Week 16 FCS Football Top 8: Quarterfinals Produce Thrilling Finishes as Final Four Emerges

The FCS Playoffs quarterfinal round delivered a weekend of high drama with three of four games decided in the final minutes, dramatically reshaping the championship picture as the semifinalists emerge. Second-seeded South Dakota State staged a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback to defeat Rhode Island 28-24, while Montana stunned top-seeded North Dakota State 31-24 in the Fargodome for one of the most significant playoff upsets in recent memory. These thrilling finishes have set up a compelling final four with championship implications across both semifinals.

The weekend's most dramatic moment came in Bozeman, where Montana State survived fifth-seeded South Dakota 31-28 on a 42-yard field goal as time expired, sending the Bobcats to their fourth consecutive semifinal. Meanwhile, fourth-seeded UC Davis continued its impressive postseason run with a hard-fought 24-20 victory over eighth-seeded Idaho, securing the program's first-ever semifinal appearance and continuing their remarkable season under first-year head coach Tim Plough.

As we enter the semifinal round, the playoff bracket features representatives from just two conferences, with the Big Sky placing three teams (Montana State, UC Davis, and Montana) in the final four, while the Missouri Valley's lone survivor is two-time defending champion South Dakota State. The semifinals present fascinating narratives, with Montana State hosting Montana in an unprecedented postseason edition of the Brawl of the Wild, while South Dakota State welcomes UC Davis in a clash between the established dynasty and the emerging challenger. With just two games remaining before the national championship in Frisco, the road to the title has narrowed to four legitimate contenders.

The Elite Four: Championship Favorites

1. South Dakota State Jackrabbits (12-2) [Previous: 2]

South Dakota State secured its fourth consecutive semifinal appearance with a thrilling 28-24 comeback victory over Rhode Island, overcoming a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to maintain their quest for an unprecedented third straight national championship. The Jackrabbits showed championship resilience, scoring two touchdowns in the final seven minutes while their defense made a critical fourth-down stop with under a minute remaining to preserve the victory. Quarterback Mark Gronowski engineered the comeback, accounting for three total touchdowns while delivering several clutch completions during the game-winning drive.

Head coach Jimmy Rogers' program demonstrated remarkable championship character when facing their first significant playoff challenge. After trailing 24-14 early in the fourth quarter, the Jackrabbits' offense found rhythm behind Gronowski's steady leadership, while their defense generated crucial stops against Rhode Island's balanced attack. Running back Angel Johnson provided the decisive score with a 12-yard touchdown run with 2:34 remaining, capping an eight-play, 76-yard drive that showcased the Jackrabbits' championship pedigree.

South Dakota State advances to host UC Davis in the semifinals, welcoming the Aggies to Brookings for the first-ever meeting between these programs. The Jackrabbits have now won seven consecutive playoff games dating back to last season, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 34.7 to 16.9 points per game during that stretch. Their championship experience and home-field advantage make them substantial favorites to advance to their third consecutive national championship game, though the emerging Aggies present a legitimate challenge with their balanced attack and momentum.

2. Montana State Bobcats (13-1) [Previous: 3]

Montana State secured its fourth consecutive semifinal appearance with a dramatic 31-28 victory over South Dakota, prevailing on kicker Brett Larson's 42-yard field goal as time expired to maintain their championship aspirations. The Bobcats demonstrated impressive resilience in a back-and-forth contest that featured five lead changes, with quarterback Tommy Mellott orchestrating a masterful two-minute drill to move into field goal range in the closing seconds. The thrilling victory extended Montana State's home winning streak to 17 games while positioning them just one win away from their second championship game appearance in four seasons.

Head coach Brent Vigen's program showcased its championship character throughout the high-stakes quarterfinal. Mellott delivered perhaps his finest performance of the season, accounting for 312 yards of total offense and three touchdowns while making several crucial completions during the game-winning drive. Defensively, the Bobcats struggled at times against South Dakota's explosive attack but generated a pivotal interception midway through the fourth quarter that prevented the Coyotes from extending their lead.

Montana State advances to host Montana in an unprecedented postseason edition of the Brawl of the Wild, welcoming their bitter rivals to Bozeman for the 123rd meeting in the storied series but the first-ever playoff matchup. The Bobcats have now won 13 of their last 14 games, with their only defeat coming against these same Grizzlies in the regular-season finale. Their championship experience and home-field advantage make them moderate favorites to advance to their second national championship game, though Montana's upset of North Dakota State demonstrates the Grizzlies' dangerous potential.

