Montana State falls 35-32 to North Dakota State in FCS national championship game.

Jan. 7, 2025, 5:30 a.m. Sports

Montana State Falls 35-32 to North Dakota State in FCS National Championship Game

In a thrilling and closely contested FCS National Championship game, the Montana State Bobcats fell just short of capturing their first national title since 1984, as they were edged out 35-32 by the North Dakota State Bison. The game, which took place at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, on a chilly January evening, lived up to the hype as two powerhouse programs clashed in a battle for supremacy.

Both teams came into the game with high expectations and a roster full of talented players. Montana State had made an impressive run to the championship game, including a thrilling overtime victory over Eastern Washington in the semifinals. Led by head coach Brent Vigen, the Bobcats boasted a high-powered offense and a stingy defense that had carried them to an 11-2 record entering the championship game.

On the other side of the field, North Dakota State entered the game as the defending national champions, having won eight out of the previous nine FCS titles. Coached by Matt Entz, the Bison were once again a formidable opponent, with a roster stacked with NFL-caliber talent on both sides of the ball. They had dominated their opponents throughout the season and were looking to add another championship to their storied history.

The game got off to a fast start, with both teams trading blows in the first quarter. Montana State struck first with a touchdown pass from quarterback Tommy Mellott to wide receiver Lance McCutcheon, giving the Bobcats an early 7-0 lead. However, North Dakota State responded quickly, tying the game with a touchdown of their own on a run by star running back Rallah Ali. The Bison then took the lead on their next possession with a field goal, but Montana State answered back with a touchdown pass from Mellott to tight end Ryan Davis, making it 14-10 in favor of the Bobcats at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw both teams continue to trade scores, with North Dakota State retaking the lead on a touchdown pass from quarterback Quincy Patterson II to wide receiver Christian Watson. Montana State responded with a touchdown run by running back Isaiah Ifanse, but the Bison once again answered with a touchdown of their own, taking a 24-21 lead into halftime.

The second half saw the game remain tight, with neither team able to pull away. Montana State tied the game early in the third quarter with a field goal, but North Dakota State responded with another touchdown run by Ali, giving them a 31-24 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

The Bobcats continued to fight, tying the game once again with a touchdown pass from Mellott to McCutcheon early in the fourth quarter. However, North Dakota State reclaimed the lead with a touchdown run by Patterson, making it 35-31 with just over five minutes remaining in the game.

Montana State had one final chance to tie or take the lead, driving down the field in the closing minutes. The Bobcats were able to get into field goal range, and kicker Blake Glessner nailed a 45-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 35-32 with just under two minutes remaining.

However, on the ensuing kickoff, North Dakota State was able to run out the clock, securing the victory and their ninth FCS national championship in the last ten years. Despite the heartbreak of coming up just short, Montana State showed tremendous fight and resilience throughout the game, earning the respect of fans and opponents alike.

In the postgame press conference, Coach Vigen praised his team for their efforts and expressed optimism for the future of the program. "I couldn't be prouder of this group of young men and what they've accomplished this season," Vigen said. "While it's tough to come up short in the championship game, I know that this experience will only make us stronger moving forward."

As the final seconds ticked off the clock, the North Dakota State Bison celebrated their latest championship triumph, adding another chapter to their dynastic run in the FCS. Meanwhile, the Montana State Bobcats were left to ponder what could have been, but with their heads held high after a memorable and hard-fought championship game.