In a thrilling contest, North Dakota State University’s football team claimed their 10th national title by defeating Montana State 35-32. This victory, achieved on Monday night in Frisco, Texas, came from the remarkable performance of quarterback Cam Miller, who not only ran for two touchdowns but also threw for two others during his 54th consecutive start.
The Bison, finishing the season with a record of 14-2, made their way to Frisco for the 11th time in 14 seasons. Their last championship win at this venue was three years ago, when Miller once again faced off against Montana State’s Tommy Mellott as the starting quarterbacks.
Miller put on a stellar display, completing 19 of 22 passes for 199 yards, while also rushing for 121 yards on 18 carries. This victory marks Miller’s 45th win in his 56 starts, adding a second national championship to his impressive resume.
On the other side, Montana’s Mellott had a notable game as well, highlighted by a spectacular 44-yard touchdown run that reduced the deficit to 28-25 early in the fourth quarter. Mellott, who won the prestigious Walter Payton Award earlier this season, showcased his skills by running for 135 yards and passing for 195 yards, with two touchdowns. His late touchdown pass brought his team near the end zone but ultimately fell short after a failed onside kick attempt.
The Bison never fell behind after Miller kicked off the game with a 2-yard touchdown run, and he subsequently sprinted 64 yards on their second possession for another touchdown. Just before halftime, Miller tossed a 1-yard touchdown to Bryce Lance, pushing the score to 21-3. Lance, who is the brother of former NDSU quarterback Trey Lance now with the Dallas Cowboys, finished with nine catches for 107 yards in a standout performance.
Key Takeaways
North Dakota State remains unrivaled in modern college football, being the only team to complete a 16-0 season, which they achieved five years ago along with their national title. Despite their strong history, Montana State has not tasted championship glory in 40 years. Although they hold a series lead over the Bison at 21-18, they have struggled in recent years, losing the last six meetings since 2010, including a nail-biting game last season that ended with a 35-34 score in the playoffs.
Looking Ahead
Next season, North Dakota State will begin on August 30, 2025, against The Citadel, marking a shift as they prepare for the future without Miller as their quarterback. Meanwhile, Montana State will also open their season on the same day at Oregon.
