Montana State vs Illinois State Recap Bobcats Secure First Title Since 1984

The Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) witnessed its first-ever overtime national championship game on Monday night at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville. In a game filled with momentum shifts and heart stopping plays, the Montana State Bobcats defeated the Illinois State Redbirds 35-34. This victory marks a monumental achievement for the program, securing their first national title since 1984 and ending a decades long drought for the fans in Bozeman.

The Dominant First Half for the Bobcats

Montana State started the game with immense confidence, looking like the superior team from the opening kickoff. Quarterback Justin Lamson was the star of the first half, scoring two rushing touchdowns to give the Bobcats an early 14-0 lead. The offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, allowing the Bobcats to dictate the tempo. Just before halftime, Lamson found Dane Steel for a 33 yard touchdown pass, sending Montana State into the locker room with a comfortable 21-7 lead and all the momentum in their favor.

Illinois State’s Resilient Comeback

The second half told a different story as the unseeded Illinois State Redbirds staged a remarkable comeback. Led by senior quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse, the Redbirds erased a 14 point deficit in the fourth quarter. Rittenhouse connected with Dylan Lord for multiple scores, including a crucial touchdown that tied the game at 28-28 with just over five minutes remaining in regulation. The Redbird defense also stepped up, forcing three consecutive three and outs to stifle the Montana State offense.

The Drama of Blocked Kicks

Special teams played a decisive role in the outcome of this championship. In the final minute of regulation, Illinois State had a chance to win the game with a 38 yard field goal. However, Montana State’s Jhase McMillan leaped to block the attempt, preserving the tie and sending the game into the first overtime in the 48 year history of the FCS title game. This block shifted the energy back to the Bobcats just when it seemed like the game was slipping away.

Overtime Heroics and the Final Blow

In the overtime period, Illinois State struck first with a 10 yard touchdown pass from Rittenhouse to Dylan Lord. However, in a heartbreaking turn of events for the Redbirds, the extra point attempt was blocked by Hunter Parsons. This left the door open for Montana State to win the game. Facing a do or die 4th and 10 from the 14 yard line, Justin Lamson lofted a perfect pass to Taco Dowler in the corner of the end zone. The touchdown tied the game, and kicker Myles Sansted calmly drilled the extra point to seal the 35-34 victory.

Key Player Performances

Justin Lamson was rightfully named the game’s Most Outstanding Player, finishing with 280 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and two rushing scores. Taco Dowler was his most reliable target, hauling in eight catches for 111 yards and the game winning touchdown. For the Redbirds, Tommy Rittenhouse ended his career with a valiant 311 yard, four touchdown performance, while Dylan Lord emerged as a star with 161 receiving yards.

Significance of the Victory for Brent Vigen

For head coach Brent Vigen, this championship is the culmination of years of hard work and close calls. After reaching the title game in previous seasons only to fall short, Vigen has finally reached the mountaintop. This win solidifies Montana State as a perennial powerhouse in the FCS and justifies the high expectations set for the program. The victory also included the rare feat of beating in state rival Montana twice in the same season, including the semifinal matchup that sent them to Nashville.

The 2025-26 FCS National Championship will be remembered as an instant classic. It had everything from technical grit and strategic brilliance to raw emotional drama. Montana State has reclaimed its spot at the top of the FCS world, and the celebration in Bozeman is likely to last for a long time. For Illinois State, the loss is painful, but their historic run as the first team to win four road playoff games to reach the final will be a source of pride for years to come.