If you’ve spent any time in Bozeman or Vermillion lately, you know the vibe changes when these two logos show up on the same marquee. It isn't just another Saturday on the calendar. We’re talking about a collision between two programs that have basically spent the last few years redefining what "elite" looks like in the FCS.
Montana State is currently riding the high of a national title, but the path there was paved with games that probably gave their fans grey hairs. Specifically, those matchups against the South Dakota Coyotes.
Let's be real: on paper, Montana State has held the upper hand. But if you actually watched the 2024 semifinal or the history leading up to it, you know the scoreboard usually hides half the drama.
The Decisive 2024 Semifinal Clash
December 21, 2024. It was unseasonably mild for Big Sky country, but the atmosphere at Bobcat Stadium was anything but calm. The stakes? A trip to Frisco for the national championship.
Montana State came in as the top seed, undefeated and looking like a freight train. South Dakota, the number four seed, was having a record-breaking year of their own. Honestly, the first half was a total shootout.
Tommy Mellott—the guy they call "Touchdown Tommy" for a reason—wasted no time. He found Taco Dowler for a 34-yard strike almost immediately. But the Yotes didn't blink. Travis Theis, who has been the heartbeat of that USD offense, ripped off a 55-yard touchdown run that silenced the Bozeman crowd for a second.
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By halftime, it was 24-14 in favor of the Bobcats.
The turning point was one of those "how did he do that" moments. Mellott dropped a snap on third down in the third quarter. Most quarterbacks just fall on the ball there. Instead, he scooped it up, dodged two defenders, and took it 41 yards to the house. That made it 31-14, and while South Dakota kept swinging, they just couldn't close that gap. The game ended 31-17.
The loss hurt for USD, but it tied a program record with 11 wins. For the Bobcats, it was the final hurdle before they eventually secured that elusive 2025 National Championship against Illinois State.
Why This Series Is Getting Intense
South Dakota Coyotes football vs Montana State Bobcats football matches aren't a weekly occurrence, and maybe that's why they feel so heavy. Historically, the Bobcats have dominated the win-loss column. They’ve won the last three meetings dating back to 2008.
But look at the evolution of the Coyotes.
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Under coach Travis Johansen, the Yotes have stopped being a "tough out" and started being a legitimate title contender. In 2025, USD entered the season ranked No. 4 in the nation. They aren't just happy to be there anymore.
Key Performance Stats (2024-2025 Era)
- Tommy Mellott (MSU): Totaled 125 rushing yards and 3 TDs in the 2024 matchup alone.
- Travis Theis (USD): Racked up nearly 200 total yards in their most recent playoff encounter.
- Defense: While MSU is known for explosive plays, the Yotes’ defense led by guys like Aidan Bouman on the offensive side and a stout line has become one of the hardest units to move the ball against in the MVFC.
Basically, you have the Big Sky’s high-octane, "run-at-all-costs" philosophy meeting the Missouri Valley’s "punch-you-in-the-mouth" physicality. It's a stylistic nightmare for both teams.
The Regional Tug-of-War
There’s a weird sort of respect between these fanbases. You’ve got the Bobcat faithful who think the road to the championship runs through Bozeman. Then you have the Coyote fans who feel like the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) is the real gauntlet.
When South Dakota State (the Yotes' rival) beat Montana State in double overtime in September 2025, it only added fuel to the fire. It made the whole region look like a circular firing squad of talent.
South Dakota finished their 2025 campaign 10-5, eventually falling in the quarterfinals to Montana (the other one). Meanwhile, Montana State went 14-2 and took home the hardware.
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You can’t help but wonder: if USD had stayed healthy, could they have flipped the script on the Bobcats?
What to Watch for Next Time
If these two meet again in the 2026 playoffs—which is a huge possibility given their recruiting—keep your eyes on the trenches.
Montana State’s offensive line is a veteran group that specializes in creating gaps for Mellott and Scottre Humphrey. South Dakota, on the other hand, has become master of the "bend-but-don't-break" defensive style.
Also, don't sleep on the special teams. In games this close, a botched punt or a 46-yard field goal (like the one Will Leyland nailed in the 2024 semi) usually decides who gets to keep playing and who goes home to the cold.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Check the Seeding Early: These teams are often on a collision course in the FCS bracket. If they both finish top-8, you're looking at a potential quarterfinal or semifinal rematch in December.
- Watch the "Touchdown Tommy" Factor: Mellott is the X-factor. If a team can't contain his legs on third down, they’re toasted.
- Monitor the MVFC vs Big Sky Debate: Use these matchups to gauge which conference actually holds the power in the FCS. Currently, the Big Sky (thanks to MSU) has the bragging rights.
The reality is that South Dakota has proven they belong on the same field as the giants. They might be 0-3 in recent history against the Bobcats, but every game is getting tighter. The gap is closing. And next time they meet, the "underdog" tag might not fit the Coyotes anymore.