NDSU Beats Montana State to Win 2025 FCS Championship Bracket; 10th Title in 14 Years

North Dakota State ended its season as champions in the first year of the Tim Polasek era.

The Bison defeated Montana 35-32 in the FCS championship Monday night, ending the Bobcats' undefeated season and giving North Dakota State its 10th title in the last 14 years.

Quarterback Cam Miller, who is in his fifth season with the program, ended his collegiate career with a bang. He threw for 200 yards and two touchdowns on 19-of-22 while picking up 121 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

His favorite target was Bryce Lance, younger brother of former North Dakota State star Trey Lance. He had nine receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown in the win.

It was all Bison through the first half as North Dakota State took a 21-3 lead into the third quarter, but Montana State came storming back to make it 21-18, setting up a dramatic fourth quarter.

The two teams traded early touchdowns at the Bison led 28-25 for most of the quarter. North Dakota State gained a 10-point cushion with a touchdown with just over two minutes to play.

But the Bobcats weren't out of the game after the late score. They answered with one of their own to cut the lead to three with a minute left to play. Montana State's comeback fell short, however, as North Dakota State recovered the onside kick and ran the clock down to just 10 seconds. Time ran out when the Bison punted the ball away.

The win marks 10 championships for the Bison over the 14 years, adding to what has been on of the most impressive dynasties in recent college football memory. There were questions of whether the standard of excellence could be carried on by Polasek after Matt Entz left for Fresno State, and he's quickly shown that he's capable of carrying the torch.