On Monday night, North Dakota State triumphed over Montana State 35-32, securing their 10th national championship and their first since defeating the Bobcats in the title game three years ago. Despite a fierce second-half rally by Montana State, who came within three points of the Bison, they never managed to take the lead. Prior to the loss, the Bobcats were perfect with a 15-0 season record.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half belonged entirely to North Dakota State. The Bison raced out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, with quarterback Cam Miller scoring both touchdowns on rushes, including a stunning 64-yard run up the middle. North Dakota State continued to dominate, taking a 21-3 advantage into halftime. However, Montana State came out strong after the break, scoring two touchdowns in the third quarter, including a successful two-point conversion, trimming the Bison's lead to just three points heading into the final period.
Quarterback play was exceptional in the fourth quarter, with both Tommy Mellott, the Walter Payton Award winner, and Cam Miller, a finalist for the award, showcasing their skills. Mellott contributed a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown, while Miller threw for a touchdown of his own. The game's defining moment came with 2:39 left in the fourth, when Jerry Rice Award winner CharMar Brown rushed for a touchdown, sealing the victory for North Dakota State.
Offensive Fireworks
Both teams ranked in the top 10 for scoring offenses, and they delivered on that promise. The game saw a total of 67 points, surpassing the pre-game over/under of 58.5. Montana State punted only twice, while North Dakota State punted four times. The Bobcats converted on one of their two fourth-down attempts but had to settle for a field goal after a lengthy 17-play, 11-minute drive in the second quarter.
North Dakota State outgained Montana State 401 to 393 yards. Both teams demonstrated a balanced offensive attack: the Bison racked up 202 yards rushing and 199 yards passing, while Montana State had 198 yards on the ground and 195 through the air. Neither offense turned the ball over, but North Dakota State committed 9 penalties, compared to just 2 for Montana State.
Looking Ahead
This game marked the end of an era, as the NCAA announced that the FCS Championship will move to Nashville next year after 15 years in Frisco. Over that time, North Dakota State claimed 10 championships in Frisco, with Cam Miller twice defeating Tommy Mellott in title games—once as freshmen starters and again as seniors. Both teams will look to continue competing at the highest level next season, although they will have to replace key players. Cam Miller of North Dakota State and Montana State offensive lineman Marcus Wehr will be playing in the 2025 Shrine Bowl, while Tommy Mellott will be departing the Bobcats. This game not only marked the conclusion of an unforgettable rivalry but also a fitting end to an era in Frisco, with Cam Miller once again outshining Tommy Mellott on the championship stage.
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