FCS Showdown: North Dakota State Snatches Title from Montana State in Thrilling 35-32 Victory

FCS Showdown in Frisco: North Dakota State Clinches Title, Hands Montana State First Loss

Frisco, Texas witnessed an electrifying clash on Monday night, as North Dakota State (NDSU) faced off against Montana State in a game that will go down in history. With a thrilling final score of 35-32, NDSU not only claimed their 10th FCS title but also put an end to Montana State’s perfect run this season. What a ride!

The Game that Had Everything

You could feel the excitement in the air from the moment the game kicked off. NDSU came out of the gate swinging, scoring two quick touchdowns and taking a commanding 21-3 lead into halftime. They dominated the first quarter, chewing up over 10 minutes with relentless drives. In fact, they kicked off with a whopping 12-play, 7-minute drive, which set the tone for the night.

Quarterback Cam Miller showcased his skills right off the bat. After a solid opening drive, he ripped off a stunning 64-yard touchdown run that left defenders in the dust. You could hear the crowd erupt with joy—“It’s Miller Time!” was the chant echoing through the stands!

Montana’s Resilience

But hey, let’s not count out Montana State just yet! Despite falling behind, they showcased their own fighting spirit, launching a remarkable 11-minute drive that covered 17 plays. However, the NDSU defense held strong and forced the Bobcats to settle for just a field goal. Ouch!

Right before halftime, Montana State had a shot to cut into NDSU’s lead but failed to convert on a fourth down deep in NDSU territory. This, of course, gave NDSU a golden chance to extend their lead, and they did just that! In 47 seconds, they marched 56 yards and capped it off with a 1-yard touchdown pass from Miller to Bryce Lance. Just like that, the score was looking a whole lot more comfortable at 21-3.

Tension Builds in the Second Half

Come the second half, Montana State wasn’t ready to roll over and accept their fate. Their star quarterback, Tommy Mellott—who won the coveted Walter Payton Award for best player at the FCS level—began to work his magic. He dashed for a brilliant 44-yard touchdown run, cutting the lead to 28-25 with just over 11 minutes left. The tension in the stadium was palpable!

But NDSU wasn’t about to let the title slip away that easily. They responded with a methodical drive, chewing up the clock and ending with a crucial touchdown from CharMar Brown to give them a cushion at 35-25.

Clutch Moments

Montana State wasn’t done; they clawed their way back down the field, and Mellott connected with Taco Dowler for a fourth-down touchdown pass, making it 35-32 with just over a minute left. The Bobcats attempted an onside kick, but NDSU snatched the ball, sealing the game just as NDSU’s punt started rolling almost leisurely down the field. What a finish!

Celebrations and Records

This game marked a bittersweet moment for Montana State. After a season filled with victories—including a win over an FBS team to open—this was their chance to secure their first national title since 1984. Unable to capitalize, they now sit with a 15-1 record this year, but they’ve shown potential and resilience that shouldn’t be forgotten.

NDSU, meanwhile, has marked their territory as the team to beat in FCS history, boasting a jaw-dropping 10-1 record in title games, with 2011 marking their first championship. Their dominance continues, and with coach Tim Polasek now at the helm, they remain a team to watch closely in the seasons to come.