Dream Journey Wraps Up in Frisco Finale

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Football
1/6/2025 8:30:00 PM

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

FRISCO, Texas – A strong comeback attempt in the second half fell short for the Montana State football team on Monday evening as the Bobcats encountered their first defeat of the season in the FCS national championship clash, losing 35-32 to North Dakota State. 

North Dakota State seized control on the initial possession of the game, marching 75 yards for a touchdown. Miller completed both of his passes for 36 yards and carried the ball five times for 16 yards, scoring on a two-yard rush. This marked the first touchdown MSU allowed on a game-opening possession this season. After forcing a punt by the Bobcats, the Bison advanced 92 yards on the subsequent drive to establish a 14-0 advantage. Miller’s 64-yard touchdown run gave NDSU a 14-0 lead. 

Montana State’s ensuing drive, which spanned from the first quarter into the second, turned out to be its most productive of the first half. The Bobcats executed 17 plays to advance to the Bison 13, but the drive stalled there, resulting in Myles Sansted kicking a 32-yard field goal. The MSU defense responded with a three-and-out, but the offense was halted on a fourth down just past midfield, setting up NDSU’s late first-half touchdown. Miller connected with Lance four times, culminating in a one-yard touchdown with 12 seconds left in the half. NDSU led 21-3 at the break. 

Miller concluded the first half with 10 completions out of 11 attempts for 92 yards, along with 108 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Bison out-gained MSU 226 yards to 108, averaging 7.5 yards per play. 

Trailing by three touchdowns at the halftime, Montana State surged back with 15 points in the initial 11 minutes of the third quarter. 

Initially, Tommy Mellott guided the Cats down the field on the opening possession of the second half, completing a significant pass to Ryan King at the one-yard line, setting up a short Scottre Humphrey rushing touchdown. 

Following a quick three-and-out forced by the Bobcat defense, Mellott once again orchestrated a scoring drive that culminated with a five-yard touchdown pass to Rohan Jones. The two-point conversion on a Ryan Lonergan reception brought the score to 21-18 in favor of the Bison with 4:03 remaining in the third quarter. 

North Dakota State restored a ten-point lead with an eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. 

Montana State countered with a signature run from Mellott, a 44-yard dash down the right sideline that crossed into the end zone, narrowing the gap to 28-25 with 11:25 remaining in the contest. 

North Dakota State delivered a decisive blow with a nine-play, 66-yard touchdown drive that consumed over five minutes off the clock. 

A late 19-yard touchdown reception from Mellott to Taco Dowler with 1:09 remaining provided the Cats with an opportunity to try an onside kick, but the Bison secured the ball to claim the championship. 

Mellott ended the game with 13 completions out of 24 attempts for 195 yards and two touchdown passes, also adding 135 yards and a touchdown on the ground. 

North Dakota State secures its 10th FCS Championship and its 18th overall, concluding the season with a record of 14-2. Montana State wraps up the season at 15-1.