Montana State beats Illinois State 35-34 in OT thriller for 1st national title since 1984

FCS championship notes: Illinois State QB Tommy Rittenhouse praised as ‘a competitor’

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Brent Vigen had just won his first FCS national championship with Montana State in their third trip to the game together. Amid the Bobcats’ celebration of their 35-34 overtime win over Illinois State on the field at FirstBank Stadium, the Montana State coach found ISU senior quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse for a quick word. Rittenhouse threw for 311 yards and four touchdowns and helped the Redbirds score 21 points in the second …

'Life comes full circle': Montana State Bobcats heal special teams wounds in FCS title win

Two seasons after suffering a 35-34 season-ending overtime loss on a blocked PAT, the Cats blocked a PAT in OT and ended their season with a 35-34 win.

Glance: Montana State wins first FCS title since 1984

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — With North Dakota State, the usual nemesis for Montana State, out of the picture, Illinois State — the upstart that removed the Bison — did all it could to assume that role Monday at Vanderbilt’s FirstBank Stadium.

Montana State's historic win over Illinois State for FCS championship

A blocked field goal near the end of regulation, a blocked point-after attempt in overtime and a fourth-down touchdown pass turned a near-loss into their first championship since 1984.

Three takeaways: Brent Vigen's loyalty, wide receiver heroics help Montana State to national title

“If tonight did not reinforce this group's ‘Never say die’ attitude, I don’t know what will.” — Montana State head coach Brent Vigen

Former Sheridan Star Makes Play Of The Game In Montana State’s FCS Title Win

Former Sheridan football star Dane Steel's leaping touchdown was the highlight of the night in Montana State University winning its first national title in 41 years Monday night. The spectacular play earned the No. 1 spot on SportsCenter's Top 10.