North Dakota State Wins 10th FCS Championship Title

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North Dakota State Wins 10th FCS Championship Title/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ North Dakota State secured its record 10th FCS title with a thrilling 35-32 victory over Montana State, powered by Cam Miller’s four touchdowns. Miller, in his 54th consecutive start, accounted for 320 total yards, leading the Bison to their second championship in three years. Despite a late-game rally by Montana State, the Bison held strong to cap another dominant season.

North Dakota State wide receiver Braylon Henderson kisses the trophy following the FCS Championship NCAA college football game against Montana State, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. North Dakota State won 35-32. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

North Dakota State’s Championship Triumph: Quick Looks

Victory Highlights: Cam Miller led the Bison with two passing and two rushing touchdowns.
Key Player: Miller completed 19 of 22 passes for 199 yards and rushed for 121 yards.
Record-Breaking: This marks North Dakota State’s 10th FCS title, the most in history.
Opponent Performance: Montana State’s Tommy Mellott had 330 total yards and three touchdowns in a valiant effort.
Coach’s Praise: First-year NDSU coach Tim Polasek called Miller the “best quarterback on the field.”
Next Season: Both teams face challenging openers in the 2025 season, with NDSU taking on The Citadel.

North Dakota State Wins 10th FCS Championship Title

Deep Look

North Dakota State (14-2) reaffirmed its dominance in college football’s FCS division with a hard-fought 35-32 win over previously undefeated Montana State (15-1) in the national championship game on Monday night in Frisco, Texas. Led by quarterback Cam Miller, who delivered an outstanding performance, the Bison captured their record-setting 10th title.

Miller, making his 54th consecutive start, accounted for all four of North Dakota State’s touchdowns—two through the air and two on the ground. His 199 passing yards and 121 rushing yards cemented his status as a key figure in the Bison’s dynasty. First-year head coach Tim Polasek, who had been part of NDSU’s first two title-winning teams as an assistant, praised Miller’s exceptional play, saying, “Cam Miller was the best quarterback on the field today.”

Early Momentum Sets the Tone

The Bison seized control early, with Miller scoring a 2-yard rushing touchdown to cap a seven-minute opening drive. Shortly after, he broke free for a stunning 64-yard touchdown run on a designed draw play, extending the lead to 14-0. “It didn’t feel real,” Miller said. “There was nobody there.”

As the first half closed, Miller connected with Bryce Lance on a 1-yard touchdown pass, giving NDSU a commanding 21-3 lead at halftime. Lance, younger brother of NFL quarterback Trey Lance, was instrumental throughout the game, hauling in nine catches for 107 yards.

Montana State’s Resilience

Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott, this season’s Walter Payton Award winner, showcased his dual-threat capabilities. Mellott rushed for 135 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, and threw for 195 yards with two passing touchdowns. His late-game 19-yard strike to Taco Dowler narrowed the gap to 35-32, but the Bobcats’ onside kick attempt failed, sealing the win for North Dakota State.

Despite the loss, Mellott praised his team’s perseverance. “It’s very easy, down 21-3, to quit … but we fought for each other and came up just short,” he said.

A Dynasty Secured

The victory solidifies North Dakota State’s position as the most dominant team in modern FCS history. The Bison have now made 11 appearances in the championship game over the past 14 seasons, losing only once during that span. Their last title game loss came two years ago against South Dakota State.

Montana State, meanwhile, continues its decades-long quest for a national title, having last won in 1984. The Bobcats have now lost six straight matchups against the Bison, all in FCS playoff action.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 season marks a turning point for North Dakota State, as Cam Miller’s era as starting quarterback comes to an end. The Bison will begin their next chapter on Aug. 30 at The Citadel. Montana State faces a challenging opener on the same day against Oregon, a Big Ten powerhouse, in a game that promises to test the Bobcats’ resolve.

As North Dakota State celebrates yet another championship, its enduring dominance cements its legacy in the annals of college football history.