MSU Bobcats Win the FCS National Championship
 | Author:
Victor Sample
Vic Sample: MT43 News Treasurer |
MSU Bobcats Win the FCS National Championship
Victor Sample
I have been a huge college football fan since I was in high school. My working career saw me living in many different areas of the country and exposed me to all of the major athletic conferences: PacXX, Big10, Big12, SEC, ACC as well as the Big Sky Conference.
I have watched many thrilling games and many Conference/National title games. I have never watched a game more thrilling, more heart attack-inducing than the Bobcats' huge win over Illinois State for the FCS National Championship.
After 2 loses in the FCS Championship game (2021 and 2024), the MSU Bobcats close out an outstanding season with the National Championship title. On a night when every Montana college football fan forgot their in-state rivalry and became Bobcats fans, MSU brought the title back to Montana.
Illinois State, who has never won a National Championship, played an outstanding game against the favorite MSU Bobcats. The ISU Redbirds bested the Bobcats in every statistical category EXCEPT the final score! They had more yards gained, more first downs, longer time of possession, less penalties….. In the second half, Illinois State outplayed the Bobcats and out-scored them 21-7.
But, when two high-caliber teams play each other, like MSU and Illinois State, any weakness can make the difference – and it did!
The Illinois State place-kicking special team struggled all year long. When ISU had a chance to ice the game for a 3-point win at the end of the 4th quarter, the field goal unit allowed MSU to block the kick. In overtime, where every single point is crucial, Illinois State scored a TD quickly; then again, the kicking unit allowed ANOTHER blocked kick.
Those 2 blocked kicks were the difference between the Bobcats winning the National Championship and suffering another heartbreaking loss in the championship game.
Special shout-out to the Cats QB Justin Lamson, outstanding receiver Taco Dowler and receiver Dane Steele for some of the most exciting moments I have seen in a championship game. The Dane Steele touchdown at the end of the second half was the most exciting play I have watched in college football.
Many Townsend area fans gathered together at "watching parties". The Betsy was one of the local watch party places where people came together for the game. According to Doug Sitton, "Amazing gathering at the Betsy to witness one of the most incredible college football games in recent history as the Montana State Bobcats defeated the Illinois State Redbirds 35-34 in a thriller for the National Championship! Great and good fun was had by all! There was also a 50-50 drawing with proceeds going to the Broadwater County High School Athletic Department."
CONGRATULATIONS MONTANA STATE BOBCATS!
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PhotoCredit: Photo Credits: Bryanna Richards
Image 1 Caption: Game Night was hosted by Doug Sitton at The Betsy
Photo Credits: Bryanna Richards
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Image 2 Caption: Game Night was hosted by Doug Sitton at The Betsy
Photo Credits: Bryanna Richards
Image 3 Caption: Game Night was hosted by Doug Sitton at The Betsy
Photo Credits: Bryanna Richards
***Too fuzzy to print***STwm
