Full Breakdown
FCS Quarterfinals: South Dakota Coyotes vs. Montana Grizzlies Preview
12/14/2025, 12:18:03 AM
Matchup Overview
The FCS Championship Quarterfinals feature a significant clash between the No. 11-seeded South Dakota Coyotes (10-4) and the No. 3-seeded Montana Grizzlies (12-1) on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The game will take place at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula, Montana, kicking off at 3:30 PM ET. This matchup is particularly intriguing as Montana seeks to extend its dominance over South Dakota, having won the last eight encounters, including a 24-7 victory on September 10, 2022.
Team Performance and Key Players
Montana enters the game with a strong playoff performance, having defeated South Dakota State 50-29 in the second round, led by quarterback Keali’i Ah Yat, who threw for 360 yards and four touchdowns. The Grizzlies' offense is characterized by its explosive run-pass option game and a defense that has recorded 20 interceptions this season, ranking second in the FCS.
Conversely, South Dakota achieved a commanding 47-0 victory against No. 6 seed Mercer, showcasing a balanced offensive attack. Quarterback Aidan Bouman has been pivotal, throwing for 502 yards and six touchdowns in the playoffs. Running back L.J. Phillips Jr. has also been a standout, leading the FCS with 1,847 rushing yards this season.
Key Matchups
The game will feature a critical quarterback duel between Bouman and Ah Yat. Bouman’s efficiency and ability to avoid turnovers will be crucial against Montana's opportunistic defense. Meanwhile, Ah Yat's dynamic playmaking ability poses a significant threat to South Dakota's defense, which recently achieved its first-ever postseason shutout.
In the backfield, Phillips Jr. will face off against Montana's Eli Gillman, who has also had a productive season with 1,396 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. The performance of both running backs could heavily influence the game's outcome.
Official Statements & Responses
South Dakota head coach Travis Johansen praised Ah Yat's talent, stating, “I think he is a really talented player with a quick release and is an athletic kid that understands their offense at a high level.” Johansen emphasized the importance of maintaining ball security against a defense that thrives on creating turnovers.
Why It Matters
This quarterfinal matchup not only determines who advances to the semifinals but also highlights the contrasting styles of both teams. South Dakota's balanced approach will be tested against Montana's high-tempo offense and aggressive defense. The outcome could set the tone for future encounters between these two programs.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is a great college football matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.” — Newsweek
What's Next
The winner of this matchup will advance to the semifinals of the FCS playoffs, continuing their pursuit of the championship title. Fans can watch the game live on ABC or stream it via platforms like Fubo and ESPN.
