Furman vs. Montana betting lines, props, prediction: Do not underestimate this massive underdog in the FCS quarterfinals

The quarterfinal round of the FCS playoffs gets underway Friday night, with the Furman Paladins taking on the Montana Grizzlies. The Paladins earned the right to move on with a 26-7 win over Chattanooga in the second round, while the Grizzles dominated Delaware, 49-19.

Montana opened as a heavy favorite over Furman. But it would be a mistake to overlook this talented and capable Paladins team.

Furman vs. Montana: spread, moneyline and total

Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Friday, Dec. 8 on ESPN2 (streaming on ESPN+) at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula, Mont.

Here are live Furman vs. Montana odds from top sports betting apps:

Furman vs. Montana trends and history

• The Paladins and Grizzlies have played just once in the 2001 FCS National Championship game. Montana won, 13-6.
• Montana was 11-1 this season, with their one loss coming against Northern Arizona, 28-14, in Week 4.
• Furman was 10-2 with one loss coming to an FBS team, South Carolina, and the other to a dreadful Wofford team late in the season.
• Montana holds the record for most consecutive playoff appearances (17; 1993-2009), consecutive conference titles (12) and total playoff appearances (19).
• The Grizzlies made the playoffs in three of the last four seasons, losing twice in the quarterfinals (2019 and 21) and once in the second round (2022).
• Furman has been to the FCS playoffs 20 times, compiling a record of 21-18 along the way.
• The Paladins made it to the quarterfinals in three (2001, 2004 and 2005) of their last 10 playoff appearances (not counting this season), losing once (2004).
• Six of Furman's 10 wins came by more than 10 points; seven of Montana's 11 wins came by 10-plus points.

Furman vs. Montana betting analysis

Montana will come into the game Friday night on a high after dominating Delaware in the second round last weekend, 49-19.

The passing game was efficient, with Clifton McDowell completing 10 of 19 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. As usual, the run game led the way, with six players combining for 37 carries, 203 yards and three touchdowns.

But the Grizzlies will not find it nearly as easy to run against the Paladins. The Furman run defense is one of the best in the country (No. 3), giving up 92.7 YPG.

However, Montana could have time to develop a rushing attack if their defense (No. 9 against the run; 97 YPG) could contain the Paladins' ground game (No. 36; 162 YPG).

The key for Furman could be the play of their quarterback, Tyler Huff. If he can get the passing game working early, it could help loosen up the Montana defense making it easier to run the ball as well.

The Paladins were not a strong passing team during the regular season, but they were not bad. It didn't help that they lost Huff to an injury for the final three games of the regular season. 

He returned to action last weekend and had a solid outing, going 18-of-29 for 192 yards with an interception while leading the team to a 26-7 win over Chattanooga. The run game chipped in 192 yards and two touchdowns, with five players combining for 42 carries.

Bets to consider

Furman

Montana is a strong team, but Furman is not one bettors should overlook. The Paladins were the No. 2 team in the FCS Coaches Poll prior to their meltdown against Wofford. That lost dropped them down to No. 6.

Great teams can have bad days, and Furman certainly had a bad day against the Terriers. But that one game is not indicative of who they are as a team.

Don't count on Montana blowing Furman out of the water; the Paladins may even win. But the Grizzlies will not dominate the game and win by 17+. Take Furman and the points.

UNDER

This game features two teams with solid, capable offenses and formidable defenses. Both will be able to slow down the other's rushing attack, making establishing the passing game key. But it will take some time, which will help keep the score low.