By crunching all the numbers, the selection committee that seeded the 2024 FCS playoffs appears to have gotten the 2024 bracket right. But we’re taking only one number from each quarterfinalist to spotlight the intriguing schedule of games this week.
The numbers don’t lie with the quarterfinalists in the FCS playoffs.
Quite simply, there are many awesome numbers.
They’re as simple as 1 through 8, as the eight-highest seeds in the original 24-team field are still alive for this weekend’s action.
But let’s boil the excellence down to one number to know with each quarterfinal, listed below in order by seed in the FCS playoffs.
Montana State Bobcats: 496.1
The dominating run game first comes to mind with the FCS’ top-ranked and only unbeaten team, but the Bobcats also are No. 1 in offensive yards per game, with quarterback Tommy Mellott coming off a career-high 300 passing yards against UT Martin in the second round.
North Dakota State Bison: 4
The Bison’s season-long turnover total (three interceptions and one loss fumble) is the FCS low and not even one-third of its number of games played (13). The high efficiency has come across 862 offensive plays.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits: 48
Many top numbers reflect well on the two-time defending FCS champion, but quarterback Mark Gronowski’s career win total as a starter is one shy of the FCS record (49) held by North Dakota State’s Easton Stick (2015-18). The 2023 Walter Payton Award recipient will match Stick at 49-5 with a win over Mercer.
South Dakota Coyotes: 27.5
The average number of yards for USD’s 60 touchdowns, more than two yards higher than any other team that qualified for the playoffs. Most recently, Quaron Adams helped clinch the second-round win over Tarleton State with a 70-yard TD run with just over five minutes remaining.
UC Davis Aggies: 4,148 and 35
OK, that’s two numbers, but they’re connected as quarterback Miles Hastings ranks No. 1 in the FCS in passing yards and touchdown passes, respectively.
UIW Cardinals: 2
Yes, opposing defenses are seeing double with wide receivers Jalen Walthall and Roy Alexander, who combine to be the FCS’ most-productive duo in receptions (163), receiving yards (2,240) and touchdown catches (26).
Mercer Bears: 32
Mercer’s ability to force turnovers – it’s tied for the FCS high – makes for interesting contrast to NDSU’s sure-handed ways this week. The latest takeaway – free safety Myles Redding’s pick-six against Rhode Island in the second round – increased the Bears’ national-best defensive touchdowns to eight.
Idaho Vandals: 128
Oh yes, back to Montana State’s rushing offense. The Bobcats’ lowest yardage in a game the last two seasons occurred against Idaho when the Vandals beat them a 2023 regular-season matchup. Hmm …
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