Bison Triumph: Clutch Victory Secures 10th FCS National Championship Against Montana State!

Match Summary: Football | 1/6/2025 10:55:00 PM

FRISCO, Texas – Cam Miller amassed 320 yards and four touchdowns, guiding the No. 2 seed North Dakota State to a 35-32 triumph against top-seeded Montana State in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Match on Monday, Jan. 6, before an audience of 18,005 at Toyota Stadium.
 
Miller was awarded the game’s Most Exceptional Player after rushing 18 times for 121 yards and two touchdowns, as well as completing 19 of 22 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns.
 
This marked the 18th collegiate national championship in the school’s history, representing the program’s 10th FCS national title within 14 years. NDSU concluded the season with an overall record of 14-2, while Montana State finished with 15-1.
 
Bryce Lance secured nine receptions for 107 yards, including a crucial 1-yard touchdown grab with just 12 seconds remaining in the first half after the Bison defense halted a fourth down near midfield. The 10-play, 56-yard scoring drive placed NDSU ahead 21-3 at halftime.
 
Montana State kicked off the second half with consecutive touchdowns, including a successful two-point conversion, narrowing the gap to 21-18.
 
NDSU countered with a 1-yard touchdown throw from Miller to tight end Joe Stoffel on the second play of the fourth quarter, boosting the lead to 28-18. However, MSU quarterback Tommy Mellott broke free along the sideline for a 44-yard touchdown run, bringing the Bobcats closer at 28-25.
 
Following a sequence of three-and-outs from both teams, NDSU embarked on a nine-play, 66-yard scoring drive culminating in CharMar Brown’s 3-yard touchdown run, establishing a 10-point lead with 2:35 remaining. A significant third down catch by RaJa Nelson kept the drive alive.
 
Mellott connected with Taco Dowler on a 19-yard touchdown pass with just 1:09 left in the game, but Lance quickly recovered the following onside kick, allowing the Bison to run out the clock after Kaedin Steindorf’s 45-yard punt, thus securing the win.
 
NDSU slightly outgained their opponents in total yards, achieving 401 compared to 393, and converted 8 of 12 third downs, while the Bobcats converted 8 of 13. MSU maintained the advantage in time of possession with 31:01.
 
Linebacker Nick Kubitz led the team with nine tackles, including 1.0 tackle for loss and one pass break up for NDSU. Safety Jaylin Crumby and linebacker Enock Sibomana each added six tackles.