Nashville, Tennessee — montana state Finally found a way to answer when it mattered most en route to the program’s first national championship since 1984.
A year earlier, Montana State missed winning its first title in 40 years when a slow start led to a shootout loss. North DakotaTwo years ago, the Bobcats’ season ended on a blocked extra point in overtime against the Bison in the quarterfinals in Bozeman,
They started this season by losing the first two matches oregon And a double-overtime loss at home south dakota state,
so when miles sansteadExtra points went up in extra time win 35-34 Above state of illinois In the Monday Night Football Championship Subdivision title game, the Bobcats celebrated with a massive contingent of Montana State fans, throwing helmets in the air.
“To be able to get over that hurdle and know that yes, this ’25 group accomplished something that hasn’t been done in a long time…” said coach Brent Wigen, who is already thinking ahead with a young, Montana-laden team that includes only nine seniors. “You know, we’re building for more.”
The Bobcats (14-2) concluded a season that included not one, but two wins over in-state rival Montana in a four-week span. spanking Montana The semifinals brought Montana State back to the title game for the second consecutive season, its third in five years under Vigen and fourth overall.
Montana State topped that feat with its 14th consecutive victory in the first title game in 48 years in a thrilling overtime finale. The Bobcats led 21–7 at halftime and 28–14 in the third. they needed jhase macmillanblock of Michael CosentinoA 38-yard field goal attempt tied it at 28 with 57 seconds left in regulation.
in overtime, Justin Lamson Tied it with a 14-yard touchdown pass Taco Dowler On fourth and 10. hunter parsons Then Cosentino’s extra point attempt was blocked. Tommy Rittenhouse Gave Illinois State its only lead of 34–28 at the start of overtime. Stansted’s kick sparked celebrations ending a long title drought.
Montana State also won the 1976 NCAA Division II title and the 1956 NAIA championship.
“What a tough race it is and I think these things are not going to come easy,” Wigen said.
Lamson, who didn’t join the Bobcats until June, said the OT touchdown was a great play call.
“Taco was wide open,” Lamson said. “I got hurt so I was just trying to give him a chance and the rest is history, and Miles did his job and that was the game.”
Illinois State (12-5) has already made history in this championship game as the first FCS team to win four straight road games to advance through the playoff. That includes a win over this postseason’s No. 1 seed and North Dakota State – winners of 10 of the last 14 FCS championships, including last year.
It was the Redbirds’ first time in this game since 2014 and they came away empty-handed.
“Just couldn’t get another game,” Illinois State coach Brock Spack said. “We needed to make one more play to win. When you look at a game where there’s a one-point loss, there’s probably 10, 15, maybe 20 plays in the game where if you make just one of those, you win. Wasn’t able to do that, and we fell behind.”
Lamson finished with 280 yards passing and two TDs. He also ran for two more scores. Dowler had eight catches for 111 yards.
Rittenhouse finished with 311 yards passing and four TDs. Victor Dawson ran for 126 yards, and dylan lord Had 13 catches for 161 yards receiving and two TDs.
