The Bobcats are heading back to the big game.
For the third time in five seasons Montana State is heading back to the FCS national championship game. This time, though, the semifinal win felt just a little bit sweeter for the Bobcats and their following. Not only did MSU gather its most lopsided win in its semifinal history, it did so in an unprecedented game against arch rival Montana. The 48-23 result punched Montana State’s ticket to Nashville but also left zero doubt about who the dominant team in the Treasure State is right now.
Homefield advantage played a huge role in the contest and it was clear from the get go that the crowd helped feed the Bobcats’ success. After forcing an opening three and out, MSU got a quick seven points from its offense. Signal caller Justin Lamson called his own number and ran it from four yards out. It didn’t take long for the ‘Cats to expand that lead. Another forced punt from the defense and another efficient drive from the offense put Montana State up 13-0 much to the delight of the 25,000 plus in attendance. A botched snap on the extra point was the only blemish up to that point.
Early in the second quarter, the Grizzlies fell behind 20-3 after MSU running back Adam Jones broke free down the right sideline and sprinted in for a 54-yard score. With the crowd reaching peak decibels and the home team up by three scores, it looked like the rout way on. Right about then, though, the Griz slowly and methodically began to fight back. Star running back Eli Gillman capped a 75-yard drive with a ten-yard scoring run.
Shortly after, Montana’s defense made a big play when linebacker Payton Wing recovered a fumble. Keali’i Ah Yat and company took advantage as it was Ah Yat himself that ran in for a short score to end the half. UM had cut the deficit to 20-16 heading into the break and had stolen momentum back.
That momentum only grew for the Grizzlies in the third quarter when they forced a punt on Montana State’s opening possession. Aided by big chunk plays, Ah Yat marched his offense down the field again and found tight end Jake Olson for a one-yard TD that gave the Griz their first lead of the day.
Now with their backs against the wall, Lamson and the Montana State offense were facing their most precarious spot of the afternoon and they picked a good time to string together their longest series of the day. Lamson completed four passes on the 14-play drive, the final being a quick flip to tight end Rocky Lencioni who scampered in for the go-ahead score. It would make it 27-23 with 2:07 left in the third quarter and, as it turned out, it would be the lead that the Bobcats would not relinquish.
The ‘Cats defense rose up again in the fourth, forcing an early punt. But the play of the night… and maybe the season for Montana State… would come on their next offensive possession. Facing a third and 20 from deep in his own territory and clinging on to a slim lead on the scoreboard, Lamson stepped back and uncorked a pass down the middle of the field to receiver Taco Dowler. Dowler hauled it in and did the rest with his feet, cutting his way up field for an electrifying 87-yard touchdown. The stadium was a madhouse once more as Montana State went up 11.
The avalanche had begun for Montana and it would not be stopped. On the next series, Lamson would notch his fourth score of the night, running in from seven yards out. The stamp came four plays later when linebacker Bryce Grebe stepped in front of an Ah Yat pass and housed it 40 yards in the other direction. The crowd nearly burst as the Bobcats went into an all out frenzy.
Lamson led the way, throwing for 209 yards and running for 43 more. Jones finished his night with another big performance against the Grizzlies, rushing for a team-high 131 yards and two TDs. Dowler caught five passes for 125 yards and a score as well. It was a clinic in offense by the Bobcats who have now beaten Montana twice in the span of 28 days.
For the Griz, the seasons ends with a 13-2 overall record. Their only two losses both come at the hands of Montana State. Ah Yat threw for 251 yards and a touchdown while Gillman posted another 100-yard day, going for 1o6 and end zone trip. It was all for naught, though.
Montana State is now bound for Nashville, still seeking its first national title since 1984 despite playing in two of the last four national championships. Head coach Brent Vigen picks up his fourth win over Montana and 60th victory overall since joining the team in 2021. Vigen is seeking his first ring as a head coach after winning three with North Dakota State as an assistant from 2011 to 2013. At the time of this article’s publication, MSU does not know its opponent but will play the winner of Villanova and Illinois State in FirstBank Stadium in January 5th.
Category: General Sports
