North Dakota State (NDSU) claimed its 10th FCS national championship with a thrilling 35-32 victory over Montana State on Monday night. The game ended the Bobcats’ undefeated season, as NDSU capitalized on a strong first-half performance and key second-half drives to secure the win. Montana State, led by Walter Payton Award-winning quarterback Tommy Mellott, attempted a valiant comeback, but the Bison held on to cement their place as an FCS dynasty.
The Bison led 21-3 at halftime, dominating possession with long, methodical drives, including a seven-minute opening drive and a 64-yard touchdown run by quarterback Cam Miller. Montana State responded with an impressive 17-play drive but was held to a field goal. NDSU then extended its lead just before halftime when Miller connected with Bryce Lance, marking Lance’s 17th touchdown catch of the season. Montana State struggled to capitalize on opportunities in the first half, including a failed fourth-down attempt near midfield late in the second quarter.
Montana State fought back in the second half, with Mellott shining as a dual-threat quarterback. His 44-yard touchdown run brought the Bobcats within three points at 28-25 midway through the fourth quarter. However, NDSU responded with a critical nine-play scoring drive capped by a CharMar Brown touchdown run, re-establishing a two-score lead. Despite Mellott’s late-game touchdown pass to Taco Dowler and a successful onside kick attempt, the Bobcats couldn’t overcome the deficit.
Cam Miller was the standout for NDSU, accounting for four total touchdowns (two passing, two rushing) and racking up 199 passing yards with just three incompletions, along with 121 rushing yards. Lance’s performance, including nine catches for 108 yards, bolstered the Bison offense. For Montana State, Mellott showcased his talent with 135 rushing yards and a late touchdown pass, but his efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Bison’s dominance.
The victory underscores NDSU’s unmatched legacy in FCS football, as the Bison improved to 10-1 in championship games. This win marks a triumphant debut season for head coach Tim Polasek, who follows a lineage of successful NDSU coaches. Montana State, despite a remarkable season highlighted by Mellott’s stellar play and three 1,000-yard rushers, fell short of its first title since 1984. The Bobcats’ loss highlights the challenge of toppling a powerhouse like North Dakota State, which continues to set the standard for success at the FCS level.