The quarterback for North Dakota State, Cam Miller, showcased an impressive performance, throwing for 199 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 121 yards and scoring twice as the Bison clinched their 10th national title with a narrow 35-32 victory against the top-seeded Montana State on Monday night.

North Dakota State surged ahead to a commanding 21-3 lead by halftime, thanks to two rushing touchdowns from Miller and a 1-yard touchdown pass to Bryce Lance.

Montana State, which had been undefeated going into the game, mounted a comeback led by Walter Payton Award winner Tommy Mellott and narrowed the gap to 28-25 early in the fourth quarter with a stunning 44-yard touchdown run.

Mellott contributed significantly for the Bobcats, finishing with 135 rushing yards on 14 carries and passing for 195 yards with two touchdown passes. The Bobcats were on a quest for their first national championship since 1984 but have now suffered six consecutive playoff losses to North Dakota State, including a painful defeat in last season’s second round where an extra point attempt was blocked in overtime.

North Dakota State’s Unmatched Legacy

Over the past 14 years, North Dakota State has captured 10 national championships. The Bison earned their inaugural title in 2011, marking the start of a remarkable five-peat. James Madison snapped their streak by winning the FCS championship in 2016, but North Dakota State rebounded to win three consecutive titles, famously overcoming the Dukes in 2019 while becoming the first college football team to finish a season undefeated with a 16-0 record.

In 2021, North Dakota State defeated Montana State 38–10, claiming their 9th championship, but faced a setback in the title game the following year, losing to South Dakota State, who went on to win two titles in succession.