Overview
- The in-state rivals met in their first playoff matchup, with Montana State pulling away after an 87-yard Justin Lamson–to–Taco Dowler strike early in the fourth quarter.
- The Bobcats will face Illinois State in Nashville on Jan. 5 for their fourth championship appearance and third under coach Brent Vigen.
- Lamson totaled two passing and two rushing touchdowns, Taco Dowler logged 125 receiving yards, and Adam Jones rushed for 131 yards with two scores.
- Montana briefly led 23-20 before Montana State closed with 28 unanswered points, capped by Bryce Grebe’s interception return for a touchdown.
- MSU safety Caden Dowler exited early with an apparent arm injury and his status for the title game is uncertain, while Montana lost key players to injuries and saw Micah Harper ejected for targeting.