Montana State Ends 41-Year Drought With 35-34 OT Win for FCS Crown

Program leaders frame the victory as the product of a strong culture with plans to build sustained success for the Big Sky.

Overview

The title game marked the first FCS championship decided in overtime and the first played at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville.
Quarterback Justin Lamson hit Taco Dowler for a fourth-down touchdown in overtime, followed by a made extra point and a blocked Illinois State PAT to clinch the one-point win.
Head coach Brent Vigen credited alumni, fans and former players for sustaining the program, calling the dramatic finish the way the story was meant to unfold.
Athletic director Leon Costello emphasized the symbolism of the 41-year wait and said the goal now is to stack more championships for the Bobcats and the Big Sky Conference.
Redshirt freshman Dane Steel described a hurdling touchdown before halftime as a defining play in a game filled with momentum-swinging moments.