Bobcats Secure First National Title Since 1984 in Overtime Thriller vs Illinois State
Montana State’s football team achieved a historical milestone by winning their first FCS National Championship since 1984. The Bobcats triumphed over Illinois State in an exhilarating overtime match, finishing the contest at 35-34.
Key Players Shine in Overtime Victory
Justin Lamson played a pivotal role, earning the game’s Most Outstanding Player title. He completed 18 of 27 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for two more scores. Taco Dowler was another star player, catching eight passes for 111 yards, including the game-winning touchdown.
Game Overview and Statistics
The championship game, held at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, attracted an impressive crowd of 24,105. This marked the largest attendance for an FCS title game since 1996 and solidified the match as one of the most attended in FCS history.
- Total Offense for Montana State: 381 yards
- Average Yards per Completion: 15.6
- Time of Possession: 20 minutes, 19 seconds
- US State Quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse set a new single-season passing yards record
First Half Highlights
In the first half, Montana State led 21-7 by halftime. The Bobcats demonstrated strong offensive capabilities and capitalized on limited possessions, averaging 10.6 yards per play. Lamson’s performance was particularly remarkable, as he threw for 228 yards on 12 of 13 passing before the break.
Second Half Turnaround
The second half saw a shift in momentum as Illinois State gained significant yardage, totaling 269 yards while Montana State only managed 105. The Redbirds tied the score at 28-28 with just over five minutes remaining in regulation.
| Quarter | Montana State Score | Illinois State Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14 | 0 |
| 2 | 7 | 7 |
| 3 | 7 | 14 |
| 4 | 7 | 7 |
| OT | 7 | 6 |
Clutch Plays in Overtime
In overtime, Illinois State scored first, but a blocked extra point kept the score at 34-28. Montana State needed a touchdown to extend the game, and Lamson delivered with a critical pass to Dowler, tying the game. Myles Sansted’s successful extra point sealed the victory for the Bobcats.
Conclusion
This victory not only marks the conclusion of a remarkable season for Montana State, finishing with a 14-2 record and an unblemished 8-0 record in Big Sky play, but it also reignites the pride of their supporters. The Bobcats’ championship journey will undoubtedly be remembered in the history of college football.
