A New Milestone: NDSU Reigns With 10th FCS Championship Victory
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- William D
- January 7, 2025
With their most recent accomplishment, North Dakota State University has further cemented its position as the Football Championship Subdivision’s (FCS) leading force. The Bison have created a dynasty that no other program can match with their astounding 10th national championship in just 14 seasons.
No other team in FCS football has been able to equal their remarkable title haul, and their consistent success over more than ten years has set a new standard. Their already legendary legacy in college football is further enhanced by this most recent triumph.
Once again, North Dakota State demonstrated why they are the best in FCS football with an exciting 35-32 victory over Montana State. Even though the Bobcats put up a fierce fight in the championship game, NDSU’s well-rounded and unwavering strategy ultimately won.
The Bison became the most successful team in the FCS era thanks to the outstanding play of quarterback Cam Miller, who ran for two touchdowns and threw for two more.
It is impossible to overestimate the significance of our 10th title in 14 seasons. North Dakota State’s coaching, talent development, and unwavering program culture are the reasons behind their continued dominance in the fiercely competitive FCS football league.
This most recent victory confirms NDSU’s position as the standard for FCS programs nationwide, and their sustained success under head coach Tim Polasek has demonstrated that their achievements are not an anomaly.
In addition to solidifying their status as a dominant force, North Dakota State’s celebration of their tenth FCS championship serves as a reminder of the amazing history and achievements that have come to characterize Bison football.
This victory over Montana State is just another chapter in their incredible dynasty, and they continue to raise the standard for FCS football with each title.
The Dynasty Goes On
Dominance in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) has been redefined by North Dakota State University (NDSU). There is no other program in the section that can equal the Bison’s record of 10 national titles since 2011.
In addition to distinguishing them from their FCS counterparts, their outstanding stability over the previous 14 seasons has solidified their place among the most prosperous schools in contemporary college football. In the FCS, this dynasty has established itself as the benchmark for excellence.
With their most recent victory, NDSU has advanced to the Frisco, Texas, title game 11 times in just 14 seasons, highlighting their ongoing supremacy. For such a long time, no other FCS program has been able to sustain such a high degree of success.
The program’s tenacity, depth, and preparedness are demonstrated by the fact that it makes it to the national championship game almost every year. The Bison have made Frisco their second home, where they have continuously displayed their winning heritage.
The accomplishments of North Dakota State are far superior than those of other FCS programs. Since no other team has won more than six FCS Championships, NDSU’s ten titles are a remarkable feat. The Bison’s consistent success has overshadowed once-dominant programs in the subdivision, such as Georgia Southern and Youngstown State.
What really distinguishes NDSU from other historically successful programs is their capacity to consistently deliver at the highest level, despite changes in coaching staff and personnel.
In addition to bringing Fargo fame, the Bison’s supremacy has improved the FCS’s standing. By consistently raising the standard, North Dakota State has pushed other schools to pursue success and influenced the subdivision’s competitive environment.
Their football culture is strong, as seen by their ten titles since 2011, and their dynasty continues to motivate both supporters and aspiring players.
𝐍𝐚𝐭𝟏𝟎𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 pic.twitter.com/h5TUlcgjtb
— NDSU Football (@NDSUfootball) January 7, 2025
Cam Miller: The Driving Force behind Success
With a performance that will be remembered for years to come, Cam Miller was the key player in North Dakota State’s most recent FCS title victory. In the season’s most important game, Miller displayed his flexibility and poise with 320 total yards and four total touchdowns.
His ability to dominate on the ground and pass with accuracy was essential to the Bison’s victory versus Montana State, which they won 35–32. Miller was NDSU’s offensive leader, and his outstanding play helped the school win its tenth FCS title.
When Miller broke loose for a thrilling 64-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, it was one of the game’s turning points. Originally intended to be a draw play with a pass option, Miller’s agility and fast thinking transformed the play into a score that changed the momentum. “It just parted,” Miller remarked, referring to the run.
“You usually have to make a few players miss when we run draws. Additionally, no one was present. That play established the game’s mood and demonstrated Miller’s immense value to the Bison.
Miller excelled in the air as well, completing 19 of 22 throws for two touchdowns and 199 yards. One of his most important passes was a well-placed 1-yard touchdown pass to Bryce Lance, which ended a crucial drive shortly before halftime and gave the Bison a decisive 21-3 lead.
Lance caught nine passes for 107 yards, demonstrating Miller’s chemistry with him. His ability to perform in the red zone and make wise choices under duress was crucial in keeping NDSU ahead of the opposition the entire time.
CAM MILLER FULL SPEED AHEAD FOR THE TD 😤
— ESPN (@espn) January 7, 2025
📺 FCS Championship on ESPN pic.twitter.com/uX4WhuGtrG
Montana State had one of the nation’s most potent offenses with an unbeaten record going into the FCS Championship. The Bobcats demonstrated why they were the top-seeded team in the playoffs under the leadership of their outstanding quarterback, Tommy Mellott.
