FCS College Football National Championship: Montana State vs. North Dakota State – The Clash of Titans!

As the college football world turns its gaze towards Frisco, Texas, Montana State prepares to face North Dakota State—a matchup that promises fireworks and a chance for history to repeat itself from 1984. On December 15 of that year, Montana State pulled off a remarkable worst-to-first transformation, culminating in a national championship title. Fast forward nearly 40 years, and the Bobcats are eyeing their second glory amidst a field that includes the ever-dominant North Dakota State Bison, a team that has loomed large in the FCS landscape.

A Look Back at 1984

Montana State's journey in 1984 was nothing short of sensational. After staggering through a 1-10 season, the Bobcats transformed their fortune with a series of impressive victories, including an upset over then-top-10 Boise State and a thrilling win over Fresno State. It all culminated in a remarkable championship game where the Bobcats overwhelmed Louisiana Tech 19-6, deeply etching their names into FCS lore. Now, 2024 brings a new opportunity — will they capture that feeling again?

The Road to the Championship

Montana State Bobcats (15-0) The Bobcats enter the title game undefeated, showcasing a fierce powerhouse on both offense and defense. Their impressive SP+ ranking places them at the top overall. They’ve shown their prowess in the playoffs with dominant wins over UT Martin, Idaho, and South Dakota, amassing a stunning average of 41.3 points per game throughout the season.

Quarterback Tommy Mellott has emerged as a dual-threat sensation, leading the charge with remarkable stats, including nearly 1,000 rushing yards and a staggering 29-to-2 touchdown to interception ratio. His ability to create plays with both his arm and legs has been a game-changer, making opposition defenses scramble to contain him.

North Dakota State Bison (13-2) On the other side of the field stands the Bison, FCS royalty returning to the final for the 11th time in just 14 years. Having shaken off recent competition from South Dakota State, North Dakota State aims to assert its dominance once again. Their playoff run has also been impressive, highlighted by victories over Abilene Christian, Mercer, and a hard-fought matchup against South Dakota State.

NDSU quarterback Cam Miller, like his Montana State counterpart, holds the reins of an efficient offense, complemented by a robust rushing attack. With only six turnovers throughout the season, the Bison have demonstrated exceptional discipline, making it incredibly difficult for opponents to capitalize on mistakes.

The Clash of Styles

This final presents a classic showdown of potent offenses and formidable defenses. Montana State's offensive line is bigger and more experienced than in previous years, complementing Mellott's explosive capability. Meanwhile, North Dakota State fields a versatile defensive squad known for its depth and experience, making for an intriguing tactical battle.

Historical Rivalry: A Grudge Match

Whenever these two teams meet, it has often been a rollercoaster of emotions. Montana State's head coach Brent Vigen and North Dakota State's Tim Polasek share a common lineage through coaching, having crossed paths multiple times throughout their careers. The historical trends have favored NDSU in previous playoff encounters, which adds pressure onto the Bobcats to finally turn the tide.

What to Expect

Montana State has been scheming a title run throughout the past four seasons, displaying unbelievable prowess across their games, yet they face a formidable challenge in the Bison. North Dakota State’s experience and historical accomplishments weigh heavily, but Montana State embraces this moment as an opportunity to finally shed past disappointments.

Mark your calendars for Monday night—football enthusiasts won't want to miss what promises to be an electrifying showdown. Will Montana State rise to the occasion or will North Dakota State continue its reign of excellence?

ESPN Bet Projection: Montana State favored at 30.0, North Dakota State at 26.5 (Spread: MSU -3.5, Over/Under: 56.5)

Get ready for a clash that could rewrite the script of FCS college football history!