Albany vs South Dakota State Odds, Spread & Prediction – FCS Semifinals

South Dakota State Jackrabbits win the game against the Villanova Wildcats by 23-12 on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 at Dana J. Dykhouse in Brookings.Albany battles South Dakota State in the FCS Semifinals on Friday night.The latest ESPN Bet odds are heavily in favor of the Jackrabbits.Read below for Albany vs SDSU odds and predictions for the FCS Semifinals.

The Albany Great Danes (11-3) will face the top-seeded South Dakota State Jackrabbits (13-0) in the FCS semifinals on Friday, December 15th at 7 pm ET on ESPN2. The game will be played at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings, South Dakota.

South Dakota State enters as 19.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 46.5 points, according to the ESPN Sportsbook. The Jackrabbits are riding an impressive 27-game winning streak dating back to 2021.

Let’s dive into the Albany vs SDSU odds, as we offer our prediction for Friday’s FCS semifinals.

Albany vs South Dakota State Odds

In the Albany vs South Dakota State odds for the FCS Semifinal, the Jackrabbits are heavy -1600 moneyline favorites, giving them 94% implied win probability.

FCS odds as of December 15th at ESPN Sportsbook. Sign up for the ESPN bet app using promo code DIME to unlock a $250 bonus for Albany vs SDSU. 

Albany Betting Analysis

Albany enters the FCS Semifinals following a 30-22 upset victory over #4 Idaho in the quarterfinals last weekend. Quarterback Reese Poffenbarger had a record-breaking day, throwing for 341 yards and three TDs in the victory.

While the offense was impressive against the Vandals, the defense has been the main driver of the Danes’ success this season. The Albany defense has only allowed more than 22 points to one FCS opponent, and they’ve racked up 50 sacks and 17 interceptions.

Lock in.

🔒 @UAlbanyFootball #CAAFB | #FCSPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/fHbg0ezrNi

— CAA Football (@CAAFootball) December 15, 2023

Albany’s defensive end duo of Anton Juncaj and AJ Simon might be the best in the country, combining for 43 tackles for loss, 27.5 sacks, 31 hurries, and seven forced fumbles. The Jackrabbits haven’t seen a pass rush like this in quite some time.

The Great Danes will look to get the run game going against this feisty SDSU defense on Friday. Griffin Woodell and Faysal Aden average 4.7 yards per carry, but the former had a big day in the quarterfinals, rushing for 98 yards and a TD.

The player you know Albany will be able to count on Friday is wide receiver Brevin Easton. The star wideout has been Poffenbarger’s top target all season, and he caught all three of the QB’s touchdown passes vs Idaho, finishing the night with 228 yards.

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South Dakota State Betting Analysis

South Dakota State comes into the FCS Semifinals undefeated and vying for a second straight appearance in the championship game. The Jackrabbits defeated Villanova by a 23-12 score last weekend in a matchup that was impacted by 30 mph winds.

SDSU has a balanced offense led by veteran quarterback Mark Gronowski and running back Isaiah Davis. Gronowski has thrown for 2,618 yards and 25 TDs with a 67.8% completion percentage, while Davis has rushed for 1,384 yards and 15 TDs.

Defensively, the Jackrabbits have been just as efficient, if not better. SDSU ranks first in the country in scoring defense and total defense, allowing just 10.5 points and 254 yards per game. The leader of the defense is senior linebacker Jason Freeman, who has racked up 87 total tackles.

Albany vs South Dakota State Prediction

This is a huge spread to cover in a seminal game, even for a juggernaut like South Dakota State. Albany, however, has been defying expectations all season, nearly upsetting an FBS team in Marshall and beating four ranked FCS opponents in Villanova, William & Mary, Richmond, and Idaho.

It’s very difficult to win at The Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho, and the Great Danes managed the upset as 5.5-point underdogs. While we don’t think they’ll be able to pull off the upset against an SDSU team that has won 27 straight, we do like the value on them to cover the spread.

Great Danes against the world #UAUKNKOW #WinTheDay 🟪🟨 pic.twitter.com/iQJNDBLOIl

— UAlbany Football (@UAlbanyFootball) December 15, 2023

The weather forecast in South Dakota is calling for light rain and around 10 mph winds at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. This means we could see the two teams more reliant on their run game, which would limit the chances of SDSU blowing the game open.

Albany’s run defense has been dominant this season, allowing just 78 yards per game and 2.57 yards per carry. SDSU has been able to wear down their opponents with their overpowering run game, but they will have their work cut out for them facing this stifling Albany defensive front.

Pick: Albany +19.5 (-110)

 

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