Montana State Wins FCS Title in OT Thriller

Montana State overcame a late collapse to claim a 35–34 overtime victory over Illinois State on Monday night, capturing the FCS national championship in Nashville, Tenn.

The Bobcats (14–2) built a 14–0 lead late in the first half and were ahead 28–14 with just over 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Illinois State (12–5) answered with 14 unanswered points, then appeared poised to win in regulation before Jhase McMillan blocked a potential go-ahead field goal with 1:04 left, sending the game to overtime.

Illinois State opened the extra period with a touchdown, but its extra-point attempt was blocked. Montana State responded when Justin Lamson connected with Taco Dowler on a 14-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-10. The successful extra point secured the Bobcats’ second FCS title and their first since 1984.

Lamson completed 18 of 27 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 30 yards and two scores. Dowler caught eight passes for 111 yards for the second-seeded Bobcats.

For Illinois State, Tommy Rittenhouse threw for 311 yards and four touchdowns, completing 33 of 46 passes. The Redbirds became the first unseeded team in FCS playoff history to win four straight road games to reach the championship.

Victor Dawson rushed for 162 yards on 29 carries and added five receptions, while Dylan Lord finished with 13 catches for 161 yards and two touchdowns in the loss.