3. Montana Grizzlies (12-3) [Previous: 6]

Montana delivered perhaps the most significant playoff upset in recent memory, stunning top-seeded North Dakota State 31-24 in the Fargodome to advance to the program's first semifinal since 2011. The Grizzlies demonstrated remarkable poise in college football's most intimidating venue, building a 24-10 third-quarter lead before withstanding a furious Bison comeback attempt. Quarterback Clifton McDowell engineered another efficient offensive performance, accounting for 287 yards of total offense and three touchdowns while orchestrating an attack that amassed 412 total yards against North Dakota State's typically dominant defense.

Head coach Bobby Hauck's program continues its remarkable postseason surge, having eliminated both the tournament's top seed and seventh-seeded Incarnate Word in consecutive weeks. Their defense, which has shown significant improvement throughout the season's second half, limited North Dakota State's powerful rushing attack to just 124 yards while generating three crucial turnovers. Safety Nash Fouch delivered the decisive play with an interception at the Montana 12-yard line with 47 seconds remaining, preserving the victory and completing one of the most stunning upsets in FCS playoff history.

Montana advances to face Montana State in an unprecedented postseason edition of the Brawl of the Wild, traveling to Bozeman for a rematch of their thrilling regular-season finale won by the Grizzlies 30-27. Montana has now won five consecutive games since their mid-season loss to UC Davis, with their late-season surge positioning them as legitimate championship contenders. Their balanced approach and momentum give them legitimate upset potential in the semifinal, particularly given their victory over these same Bobcats just three weeks ago.

4. UC Davis Aggies (12-2) [Previous: 5]

UC Davis secured the program's first-ever semifinal appearance with a hard-fought 24-20 victory over Idaho, overcoming a halftime deficit to continue their historic postseason run. The Aggies demonstrated impressive resilience throughout the defensive struggle, scoring the decisive touchdown with 3:27 remaining when quarterback Miles Hastings connected with wide receiver Chaz Davis on a 17-yard strike. The victory extends UC Davis's winning streak to nine games while positioning them just one win away from their first championship game appearance in program history.

Head coach Tim Plough's first-year success story continues to develop, with the Aggies showcasing remarkable balance on both sides of the ball. Their defense delivered perhaps its finest performance of the season, limiting Idaho's physical offense to just 286 total yards while generating two crucial turnovers. Running back Lan Larison provided essential balance with 124 rushing yards, while Hastings maintained his efficient leadership with 224 passing yards and two touchdowns despite facing consistent pressure from Idaho's aggressive defensive front.

UC Davis advances to face second-seeded South Dakota State in the semifinals, traveling to Brookings for the first-ever meeting between these programs. The Aggies have now won nine consecutive games since their only conference defeat against Montana State, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 32.6 to 20.8 points per game during that stretch. Their balanced approach and momentum give them legitimate upset potential against the two-time defending national champions, though the Jackrabbits' championship pedigree and home-field advantage present significant challenges.

Eliminated Quarterfinalists

5. North Dakota State Bison (12-2) [Previous: 1]

North Dakota State's championship aspirations ended with a stunning 31-24 home defeat to Montana, suffering their first Fargodome playoff loss since 2015 in a shocking quarterfinal upset. The Bison struggled to establish offensive consistency against the Grizzlies' disciplined defense, particularly in the first three quarters when they fell behind 24-10. Despite a valiant fourth-quarter comeback that tied the game at 24, North Dakota State surrendered the decisive touchdown with 3:12 remaining before a last-minute interception sealed their fate in the program's earliest playoff exit since 2010.

Head coach Matt Entz's final season ended in disappointment despite another impressive campaign that included an undefeated Missouri Valley Football Conference championship. Quarterback Cam Miller delivered a gutsy performance in defeat, passing for 245 yards and two touchdowns while adding 54 rushing yards, but the Bison's typically dominant rushing attack was limited to just 124 yards by Montana's physical front seven. Defensively, North Dakota State surrendered 412 total yards, their second-highest total of the season, while struggling to contain Grizzlies quarterback Clifton McDowell throughout the contest.

