Player Props Illinois State Redbirds vs Montana State Bobcats

The upcoming Monday night football game on January 5, 2026, between the Illinois State Redbirds and Montana State Bobcats at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, TN, promises an exciting NCAAF bowl clash. Broadcasted on ESPN, this game offers abundant opportunities for bettors to leverage player props and prop bets to maximize their edge. The Redbirds bring a solid rushing offense led by Victor Dawson, who boasts a 67.8% hit rate over 70.5 rushing yards, while the Bobcats' Adam Jones projects over 72.5 rushing yards with a 64.1% hit rate, making rushing yards a key market to watch.

Montana State's passing game, led by Justin Lamson, faces a tough Illinois State pass defense, with Lamson's under 196.5 passing yards carrying a 66.2% hit rate and a strong expected value (EV) of 12.9%. The Bobcats’ pass protection versus the Redbirds' pass rush will be critical, as Lamson's passing touchdowns under 1.5 have a 68.1% hit rate, indicating a defensive battle. Meanwhile, Illinois State's Tommy Rittenhouse presents an intriguing player prop with passing yards hovering around 200, showing nearly even cover percentages for over and under 203.5 yards.

Our prop bet results over the last 10 games have been profitable, especially in rushing and receiving yards markets, with player projections consistently providing bettors an edge. The pace of play is expected to be moderate, favoring strategic bets on total receptions and rushing yards. Check out our full NCAAF player props page for more insights and detailed projections. Ready to bet smarter? Start your OddsTrader Turbo subscription now or place your bet with a U.S. regulated sportsbook and profit off the edge.