Overview
- Montana State edged Illinois State 35-34 in overtime in Nashville to win the FCS championship.
- Taco Dowler caught eight passes for 111 yards and a 14-yard touchdown in overtime that tied the game before the go-ahead extra point.
- Dowler also scored on a 22-yard jet sweep as the Bobcats completed a season that rebounded from an 0-2 start, major roster losses, and significant staff changes with 14 straight wins.
- Hours after the victory, Dowler posted “@tacobell NIL?” on X, signaling interest in a brand partnership tied to his public nickname.
- Dowler’s given name is McLean, and his nickname traces to playful family stories; his twin brother Caden, a team captain, played through injuries during the title run.