### Montana State Bobcats Capture FCS Championship in Historic Overtime Thriller The Montana State Bobcats achieved a monumental victory on January 5, 2026, by defeating the Illinois State Redbirds 35-34 in an overtime thriller, marking their first FCS national championship since 1984. The game, held at Vanderbilt's FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, showcased a dramatic comeback and a nail-biting finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The Bobcats, who finished the season with a record of 14-2, initially led 28-14 in the fourth quarter but faced a fierce rally from Illinois State, who managed to tie the game and force overtime. This victory not only ended a 40-year championship drought for Montana State but also highlighted the resilience and determination of the team under pressure [https://chicagomorningstar.com/montana-state-wins-fcs-title-in-ot-thriller, https://timesnewsnetworks.com/montana-state-wins-first-fcs-national-championship-since-1984-after-thrilling-ot-victory-over-illinois-state]. ### Breakdown of the Championship Game Dynamics 1. **Game Progression**: - Montana State established an early lead, going up 14-0 by the end of the first half. - The Bobcats extended their lead to 28-14 with just over 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter. - Illinois State mounted a comeback, scoring 14 points in the final quarter to tie the game at 28-28. 2. **Overtime Drama**: - In overtime, Illinois State scored first, taking a 34-28 lead. - Montana State responded with a touchdown on a crucial fourth-and-10 play, tying the game at 34-34. - Myles Sansted kicked the extra point, sealing the victory for Montana State after a blocked extra point attempt by Illinois State [https://apnews.com/article/montana-state-illinois-state-fcs-score-4fc1f093d6b677c768a35c3efb06ac64, https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/montana-state-beats-illinois-state-110504500.html]. 3. **Key Players**: - Justin Lamson, the Bobcats' quarterback, threw for 280 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating exceptional skill under pressure. - Taco Dowler caught the pivotal touchdown pass that tied the game in overtime, showcasing his clutch performance [https://heavy.com/sports/college-football/fcs-championship-montana-state-illinois-state-overtime, https://www.fordcountychronicle.com/articles/sports/montana-state-beats-illinois-state-35-34-in-ot-thriller-for-1st-national-title-since-1984]. ### Supporting Evidence and Statistics - **Final Score**: Montana State 35, Illinois State 34 (OT) - **Game Highlights**: - Montana State led 14-0 and 28-14 at different points in the game. - Illinois State scored 14 points in the fourth quarter to force overtime. - The game marked the first overtime in FCS championship history [https://www.si.com/college-football/montana-state-wins-fcs-championship-illinois-state, https://www.krtv.com/big-sky-conference/montana-state-bobcats/watch-montana-state-fans-soak-in-championship-celebration]. ### Conclusion: A Historic Victory for Montana State The Montana State Bobcats' triumph in the FCS national championship is a testament to their resilience and skill, culminating in a thrilling overtime victory that will be remembered for years to come. 1. **Historic Win**: This championship marks Montana State's first national title in 41 years, ending a long drought. 2. **Dramatic Comeback**: The game featured a significant comeback by Illinois State, showcasing the competitive nature of college football. 3. **Future Implications**: The victory not only boosts the Bobcats' program but also sets a precedent for future FCS championship games, particularly with the introduction of overtime [https://www.local10.com/sports/2026/01/05/montana-state-beats-illinois-state-in-ot-for-1st-national-title-since-1984, https://www.thesportsleader.com/2026/01/05/montana-state-tops-illinois-state-in-ot-for-first-fcs-title-since-1984].