No. 1 South Dakota State looks to close out an undefeated season by winning its second straight FCS championship with a victory over Montana in the FCS championship game Sunday afternoon.
The Jackrabbits, riding a 28-game winning streak, hope to become the fifth repeat champion in FCS history. Last season, they beat North Dakota State in the championship, 45-21.
Last time out, South Dakota State beat fifth-seeded Albany in the semifinals, 59-0.
No. 2 seed Montana enters the matchup at 13-1 after two thrilling playoff victories. The Grizzlies beat Furman in overtime in the quarterfinals before outlasting North Dakota State in a double-overtime classic in the semifinals. Montana denied a possible game-tying two-point conversion to secure the victory.
The Jackrabbits boast being the #1 defense in the FCS, allowing just 9.7 points per game. And they have the third highest scoring offense, with 38.4 points per game. This unit is led by quarterback Mark Gronowski – the MVP of last year's championship game – and Isaiah Davis, the best rusher in the FCS.
Quarterback Clifton McDowell anchors a versatile Montana offensive outfit. Defensively, the Grizzlies also have a formidable unit; they allow just 16.8 points per game, fifth best in the FCS.
Here's what you need to know about Sunday's FCS championship game between South Dakota State and Montana, including broadcast information and start time.
What channel is South Dakota State vs. Montana on today?
- TV channel: ABC/ESPN+
- Direct: Fubo
The FCS championship game between South Dakota State and Montana will be broadcast nationally on ABC and can also be streamed via ESPN+.
Cord cutters are also lucky. They can stream the game on Fubo, which offers a free trial, so you can try it before you buy.
South Dakota State vs. Montana Start Time
- Date: Sunday January 7
- To start up: 2:00 p.m. ET
South Dakota State vs. Montana in the FCS Championship Game is scheduled to tip off at 2 p.m. ET from Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
The Jackrabbits are in Frisco for the third time in four seasons to play for the FCS championship. While the Grizzlies are playing their eighth FCS championship game, this is the first time they have done so in Frisco, which began hosting the game in 2010.
2023 Montana Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET)/Result |
|---|---|---|
| September 2 | against butler | F, 35-20 |
| September 9 | at Utah Tech | W, 43-13 |
| September 16 | vs. Ferris State | F, 17-10 |
| September 23 | north of Arizona | L, 28-14 |
| September 30 | against Idaho State | F, 28-20 |
| October 7 | at UC Davis | W, 31-23 |
| October 14 | in Idaho | F, 23-21 |
| October 28 | vs. Northern Colorado | F, 40-0 |
| November 4 | vs. Sacramento State | W, 34-7 |
| November 11th | in Portland State | F, 34-10 |
| November 18 | vs. Montana State | F, 37-7 |
| December 2 | against Delaware (second round) | F, 49-19 |
| December 8 | against Furman (quarter-finals) | F, 35-28 (OT) |
| December 16 | vs. North Dakota State (semifinals) | W, 31-29 (OT) |
| January 7 | vs. South Dakota State (Championship) | To be determined |
2023 South Dakota State Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET)/Result |
|---|---|---|
| August 31 | vs. Western Oregon | W, 45-7 |
| September 9 | vs. Montana State | F, 20-16 |
| September 16 | against Drake | W, 70-7 |
| September 30 | against North Dakota | W, 42-21 |
| October 7 | in the state of Illinois | F, 40-21 |
| October 14 | vs. Northern Iowa | W, 41-6 |
| 21st of October | in southern Illinois | F, 17-10 |
| October 28 | in South Dakota | W, 37-3 |
| November 4 | vs. North Dakota State | F, 33-16 |
| November 11th | at Youngstown State | F, 34-0 |
| November 18 | vs. Missouri State | F, 35-17 |
| December 2 | against Mercer (second round) | F, 41-0 |
| December 9 | against Villanova (quarterfinals) | F, 23-12 |
| December 15 | vs. Albany (semi-finals) | F, 59-0 |
| January 7 | against Montana (Championship) | To be determined |