Despite the quarterfinal exit, North Dakota State's overall season represents continued excellence for the program, securing their 13th consecutive playoff appearance and 11th Missouri Valley Football Conference championship. The Bison's balanced approach and physical dominance established them as the tournament's top seed, though their championship aspirations ultimately fell short against a surging Montana team. With several key contributors potentially returning in 2025 and a new coaching regime taking over, North Dakota State appears positioned to remain a championship contender next season.

6. Rhode Island Rams (12-3) [Previous: 7]

Rhode Island's historic season concluded with a heartbreaking 28-24 defeat to second-seeded South Dakota State, surrendering a 10-point fourth-quarter lead in a devastating quarterfinal collapse. The Rams appeared poised for another stunning upset after building a 24-14 advantage early in the final period, but couldn't generate the crucial late-game stops needed to preserve their lead. Quarterback Malik Grant delivered another outstanding performance in defeat, passing for 276 yards and three touchdowns while orchestrating an offense that amassed 384 total yards against the Jackrabbits' typically stingy defense.

Head coach Jim Fleming's program showcased the impressive balance that fueled their remarkable playoff run, with wide receiver Kahtero Summers adding eight receptions for 134 yards and two touchdowns in his final collegiate game. The Rams' defense generated consistent pressure on Jackrabbits quarterback Mark Gronowski for three quarters before surrendering two decisive fourth-quarter scoring drives. The narrow defeat represents a devastating conclusion to Rhode Island's first FCS quarterfinal appearance since 1985 but demonstrates the program's legitimate emergence on the national stage.

Despite the quarterfinal exit, Rhode Island's overall playoff performance represents historic progress for the program, securing their first postseason victories since 1985 with impressive wins over Duquesne and Richmond. The Rams' balanced approach and clutch execution demonstrated their capabilities against elite competition, establishing a foundation for sustained success under Fleming's leadership. With several key contributors potentially returning in 2025, Rhode Island appears positioned to build upon this breakthrough season.

7. Idaho Vandals (10-4) [Previous: 8]

Idaho's championship aspirations ended with a narrow 24-20 defeat to fourth-seeded UC Davis, falling just short despite a valiant defensive effort throughout the quarterfinal showdown. The Vandals built a 13-10 halftime lead before ultimately succumbing to the Aggies' balanced attack in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Jack Layne delivered an efficient performance in defeat, passing for 212 yards and two touchdowns while facing consistent pressure from UC Davis's aggressive defensive front.

Head coach Jason Eck's program showcased the physical style that fueled their impressive season, with running back Elisha Cummings providing 87 tough rushing yards against the Aggies' stout defensive front. Idaho's defense limited UC Davis's typically explosive offense to just 342 total yards but couldn't generate the crucial late-game stop needed after the Aggies' go-ahead touchdown with 3:27 remaining. The narrow defeat represents a disappointing conclusion to Idaho's best season since returning to the FCS level but demonstrates the program's legitimate emergence as a Big Sky contender.

Despite the quarterfinal exit, Idaho's overall playoff performance represents significant progress for the program, securing their first postseason victory since returning to the FCS level with their second-round triumph over Southeast Missouri. The Vandals' physical approach and defensive excellence demonstrated their capabilities against elite competition, establishing a foundation for sustained success under Eck's leadership. With several key contributors potentially returning in 2025, Idaho appears positioned to remain a factor in the Big Sky race next season.

8. South Dakota Coyotes (9-4) [Previous: 4]

South Dakota's championship aspirations ended with a heartbreaking 31-28 defeat to third-seeded Montana State, falling victim to a last-second field goal in a devastating quarterfinal loss. The Coyotes demonstrated impressive resilience throughout the back-and-forth contest, taking a 28-21 lead early in the fourth quarter before Montana State's comeback. Quarterback Aidan Bouman delivered another outstanding performance in defeat, passing for 312 yards and three touchdowns while orchestrating an offense that amassed 418 total yards against the Bobcats' typically stingy defense.

Head coach Bob Nielson's program showcased the explosive offensive attack that fueled their impressive season, with wide receiver Carter Bell adding seven receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns in a breakout performance. The Coyotes' defense generated consistent pressure on Bobcats quarterback Tommy Mellott but couldn't prevent the decisive two-minute drill that led to Montana State's game-winning field goal. The narrow defeat represents a devastating conclusion to South Dakota's deepest playoff run since moving to the Division I level but demonstrates the program's legitimate emergence as a national contender.

