FRISCO, TEXAS — January 6, 2025, marked another pivotal moment for the North Dakota State Bison, who captured their unprecedented tenth FCS national championship by defeating Montana State Bobcats 35-25. Held at Toyota Stadium, the contest drew fans from both sides, eager to see which powerhouse would reign supreme.
The Bison, led by quarterback Cam Miller, set the tone for the game, scoring on their opening drive with ease. Their first touchdown came from Miller, who completed a 75-yard series, culminating with a two-yard rushing touchdown, putting NDSU up 7-0. The Bison continued to display dominance, with Miller breaking loose for another long touchdown, extending their lead to 14-0 as the first quarter closed.
The Bobcats struggled to find their rhythm early, punting back to NDSU on their first possession. The Bison's momentum persisted, connecting on another decisive scoring drive, leading to a third touchdown before halftime, which put Montana State down 21-3.
Coming out of halftime, the tide began to turn. Tommy Mellott, the Bobcats' stellar quarterback, led his team on a scored drive, managing to cut the deficit with a touchdown run. The Bobcats' determination showcased their offensive prowess, narrowing the score to 21-10.
With Montana State's defense making key stops, Mellott seized momentum, connecting with his teammates for substantial gains, eventually leading to another touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion. The Bobcats were back within three points with the scoreboard reading 21-18 at the end of the third quarter.
The urgency was palpable as Montana now had the wind at their backs, but just as it seemed the Bobcats were on the brink of reclaiming control, the Bison regrouped. Another scoring drive culminated with a touchdown pass from Miller to tight end Joe Stoffel, extending NDSU's lead to 28-18.
Yet, the Bobcats were far from finished. Mellott showcased his dual-threat capability with impressive ground coverage, scoring on a subsequent run to bring the game back within three points at 28-25.
With time winding down and both teams trading possessions, NDSU dug deep, converting on key third downs and executing effectively under pressure. Brown's short rushing touchdown sealed the fate of the Bobcats, culminating the game with the final score of 35-25.
This victory marked NDSU's return to glory after two seasons of absence from the championship spotlight. Coach Tim Polasek and his team celebrated as Mellott shared his thoughts after the game, stating, "This is my last game, and I gave it everything I had," reflecting the heart and soul poured onto the field.
Experts agree this game was not only about the championship but showcased the relentless spirit and immense talent each player brought, ensuring the legacy of FCS football remains vibrant. NDSU cemented its place at the top, continuing its historical find and setting the stage for the next football season.