FCS Semifinals Set: Montana Rivalry and Villanova’s Quest Ahead

The 2025 FCS playoffs have reached a critical juncture, with two semifinal matchups determining who will advance to the national championship in Nashville on January 5, 2025. In a high-stakes weekend, the second-seeded Montana State will face rival Montana, while Illinois State takes on Villanova. A victory will propel the winners to the championship game, while defeat ends their season.

Montana State enters the semifinal round fresh off a convincing 44-28 victory against seventh-seeded Stephen F. Austin. Similarly, third-seeded Montana dominated their quarterfinal matchup, defeating eleventh-seeded South Dakota with a score of 52-22. Both teams are keen to build on their momentum as they vie for a spot in the championship.

Rivalry Rematch: Montana vs. Montana State

The clash between Montana and Montana State, known as “The Brawl of the Wild,” promises to be thrilling. The last meeting saw Montana State narrowly edge out Montana, winning 31-28 in a hard-fought contest. Historically, Montana leads the rivalry with a record of 75-44-5, but the recent trend favors Montana State, who have won seven of their last nine encounters.

Key players will be crucial in this matchup. Montana’s star quarterback Keali’i Ah Yat has thrown for 32 touchdowns this season, while running back Eli Gillman boasts 1,434 rushing yards. On the other side, Montana State will rely on quarterback Justin Lamson and a formidable ground game that averages 234.1 rushing yards per game. Both teams will need to execute their game plans effectively, as Montana aims for explosive plays while Montana State looks to control the clock with a strong running game and an aggressive defense.

Illinois State’s Underdog Journey Against Villanova

In the other semifinal, Illinois State will face Villanova, marking a significant moment for both teams. Illinois State, unseeded in the playoffs, has made an impressive run with victories in every round thus far. Villanova, seeded twelfth, has not reached this stage since 2010, making their semifinal appearance noteworthy. Their only previous matchup occurred in 1976, when Illinois State narrowly won 19-17.

Illinois State’s success can be attributed to senior quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse, who has set a school record with 34 touchdowns and amassed over 3,006 passing yards this season. The Redbirds thrive on creating turnovers and showcasing resilience on the road. Villanova, meanwhile, relies on quarterback Pat McQuaide, who has passed for 2,893 yards with minimal turnovers, only six all season. The Wildcats aim to maintain possession and allow their run game and defense to dictate the tempo of the game.

The stakes are high as these four teams prepare for a critical weekend in the FCS playoffs. Fans can follow the action through ESPN programming, available for streaming with ESPN Unlimited.

As the championship approaches, excitement builds across the football landscape, particularly for the fans of these four teams. The outcome of this weekend will shape the narrative heading into the national championship, with the promise of thrilling football on the line.