North Dakota State University clinched its tenth Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) title with a narrow 35-32 victory over Montana State. The game, held on January 6, 2025, in Frisco, Texas, showcased standout performances, particularly from Cam Miller, North Dakota State’s seasoned quarterback.
Cam Miller’s impressive display was pivotal, accounting for four touchdowns—two rushing and two passing. His performance marked his 54th consecutive start as quarterback for North Dakota State, achieving victory in 45 of these games. Miller completed 19 of 22 passes, amassing 199 yards, while also running 18 times for an additional 121 yards. This victory adds a second national title to his achievements.
Montana State, led by Tommy Mellott, presented a formidable challenge. Mellott was recently honored with the Walter Payton Award, recognizing him as the top offensive player in FCS for the season. During the game, Mellott ran for 135 yards on 14 carries and passed for 195 yards, securing two touchdowns. Despite a valiant comeback attempt, Montana State trailed after Miller’s early touchdown opened the scoring for North Dakota State.
The game dynamics shifted early when Miller executed a 2-yard run for a touchdown, concluding a seven-minute drive. Soon thereafter, he added a remarkable 64-yard sprint, leveraging a well-read defensive setup to further distance the Bison on the scoreboard. Meanwhile, Bryce Lance, a key wide receiver for North Dakota State, caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from Miller just before halftime, contributing to a 21-3 lead.
Despite the efforts of Montana State’s head coach, Brent Vigen, himself a former NDSU player and assistant, the Bobcats could not overturn the deficit. Their performance was commendable, yet North Dakota State’s dominant plays secured their win. Montana State’s series against NDSU continues to be challenging, with recent encounters in FCS playoffs resulting in losses.
The victory further cements North Dakota State’s dominance in modern college football, underscored by their previous 16-0 season, the only one of its kind in recent history. Looking forward, North Dakota State will start their 2025 season against The Citadel, marking the beginning of a new era as Cam Miller graduates. Meanwhile, Montana State is set to face Oregon in their season opener, setting a path for potential redemption.
North Dakota State’s victory against Montana State not only reinforces their legacy in FCS football but also highlights the exceptional talents of individual players like Cam Miller and Bryce Lance. As the teams prepare for their upcoming seasons, the groundwork has been laid for both to pursue further successes and titles.
Source: News4jax
