Montana Grizzlies vs. Villanova Wildcats Preview

NCAA Football Betting Preview
Montana Grizzlies vs. Villanova Wildcats
Friday December 18th, 8:00PM Eastern

Betus.com betting line – TBA

Just before the bowl season gets underway this weekend, college football takes the spotlight this Friday night for the Division I AA National Championship as the Montana Grizzlies go to war with the Villanova Wildcats. Montana was the only team in the Football Championship Subdivision to go undefeated this season and held off Appalachian State 24-17 week to advance to the Championship Game. Villanova was shut out last week in the first half against William and Mary, but rallied back to edge the Tribe 14-13 to get make their first ever appearance in the FCS National Championship.

The interesting match-up this Friday night will feature a highly regarded Grizzlies offense that will be up against one of the better defenses in the FCS in the Wildcats. In fact, Villanova ranked 5th in the FCS allowing just 13.67 points per game and also only gave up a little over 300 total yards on average as well. The Wildcats defense is yet to give up over 2 scores through the FCS Playoffs, but they will get their biggest test of the season through the Montana offense. The Grizzlies own the top scoring offense in the FCS averaging 36.86 points per game and responsible for more than 420 yards of total offense per game.

The Grizzlies offense is led by a trio of playmakers that really carry the offense. Running back Chase Reynolds is the soul of the team and carries the work load on the ground. Reynolds has posted over 1,400 yards this season and an amazing 22 touchdowns on the ground. However, Reynolds will be up against a Wildcats defense that has allowed just 67 yards per game on the ground this season as the 3rd best rush defense in the FCS. If that trend continues, Montana will look for QB Andrew Selle lead the air assault. Selle has completed 61% on the year and thrown 25 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions. Selle’s biggest target is star wide out Marc Mariani who has nearly 3 times as many catches and yards than any other receiver on the team. Mariani has caught over 1,300 receiving yards this year and he will be the main guy to try and foil the Wildcats secondary.

As for the Villanova offense, they run a version of the option style offense that is growing in popularity in the Football Bowl Subdivision. QB Chris Whitney leads the team in rushing with 885 yards, but he also has a decent arm to throw the ball as well. Whitney has completed 64% on the season with 17 touchdowns and 4 picks. Tailback Aaron Ball is an effective force on the ground as well carrying 4.7 yards per carry to total 743 yards on the season. Considering Villanova does not have an offense that scores points near as quickly as an offense like Montana, most would expect their game plan would be based around the running game to control the clock. If they run the ball well, the Grizzlies offense will have a tough time scoring with limited opportunities. Also, keep an eye on WR Matt Szczur for Villanova. Szczur is a playmaker that gets chances carrying the football and catching the football so the Wildcats will find a way to get his hands on the football.

Pick – Montana