Illinois st vs Montana state: The 2025-2026 college football season reached a breathtaking conclusion on Monday night at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville.
In a game that will be remembered for decades, the Illinois st vs Montana state showdown delivered the first overtime finish in the 48-year history of the FCS title game.
Ultimately, it was the Montana State Bobcats w ho emerged victorious, capturing a 35-34 win and securing their first national championship since 1984.
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Illinois state football
Illinois st vs Montana state: Coming into this matchup, Illinois state football was the talk of the country.
Led by veteran head coach Brock Spack, the unseeded Redbirds pulled off what many called a “Cinderella run,” winning four consecutive road games to reach the final.
Despite the underdog status, the Redbirds showed incredible resilience. Senior quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse put on a masterclass, throwing for 311 yards and four touchdowns.
His connection with star receiver Dylan Lord was unstoppable, as Lord hauled in 13 receptions for 161 yards and two scores.
The Redbirds were just one extra point away from glory, proving that they belong among the elite programs in the fcs.
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Montana state vs illinois state
Illinois st vs Montana state: The actual Montana state vs Illinois state game was a grueling, seesaw battle that saw both teams trade heavy blows.
Montana State jumped out to an early 14-0 lead, but Illinois State refused to go away, fighting back to tie the game at 28-28 in the fourth quarter.
The tension in Nashville was palpable as both defenses stood tall in the closing minutes of regulation.
This matchup highlighted the best of fcs football, featuring tactical brilliance from both coaching staffs and high-level execution from future NFL prospects.
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First bank stadium
Illinois st vs Montana state: Moving the fcs national championship to first bank stadium in Nashville proved to be a brilliant decision.
The newly renovated home of the Vanderbilt Commodores provided a high-energy atmosphere for the 40,350 fans in attendance.
While the game had traditionally been held in Frisco, Texas, the “Music City” embrace offered a fresh and electric backdrop for this historic night.
The stadium’s intimacy made every roar from the bobcats and Redbirds fans feel magnified as the game pushed into the extra period.
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Justin lamson
The heartbeat of the Montana State offense was undoubtedly quarterback justin lamson. Throughout the fcs championship 2026.
Lamson displayed why he is one of the most versatile dual-threat players in the nation. He finished the game with 280 passing yards and two touchdowns through the air.
His poise in the pocket during the final drive of overtime facing a 4th-and-10 with the season on the line cemented his legacy in Bozeman.
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Taco dowler montana state
Illinois st vs Montana state: While Lamson was the engine, taco dowler montana state was the hero of the final moment.
Dowler had a career night, recording eight catches for 111 yards.
However, no catch was more important than the 14-yard touchdown reception in the corner of the end zone during overtime.
After Illinois State missed their extra point, Dowler’s score tied the game at 34-34, setting the stage for Myles Stansted to kick the game-winning PAT.
For most Bobcats fans, Dowler’s catch will forever be known as the play that ended a 41-year title drought.
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Fcs championship game score
Illinois st vs Montana state: The final fcs championship game score of 35-34 perfectly reflects how close these two titans were.
For Brent Vigen, this win is the culmination of years of building a powerhouse program.
After reaching the title game in previous years only to fall short, Vigen finally led the Montana state bobcats to the mountaintop.
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Conclusion
Illinois st vs Montana state: The Illinois vs Montana state national championship game was more than just a football match; it was a testament to the grit and passion of the Football Championship Subdivision.
While the isu redbirds football team leaves Nashville with a heartbreaking loss, their historic playoff run earned the respect of the entire nation.
For the Montana State University community, this victory is a long-awaited celebration that solidifies their status as a perennial powerhouse.
As the sun sets on the 2025 season, the Bobcats stand alone as champions.
