BOZEMAN — The Montana State Bobcats are on the verge of a historic season, having secured a chance to clinch their first national championship in four decades. On Saturday, they triumphed over the South Dakota Coyotes with a score of 31-17 during the FCS semifinals at Bobcat Stadium, thereby earning a spot in the title game scheduled for January 6 in Frisco, Texas.
Under the guidance of head coach Brent Vigen, the top-seeded Bobcats, now boasting a perfect 15-0 record, will face the formidable No. 2 seed North Dakota State (13-2) in the championship. This marks their second trip to the title game in just four seasons, highlighting the impressive progress of the program.
The semifinal match featured an early exchange of touchdowns, starting with Bobcats quarterback Tommy Mellott’s stunning 34-yard TD pass to Taco Dowler, giving MSU a 7-0 lead. The Coyotes quickly retaliated with a 55-yard touchdown run from Travis Theis, showcasing the competitive spirit of the game.
Fueled by Mellott’s exceptional skills, the Bobcats regained the lead with a series of key plays. After another touchdown by Mellott, who ran for a 5-yard score, and a rushed touchdown by Scottre Humphrey, MSU found themselves ahead again. A crucial sack delivered by Kenneth Eiden IV on South Dakota’s quarterback helped maintain their momentum, allowing kicker Myles Sansted to extend the lead with a field goal just before halftime.
A pivotal moment transpired in the third quarter when Mellott showcased his agility by recovering a botched snap and scrambling for a spectacular 41-yard touchdown run, driving the Bobcats to a 31-14 lead. Although South Dakota managed to add a field goal later, Montana State’s defense proved too formidable in the closing minutes, rebuffing multiple touchdown attempts.
This remarkable victory speaks volumes about the Bobcats’ ascent under coach Vigen, as they have now achieved the most wins in a season by any Big Sky Conference team since Montana’s title run in 2001. Vigen’s overall record at MSU stands at an impressive 47-9, establishing him as a transformative figure in the program’s history.
Looking ahead, the Bobcats are eager to put a cherry on top of their flawless season as they prepare to challenge the well-accomplished North Dakota State, a team that has competed fiercely for national titles over the years.
This upcoming championship matchup not only carries the dream of a national title for the Bobcats but also symbolizes their hard work and resilience throughout the season. Fans are looking forward to what promises to be an exciting showdown, marking a thrilling chapter in Montana State’s football history.