North Dakota State quarterback Cam Miller runs with the ball against Montana State during the first … [+] half of the FCS Championship NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Monday night, North Dakota State defeated Montana State 35-32 for their 10th national championship and their first since they defeated the Bobcats in the championship game three years ago. North Dakota State managed to fend off a strong second half comeback attempt by Montana State who came within three points of the Bison but never led. Montana State was in the midst of a perfect 15-0 season before Monday’s result.
A Tale Of Two Halves
The first half was all Bison as North Dakota State jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Both scores were rushing touchdowns by quarterback Cam Miller, including a 64-yard touchdown run straight down the center of the field.
The Bison dominated the rest of the first half and entered into halftime with a 21-3 lead over the Bobcats. However, Montana State came out of halftime and quickly scored two touchdowns in the third quarter complete with a two-point conversion to cut the lead to three going into the fourth quarter.
Exceptional quarterback play headlined the fourth quarter. Both Walter Payton Award winner Tommy Mellott and finalist Cam Miller displayed why they were deserving of the accolade. In the fourth quarter alone, Mellott ran for 1 touchdown and threw for another, while Miller threw for 1 touchdown. Jerry Rice Award winner, CharMar Brown, also rushed for a touchdown with 2:39 left in the fourth quarter which proved to be the final blow which led to the North Dakota State victory.
Offenses Shine
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott throws a pass against North Dakota State during the first … [+] half of the FCS Championship NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Both teams ranked in the top 10 scoring offenses in the country, and neither team disappointed in that respect. The over/under before the game was 58.5, and the over hit with a final total of 67 points. Montana State punted only twice during the entire game, and North Dakota State punted four times. The Bobcats went for it twice on fourth down converting once and were forced to settle for a field goal after a 17-play 11-minute drive in the second quarter.
North Dakota State outgained Montana State by 401 to 393 yards. Both teams demonstrated a balanced attack with 202 yards on the ground and 199 yards through the air for North Dakota State and 198 yards on the ground and 195 yards through the air for Montana State. Neither offense committed turnovers, but the Bison committed 9 penalties compared to Montana State’s 2.
Look Ahead
A North Dakota State supporter looks on during the first half of the FCS Championship NCAA college … [+] football game between Montana State and North Dakota State, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This game marked the end of an era, as the NCAA announced that the FCS Championship game will be held in Nashville next year after 15 years in Frisco. Frisco has seen North Dakota State repeat as champions 10 times during that span and has also showcased Cam Miller defeat Tommy Mellott twice in four years (once as freshmen starters and once as senior starters). Both Bison and Bobcats hope to continue to compete at the highest levels. Although, both teams will be replacing players at key starting positions. North Dakota State quarterback Cam Miller and Montana State offensive lineman Marcus Wehr will be playing in the 2025 Shrine Bowl. Tommy Mellott will also be departing the Bobcats after this season. Ultimately, this game not only marked the end of an era in Frisco but also a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable rivalry, with Cam Miller once again besting Tommy Mellott on the championship stage.
