favorite on the spread and moneyline. This FCS Championship clash also features a total of 46.5 points.

North Dakota State vs South Dakota State Prediction & Pick

One of North Dakota State's two losses this year came against South Dakota State back on Oct. 15. The Bison actually led 21-7 at halftime, but their offense went cold in the second half as the Jackrabbits scored 16 unanswered points to steal the 23-21 victory.

Unfortunately for North Dakota State, I see South Dakota State recreating history. The Bison's offense runs through their rushing attack, which could be in trouble against the Jackrabbits, who allow an FCS-low 83.0 rushing yards per game and 2.71 yards per carry.

Besides, the Jackrabbits have already proved that they can shut the Bison down, holding them to 127 rushing yards in October. Considering how North Dakota State averages 273.3 rushing yards per game (No. 3), it just goes to show you how impressive South Dakota State's frontline can be.

I'm expecting a close battle between two strong teams, ultimately resulting in South Dakota State's first-ever FCS Championship.

Final Score Prediction: South Dakota State: 30 | North Dakota State: 24

North Dakota State vs South Dakota State Betting Trends

- North Dakota State is 3-7 against the spread (ATS) in its last 10 games.
- South Dakota State is 8-1 ATS in its last nine games.
- The total has hit the under in five of North Dakota State's last eight games.
- The total has hit the over in six of South Dakota State's last seven games.

North Dakota State vs South Dakota State Best Bet

All FCS betting lines, odds and prop bets are available on FanDuel Sportsbook.

As far as the best bet, I'm looking at South Dakota State on the spread. The Bison have failed to cover in seven of their last 10 games. Meanwhile, the Jackrabbits are 8-1 ATS in their last nine outings, covering in each of their last four games as well.

Though South Dakota State won earlier this year by just two points, I'm expecting an even stronger effort this time around. The Jackrabbits know how to stop the Bison's main weapon (the run) and should be able to use that experience to win by over 3.5 points.

Bet: South Dakota State -3.5 (-115)

Devon Platana is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Devon Platana also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username PepeSilvia0. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.