Montana State wins first FCS National Championship since 1984

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (KFYR) - Montana State defeated Illinois State 35-34 on Monday night in the first-ever FCS National Championship that went to overtime.

The Bobcats blocked an extra point in the first frame of overtime, and scored on the ensuing possession to win the game. It’s Montana State’s first FCS National Championship since 1984.

Brent Vigen, a North Dakota native, led the team to a 14-2 record this season, and his team defeated a Redbirds squad that knocked off top-seeded North Dakota State in the second round.

The Bobcats won the game despite having 19 minutes less of possession time, and committing 14 penalties to the Redbirds’ five.

The Bobcats had 381 yards of total offense, but special teams showed up at the end with two blocks, one on a field goal and one on an extra point.