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NDSU Beats Montana State to Win 2025 FCS Championship Bracket; 10th Title in 14 Years

Andrew PetersJanuary 7, 2025

FRISCO, TX - JANUARY 06: North Dakota State Bison quarterback Cam Miller (7) runs with the ball during the FCS Championship game between North Dakota State and Montana State on January 6, 2025 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX. (Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

North Dakota State ended its season as champions in the first year of the Tim Polasek era.

The Bison defeated Montana 35-32 in the FCS championship Monday night, ending the Bobcats' undefeated season and giving North Dakota State its 10th title in the last 14 years.

NDSU Football @NDSUfootball

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝟏𝟎𝐧𝐚π₯ π‚π‘πšπ¦π©π’π¨π§π¬ <a href="https://t.co/h5TUlcgjtb">pic.twitter.com/h5TUlcgjtb</a>

Quarterback Cam Miller, who is in his fifth season with the program, ended his collegiate career with a bang. He threw for 200 yards and two touchdowns on 19-of-22 while picking up 121 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

His favorite target was Bryce Lance, younger brother of former North Dakota State star Trey Lance. He had nine receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown in the win.

NDSU Football @NDSUfootball

It's Miller Time! <a href="https://t.co/cpVMCu6VFM">pic.twitter.com/cpVMCu6VFM</a>

NDSU Football @NDSUfootball

We see you Bryce! <a href="https://t.co/3mB8C4Ar8f">pic.twitter.com/3mB8C4Ar8f</a>

Adam Rittenberg @ESPNRittenberg

Those who remember the first Thursday night of the season, when North Dakota State QB Cam Miller nearly led his team past Colorado, shouldn't be surprised by what he has done since. Absolute stud. Another huge night in FCS title game.

Marjoram Taylor Greene @MoD3ans

Most FBS programs would trade their QB/WR1 combo for North Dakota State's Cam Miller and Bryce Lance.

RedditCFB @RedditCFB

Immense year for Cams, Miller is putting on a clinic at the FCS Championship! <a href="https://t.co/WY2e4E6RyW">pic.twitter.com/WY2e4E6RyW</a>

It was all Bison through the first half as North Dakota State took a 21-3 lead into the third quarter, but Montana State came storming back to make it 21-18, setting up a dramatic fourth quarter.

The two teams traded early touchdowns at the Bison led 28-25 for most of the quarter. North Dakota State gained a 10-point cushion with a touchdown with just over two minutes to play.

NDSU Football @NDSUfootball

Marty!! <a href="https://t.co/JXDAXiroqF">pic.twitter.com/JXDAXiroqF</a>

NDSU Beats Montana State to Win 2025 FCS Championship Bracket; 10th Title in 14 Years
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But the Bobcats weren't out of the game after the late score. They answered with one of their own to cut the lead to three with a minute left to play. Montana State's comeback fell short, however, as North Dakota State recovered the onside kick and ran the clock down to just 10 seconds. Time ran out when the Bison punted the ball away.

JJ Watt @JJWatt

North Dakota State vs. Montana State. <br><br>National Championship. <br><br>If you need your football fix, this is it.<br>Phenomenal matchup.

Anand Nanduri @NanduriNFL

If you're not watching Montana State/North Dakota State in the FCS championship right now, wyd?!

Dr. Chad M. Minor @chad_minor1

Holy smokes! The North Dakota State vs Montana State National Championship game is must watch if you're a football fan. Unreal game!!

Charlie Baker @CharlieBakerMA

FYI - there is a rocking football game for the NCAA FCS Division I National Championship going on right now on ESPN between Montana State and North Dakota State. 28-25 NDS with about 11 minutes to play. Check it out! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCSChampionship?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCSChampionship</a>

Daniel Hopkins @dhopkins_9

Level of play in this North Dakota State/Montana State game is higher than a lot of FBS games.

The win marks 10 championships for the Bison over the 14 years, adding to what has been on of the most impressive dynasties in recent college football memory. There were questions of whether the standard of excellence could be carried on by Polasek after Matt Entz left for Fresno State, and he's quickly shown that he's capable of carrying the torch.

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