Despite the quarterfinal exit, South Dakota's overall playoff performance represents significant progress for the program, reaching the quarterfinal round for the first time since moving to the FCS level. The Coyotes' balanced approach and offensive firepower demonstrated their capabilities against elite competition, establishing a foundation for sustained success under Nielson's leadership. With several key contributors potentially returning in 2025, South Dakota appears positioned to remain a factor in the Missouri Valley Football Conference race and national playoff picture next season.

Semifinal Preview

The FCS playoffs advance to the semifinal round with two compelling matchups that will determine the finalists in this year's championship tournament. The most anticipated contest features Montana State hosting Montana in an unprecedented postseason edition of the Brawl of the Wild, bringing one of college football's most intense rivalries to the playoff stage for the first time. Meanwhile, two-time defending national champion South Dakota State welcomes emerging power UC Davis to Brookings in a fascinating contrast between established dynasty and rising challenger.

The Big Sky Conference has demonstrated remarkable strength with three semifinalists – Montana State, UC Davis, and Montana – showcasing the league's impressive depth and quality. The Missouri Valley Football Conference, typically dominant in recent playoff history, sees only South Dakota State remaining after Montana's stunning upset of top-seeded North Dakota State. The semifinal matchups guarantee at least one Big Sky representative in the national championship game, with the potential for an all-Big Sky title game should both Montana State and UC Davis advance.

The semifinal matchups feature several intriguing narratives, with Montana State seeking revenge against rival Montana just three weeks after their regular-season defeat that ended the Bobcats' perfect season. South Dakota State continues its quest for an unprecedented third consecutive national championship against a UC Davis program making its first-ever semifinal appearance. These two contests will determine the finalists who will compete for the national championship in Frisco, Texas on January 5, setting up compelling storylines regardless of which programs advance.

Key Semifinal Matchups

Montana State vs Montana

The Bobcats host their bitter rivals in an unprecedented postseason edition of the Brawl of the Wild, seeking revenge for their 30-27 defeat in the regular-season finale that ended their perfect season. Montana State's championship pedigree and home-field advantage in Bozeman make them moderate favorites, but the Grizzlies enter with tremendous momentum following their stunning upset of top-seeded North Dakota State. The contrast between Montana State's physical, run-oriented approach and Montana's more balanced offensive system creates a fascinating tactical battle in this 123rd meeting between these programs but first-ever playoff matchup.

South Dakota State vs UC Davis

The two-time defending national champions welcome an Aggies program making its first semifinal appearance, creating a compelling contrast between established dynasty and emerging challenger. South Dakota State's championship experience and home-field advantage in Brookings make them substantial favorites, but UC Davis's balanced attack and nine-game winning streak provide intriguing upset potential. Jackrabbits quarterback Mark Gronowski faces his toughest test against an improved Aggies defense that limited Idaho to just 20 points in the quarterfinals, setting up a fascinating chess match between two well-coached, balanced teams with contrasting postseason histories.

Conclusion

The FCS playoffs have produced a compelling final four following a quarterfinal round filled with dramatic finishes and shocking results. Montana's stunning upset of top-seeded North Dakota State in the Fargodome stands as one of the most significant playoff victories in recent memory, while South Dakota State's fourth-quarter comeback against Rhode Island demonstrated the championship resilience that has made the Jackrabbits the subdivision's dominant program. Montana State's last-second field goal to defeat South Dakota and UC Davis's defensive masterpiece against Idaho completed a quarterfinal round that showcased the extraordinary competitive balance at the FCS level.

The semifinal matchups present fascinating narratives across both games, with the Montana State-Montana rivalry reaching unprecedented heights in their first-ever playoff matchup. The Bobcats seek revenge for their regular-season finale defeat, while the Grizzlies look to continue their remarkable postseason run after eliminating the tournament's top seed. South Dakota State's dynasty faces its latest challenge from an emerging UC Davis program making its first semifinal appearance, with the Jackrabbits' championship pedigree contrasting with the Aggies' breakthrough season under first-year head coach Tim Plough.

As the road to Frisco narrows to just four contenders, the championship picture has gained significant clarity while still maintaining compelling uncertainty. South Dakota State remains the favorite based on their championship pedigree and remarkable playoff consistency, but dangerous challengers in Montana State, Montana, and UC Davis have demonstrated the potential to dethrone the two-time defending champions. With the national championship game just two weeks away, the intensity continues to build toward crowning the 2024 FCS national champion on January 5 in Frisco, Texas.