Big Sky Now: How the Bobcats outlasted the Redbirds in an overtime thriller for the FCS National Championship

Host Luke Schmit is joined by Daily Inter Lake sports reporter Jon Allen to immediately break down Montana State’s FCS National Championship victory over Illinois State in Nashville on Monday night.

The Bobcats captured their second national title in program history, surviving a dramatic overtime battle that tested their discipline, depth, and resilience. 

Luke and Jon analyze how Montana State jumped out early, then weathered a relentless second-half push from Illinois State, which outgained the Bobcats in total yards, first downs, rushing yards, and time of possession. 

Despite 14 penalties and extended stretches without the ball, Montana State made the biggest plays when it mattered most - including a fourth-down touchdown and a blocked kick in overtime to seal the championship. 

The conversation highlights Justin Lamson’s legacy-defining performance, clutch moments from Taco Dowler, and how Montana State’s special teams once again proved decisive on the national stage. 

The duo also discusses Illinois State’s halftime adjustments, standout Redbirds performances, and why this game swung on execution rather than statistics. 

Finally, the episode puts the win into historical context: Montana State ends the season on a 14-game winning streak and delivers the Big Sky Conference its first FCS national championship since Eastern Washington in 2010. 

If you want the full breakdown of how the Bobcats finished the job in Nashville — and what this title means for Montana State moving forward — this is the episode to watch.

READ MORE:

Crown the Cats: Two blocked kicks help Montana State to first FCS title since 1984

PHOTOS: Montana State outlasts Illinois State 35-34 in FCS Championship overtime thriller

Big Sky Now: FCS championship coverage from Nashville

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