Champions Return: Previewing the High-Stakes 2025 FCS Playoff Second Round

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The field of 24 has been trimmed to 16, and the stakes could not be higher as the eight top seeds—who enjoyed a first-round bye—prepare to host the survivors of Saturday’s opening clashes. The Second Round of the FCS playoffs, played on Saturday, December 6th, features massive regional rivalries, historic upsets meeting their match, and a battle for supremacy between the Big Sky and the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC).

The Games Defining the Bracket

Two matchups stand out as the most critical for shaping the rest of the FCS bracket:

The Duel in Missoula: No. 14 South Dakota State at No. 3 Montana

The Matchup: The MVFC’s battle-tested No. 14 Jackrabbits (9-4) travel to face the Big Sky’s vaunted No. 3 Grizzlies (11-1) at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.
Why It Matters: This is arguably the highest-caliber matchup of the entire round. SDSU, fresh off a dominant 41-3 win, is a perennial power with recent national championships, making them the most dangerous low seed in the field. Montana is a favorite to reach the final, but their path is blocked by the toughest possible opponent. The game is expected to be a nail-biter, with early odds placing Montana as only a -1.5 point favorite. The winner gains serious momentum heading into the Quarterfinals.

Ivy League’s Acid Test: Yale at No. 2 Montana State

The Matchup: The history-making Yale Bulldogs (9-2), who completed a 28-point comeback upset in the First Round, travel to face the formidable No. 2 Montana State Bobcats (10-2) in Bozeman.
Why It Matters: Yale’s stunning win over Youngstown State has been the story of the playoffs, but the -22.5 point spread against Montana State reflects the massive step up in competition. The Bobcats are national runner-ups and Big Sky champions, boasting a dominant rushing attack and the famed home-field advantage of Bobcat Stadium. If Yale can even keep this game competitive, it will signal a true shift in the landscape; if Montana State dominates, they confirm their elite status.

The Top Seeds Begin Their Title Defense

The top two teams, both hailing from the MVFC, begin their title quest against conference foes:

Illinois State at No. 1 North Dakota State: The No. 1 Bison (12-0) host Illinois State (9-4) in the Fargodome. NDSU, a massive -23.5 point favorite, has already beaten the Redbirds this season and rarely loses at home in the playoffs. This is expected to be a straightforward start for the national title favorites.

Other Key Matchups

Game	Matchup	Key Stat/Storyline
No. 12 Villanova at No. 5 Lehigh	Patriot League vs. CAA	Lehigh (-4.5) is undefeated (12-0) and hosts the experienced Villanova team, which crushed Harvard last week. The Mountain Hawks must prove their perfect season translates to playoff dominance.
No. 11 South Dakota at No. 6 Mercer	MVFC vs. SoCon	Mercer (-6.5) finished 9-2 and owns a strong defense. They face a tough road test from South Dakota (9-4), which is looking to validate the MVFC’s depth.
No. 10 Abilene Christian at No. 7 Stephen F. Austin	WAC/UAC Rivalry	A compelling Texas showdown where SFA (-3.5) is looking to rely on its explosive offense against the strong rushing attack of ACU.
North Dakota at No. 4 Tarleton State	Big Sky vs. UAC	Tarleton State (-6.5) is playing in its first-ever playoff home game. The Texans must contain the consistent quarterback play of North Dakota to maintain their record-setting 11-1 season.
No. 9 Rhode Island at No. 8 UC Davis	CAA vs. Big Sky	The 8 and 9-seeds are matched up in a classic West Coast vs. East Coast contest. The winner will advance to host a Quarterfinal game and has a legitimate shot at an upset run.