Their perseverance and resolve were evident even though they lost against North Dakota State 35–32 in the end. The depth of talent and perseverance that had guided Montana State to an undefeated season were demonstrated by their potent offense, which kept the game close until the very end.
In the final game, Montana State’s offensive leader, Tommy Mellott, gave an outstanding effort. With 135 rushing yards and two passing touchdowns, the Walter Payton Award winner—who was named the FCS’s best offensive player—lived up to the hype.
Even though the Bison took a sizable lead in the first half, Mellott’s ability to make plays with both his arms and legs kept the Bobcats in the game. His ability to rouse the team when the odds were stacked against them demonstrated his leadership on the field.
Early in the fourth quarter, Mellott went loose for a 44-yard touchdown run, one of the most thrilling moments of the game. His quickness, vision, and tenacity were on display in the play, which energized the Bobcats and got them within three points of NDSU.
Later, with just over a minute left, Mellott closed the gap to 35-32 with a well-placed 19-yard touchdown pass to Taco Dowler. Despite Montana State’s failed effort at an onside kick, Mellott’s heroics in the closing minutes of the game gave the Bobcats a chance to win.
Despite the defeat, Mellott’s effort demonstrated why he is among the FCS’s best players. It says much about his talent and leadership that he was able to step up and lead his squad against FCS’s most powerful program.
In addition to showcasing their amazing season, Montana State’s impressive effort under Mellott’s leadership laid the groundwork for a promising future. Despite not winning a national championship, the Bobcats shown that they have the necessary components to compete in the future.
In Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) football, North Dakota State University (NDSU) has solidified its position as the top dynasty. Few programs in any college football division can match the legacy the Bison have established with their tenth national championship in 14 seasons.
Their ability to reload year after year, adjust to obstacles, and uphold their unmatched winning tradition is evidence of their ongoing superiority. Their position as FCS football’s gold standard is further cemented by their most recent championship victory.
A mix of careful planning, faultless execution, and an unrivaled program culture are the keys to NDSU’s success. The Bison constantly exhibit an unwavering dedication to greatness on and off the field, from the coaching staff to the players. Regardless of roster changes, their capacity to cultivate talent—both mentally and physically—guarantees that the program will stay competitive.
The squad is a constant force in the FCS because of their culture of discipline, resiliency, and teamwork, which has become the foundation of their ongoing success.
The dominance of the Bison is further reinforced by the heritage of exceptional players like Cam Miller. Miller’s 320-yard, four-touchdown performance in the title game, which showcased his leadership and skill, is a prime example of the kind of players that NDSU produces.
His performances throughout 54 straight starts, which resulted in two national championships, cemented his legacy in the program’s legendary past. In addition to Miller, up-and-coming talent like Bryce Lance is already leaving their imprint, guaranteeing that the program’s future will be as promising as its legendary past.
NDSU is already focused on the future as they celebrate yet another victory. Players like Lance, who concluded the championship game with nine catches for 107 yards, are examples of how the program is deep and capable of producing the next generation of athletes.
The Bison are in a strong position to maintain their dominance in FCS football because they have a winning culture and a talented team. NDSU continues to be the team to beat and the standard for success in the subdivision as they build on their incredible history.
With an unbeaten regular season and a 15-1 overall record, Montana State’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of extraordinary. By earning the top seed in the playoffs and making it to the national championship game, the Bobcats demonstrated their status as one of the best teams in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
Even though their 35–32 loss to North Dakota State was upsetting, it doesn’t take away from the amazing accomplishments of a squad that showed talent, tenacity, and persistence all year long.
Dynamic quarterback Tommy Mellott, one of the most captivating players in FCS football due to his dual-threat skill, was the driving force behind the Bobcats’ success. Mellott demonstrated why he is the foundation of Montana State’s future as the recipient of the Walter Payton Award.
The Bobcats have a strong base to build upon in the coming seasons thanks to his ability to spearhead the attack and his outstanding performance in the championship game. Montana State is in a strong position to continue to be a top FCS contender under Mellott’s direction and expertise.
Due to their excellent program culture and skilled roster, Montana State has the potential to turn things around in the future. The Bobcats have a wealth of talented players on both sides of the ball who have earned vital experience this season, in addition to Mellott.
Their will to succeed will surely be fueled by the lessons they acquired from a fiercely contested championship game versus North Dakota State. The Bobcats have everything they need to contend for the FCS championship again, including a coaching staff that has demonstrated its capacity to nurture talent and perform at a high level.
Montana State has a bright future ahead of them, and their 2024 campaign is a springboard to bigger successes. A fantastic campaign came to an end with the defeat in Frisco, but it also set the stage for more victories.
Building on their successes and resolving the narrow margins that kept them from winning the title will be the Bobcats’ main priorities as they get ready for the 2025 campaign. Montana State’s comeback story may bring them back to Frisco to try to win their long-awaited FCS championship with Mellott at the helm and a wealth of returning talent.