Is this really a second round FCS Playoffs game? No. 14 seed South Dakota State at No. 3 Montana feels more like a semifinal showdown, thanks to the Jacks' surge the last couple games and the return of lethal weapon Chase Mason.   Vegas thinks so, too. The Griz are mere 1.5-point favorites as of Thursday. Considering it is a Montana home game, that's an awfully tight line, especially for a 3-vs-14 matchup.   So, let's tackle it. Sioux Falls Live sportswriter Trent Singer joins Happy Hour host John Gaskins for a thorough breakdown on the storylines, stats, and keys to winning for both teams in the weekly "Thirsty Thursday Football Forecast." The two also plow into No. 11 South Dakota's showdown at No. 6 Mercer, where the Bears are a 6.5-point favorite.   Later on in the show, Skyline Sports FCS analyst Samuel Akem — a recent Montana All-America wide receiver — gives 30 minutes worth of insight into the '25 Griz, the environment at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, and what he expects to play out on Saturday. What makes Bobby Hauck's program a consistent powerhouse, but what might hold back the Griz from winning a national title or even Saturday's game?   Meanwhile, we've buried the lead and hidden the marquee. This show will feature more than an hour of engaging conversation full of SDSU opinions and stories from the Godfather of the Jackrabbits kingdom, John Stiegelmeier.   The former 25-year head coach who retired after the Jacks captured the 2022 national title has kept a close eye on Dan Jackson's first team and has compelling behind-the-scenes observations about how SDSU has appeared to have risen from the ashes to be a dangerous contender.   Stig also gives a glimpse into how his program vetted players in the recruiting process. It went far beyond measurables, accolades, game film, and stats. There's also the incredible story about offering Dallas Goedert a "non-scholarship" deal and how the walk-on became an NFL talent. And who is one recruit that didn't jump out in their recruiting class that became an absolute beast... besides Goedert, of course?    

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