FCS Championship Pick

While the FCS division has been dominated by North Dakota State in recent years, this year’s championship features two teams looking for their first title as the Sam Houston State Bearkats face the South Dakota State Jackrabbits on Sunday. Kick off is 2:00 pm ET in Frisco, Texas.

The two teams took different routs to get here. South Dakota State relied on a stifling defense that allowed only 3 points each in wins over Holy Cross (31-3) and Delaware (33-3). Sam Houston State, meanwhile, is averaging 39 points per game and used that explosive offense to rally from a 24-7 halftime deficit last week against James Madison and pull out a 38-35 win over the Dukes.

Both teams will be led by outstanding QBs as the Bearkats Eric Schmid was the Southland Conference player of the year and the Jackrabbits’ Mark Gronowski captured the same honors in the Missouri Valley Conference.

The Dunkel Index projects South Dakota State as a 8 ½-point favorite in this matchup, which is above the current line of 4 ½. The Index also has the final score total set at 39, which is below the O/U total of 47 ½.

Dunkel’s Pick: South Dakota State (-4 ½); Under

Below are all of Dunkel’s picks for this weekend’s schedule:

MAY 16

Sam Houston State vs South Dakota State
Time: 2:00 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: Sam Houston State 79.806; South Dakota State 88.349
Dunkel Line & Total: South Dakota State by 8 ½; 39
Vegas Line & Total: South Dakota State by 4 ½; 47 ½
Dunkel Pick: South Dakota State (-4 ½); Under