Montana State fans finally have their answer. After a 41-year wait that felt more like a century for the Bozeman faithful, the mt bobcat football score that matters most is etched into history: 35-34.
That’s the number. It represents a 2025-2026 season that defied the odds, ending in a frozen, heart-stopping overtime victory in Nashville against Illinois State. If you were looking for a blowout, you came to the wrong place. This was a slugfest.
The Game That Changed Everything
Honestly, the first half didn't look like it would be a nail-biter. Montana State came out swinging. Quarterback Justin Lamson looked like a man possessed, punching in two rushing touchdowns early to put the Cats up 14-0. The energy was electric. Even through the screen, you could feel the momentum shifting toward Bozeman.
But then things got weird.
Illinois State didn't just lie down. They clawed back. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the Bobcats were reeling. They had been flagged 14 times—14! That’s 93 yards of self-inflicted wounds that nearly cost them the crown. You can't win titles like that, or at least, you usually shouldn't.
A Defensive Stand for the Ages
With 57 seconds left in regulation, the score was knotted at 28. Illinois State’s Michael Cosentino stepped up for a 38-yard field goal. This was it. The dream was about to die in Tennessee.
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Then Jhase McMillan happened.
He got a hand on the ball. The block sent the game into the first overtime in the 48-year history of the FCS championship game. I’ve watched a lot of Big Sky football, but the tension in that stadium was something else entirely.
Breaking Down the Overtime Thriller
Overtime is where legends are made, or where hearts break. Illinois State struck first. Tommy Rittenhouse, who finished with 311 passing yards, found Dylan Lord for a 10-yard strike.
They were up 34-28.
But the "Cardiac Cats" had one more trick. Hunter Parsons broke through the line and blocked the extra point. That single play changed the math of the entire season.
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The Final Drive
Montana State faced a 4th-and-10. It was literally do or die. Lamson dropped back, under immense pressure, and heaved a 14-yard pass to Taco Dowler. Touchdown.
The score was tied 34-34.
Everything came down to Myles Sansted’s leg. He stepped up, swung, and the ball sailed true. The final mt bobcat football score of 35-34 flashed on the jumbotron, and the drought was officially over.
Why This 2025 Season Was Different
Most people forget how this year started. The Bobcats took a brutal 59-13 beating from Oregon in August. Then they lost a double-overtime heartbreaker to South Dakota State.
The critics were loud. People were calling for changes. But then, something clicked.
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They went on a 14-game winning streak. They didn't just win; they dominated. They beat the Griz twice—once in Missoula and once in the playoffs. That 48-23 semifinal win over Montana was probably the loudest Bobcat Stadium has ever been. It set the stage for the Nashville miracle.
Key Stats from the Championship
- Justin Lamson: 18/27, 280 passing yards, 4 total TDs.
- Taco Dowler: 8 catches, 111 yards, including the clutch OT touchdown.
- Time of Possession: Illinois State held the ball for nearly 40 minutes, but it wasn't enough.
- Total Yards: The Bobcats were outgained 471 to 381, yet they found a way to win.
What’s Next for the Bobcats?
The celebration in Bozeman isn't going to end anytime soon. Head coach Brent Vigen has officially cemented his legacy, bringing home the first national title since 1984.
If you're looking ahead, the 2026 schedule is already taking shape. The Cats open at Utah Tech on August 29, 2026. They’ve got home games against Butler and Northern Arizona shortly after.
But for now, the only thing that matters is that one point. That block. That catch.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the 2026 Schedule: The quest for a repeat starts in August. Mark your calendars for the August 29 opener against Utah Tech.
- Grab the Championship Gear: History like this doesn't happen often. The official MSU bookstore is already stocking the "National Champs" apparel.
- Review the Stats: Take a deep look at Justin Lamson's 2025 performance—finishing with 3,172 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, he’s set a massive bar for next season.