The Montana State Bobcats (13-2) took on the Illinois State Redbirds (12-5) on Monday night in the FCS Championship game from FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Montana State had a 21-7 lead at halftime. By the end of the third quarter, they led 28-14. Illinois State came back to score 14 points to tie the game 28-28, and send the game to overtime.
In overtime, Illinois State quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Dylan Lord. However, the extra point was blocked, and the Redbirds led 34-28. On fourth down, Montana State quarterback Justin Lamson threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Taco Dowler.
Myles Sansted made the extra point, and the Bobcats beat the Redbirds 35-34 to win their first championship since 1984. Montana State were runner-ups in 2021 and 2024, both against North Dakota State.
Montana State’s offense had 381 yards (280 yards passing, 101 yards rushing), 20 first downs, and the team was penalized 14 times for 93 yards. Quarterback Justin Lamson completed 18 of 27 passes (66%) for 280 yards, two touchdowns, 12 carries for 30 yards, and two rushing touchdowns.
Running back Adam Jones had five carries for 46 yards, while Taco Dowler had one carry for 22 yards, one rushing touchdown, eight catches for 111 yards, and one touchdown. Wide receiver Dane Steel made two catches for 41 yards and one touchdown.
Kicker Myles Sansted made five extra points. The defense made 105 tackles, one tackle for loss, four interceptions, two pass breakups, and one blocked kick.
Illinois State’s offense had 471 yards (311 yards passing, 160 yards rushing), 33 first downs, and the team was penalized five times for 55 yards. Quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse completed 33 of 46 passes (71.7%) for 311 yards, four touchdowns, and six carries for 20 yards.
Running back Victor Dawson had 29 carries for 126 yards and five catches for 33 yards. Wide receiver Dylan Lord made 13 catches for 161 yards, two touchdowns, while Daniel Sobkowicz made five catches for 52 yards and one touchdown, and Scotty Presson Jr. made two catches for 16 yards and one touchdown.
Kicker Michael Cosentino missed one extra point and made 4 of 5 extra points. The defense made 61 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, seven pass breakups, and one touchdown.
