Montana State defeated Illinois State in an instant classic to win the FCS national championship game on Jan. 5.

Justin Lamson felt the pressure on fourth-and-10 in overtime before hitting Taco Dowler for a 14-yard, game-winning touchdown in overtime to give the Bobcats their first national title since 1984.

It's an absolute heartbreak for the Redbirds, who defied the odds by entering the postseason unseeded before winning four consecutive road games in the playoffs. Illinois State's potential game-winning field goal was blocked with a minute left in regulation, then its point-after attempt after taking a 34-28 lead in overtime was also blocked.

Dowler and Lamson were outstanding, despite blowing a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter. Lamson passed for 280 yards and scored four total touchdowns while Dowler caught eight passes for 111 yards with a touchdown, along with a 22-yard rushing score.

Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2026/01/05/illinois-state-montana-state-live-updates-score-fcs-championship/88035969007/