North Dakota State University (NDSU) extended its reign over the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) by securing its 10th title in 14 seasons with a nail-biting 35-32 victory over the undefeated Montana State Bobcats. The championship game, held on January 6, 2025, at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, demonstrated the Bison’s dominance and resilience as they overcame a spirited comeback from Montana State.
The game opened with North Dakota State establishing an early 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Junior quarterback Cam Miller, who was later named the game’s Most Valuable Player, orchestrated efficient drives that capitalized on Montana State’s defensive lapses. By halftime, the Bison had extended their lead to 21-3, appearing firmly in control.
However, Montana State, led by standout quarterback Tommy Mellott, was far from finished. The Bobcats rallied in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to 21-18. Mellott, known for his dual-threat abilities, showcased his talent by throwing a touchdown pass and rushing for another score. With momentum on their side, the Bobcats seemed poised for an upset.
North Dakota State, however, responded with the poise of a championship team. The Bison’s balanced offensive attack, coupled with timely defensive stops, allowed them to extend their lead to 35-25 in the fourth quarter. Montana State managed a late touchdown to bring the score to 35-32, but the Bison defense held firm in the final minutes to secure the victory.
In an interview with ESPN, first-year NDSU coach Tim Polasek, who was part of the Bison’s coaching staff during their first two Frisco titles in 2011 and 2012, praised his quarterback. “Cam Miller was the best quarterback on the football field today. There was no doubt about it,” Polasek said. “Tommy (Mellot)’s a good football player, there’s no question about that either. But all year long, these guys have answered the bell with complimentary football.”
Montana State coach Brent Vigen, a former NDSU player and assistant coach, reflected on the game, telling the Washington Post, “The way the game played out, they played better than us and, you know, ultimately put ourselves in a big hole. Obviously, this is a low point … having 15 victories and you can’t finish it off.”
This win further cements North Dakota State’s legacy as one of the most dominant programs in college football history. Since their first title in 2011, the Bison have consistently set a standard of excellence in the FCS, with their 10 championships in 14 seasons being a testament to their program’s strength in recruiting, player development, and coaching.
Montana State’s journey to the championship, however, was nothing short of remarkable. Finishing the regular season with a perfect 12-0 record, the Bobcats entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed, showcasing a potent offense and strong defense throughout. Their appearance in the title game highlights the program’s growth under head coach Brent Vigen, signaling a promising future for the Bobcats.
As the 2024-2025 FCS season concludes, attention turns to the upcoming season, where new contenders will seek to dethrone the Bison. With the Ivy League set to join the FCS playoffs next season, the landscape of college football is poised for even more excitement and competition.
