Montana State Edges Montana 31-28 to Claim Big Sky Title in Brawl of the Wild

The win sets up a likely No. 2 FCS seed for Montana State with official brackets due Sunday.

Overview

Caden Dowler’s 34-yard interception return in the third quarter flipped momentum and put the Bobcats ahead 24-21.
Quarterback Justin Lamson hit Dane Steel for a 27-yard score and later ran 23 yards for the decisive touchdown, finishing 18-of-20 for 175 yards with 80 rushing yards.
Montana running back Eli Gillman ripped a 52-yard touchdown late and totaled 132 rushing yards as the Grizzlies finished the regular season 11-1.
Special teams and penalties proved pivotal, including a blocked 44-yard Montana field-goal attempt by Zac Crews after two Griz touchdowns were wiped out on the same series.
In the highest-ranked meeting of the 124-game rivalry, Montana State outgained Montana 416-364, both programs now hold 19 Big Sky titles, and the FCS selection show is set for Sunday morning.