Bozeman to Music City: The Bobcats’ 13-Game Surge to the National Championship

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While the Illinois State Redbirds took the “Road Warrior” path to the 2026 FCS National Championship, the No. 2 seed Montana State Bobcats took a different route: absolute, unwavering dominance. Since a heartbreaking double-overtime loss in early September, the Bobcats (13–2) have rattled off 13 consecutive victories, culminating in a historic “Super Brawl” semifinal win that has the entire state of Montana looking toward Nashville.

The Turning Point: From 0–2 to Unstoppable

The Bobcats’ season began with a daunting test. After a lopsided loss to FBS powerhouse Oregon, Montana State fell to reigning champion South Dakota State in a 30–24 double-overtime thriller at home. At 0–2, the season could have fractured; instead, it forged a juggernaut.

Under head coach Brent Vigen—who has now reached three title games in his five seasons at the helm—the Bobcats tightened their defensive rotations and leaned into an identity of physical, relentless football. They didn’t just win their next 13 games; they averaged over 44 points per game during that stretch, systematically dismantling the Big Sky Conference.

The “Super Brawl” Climax

The definitive moment of the Bobcats’ season came on December 20, 2025. For the first time in the 125-game history of the “Brawl of the Wild,” Montana State and the University of Montana met in the FCS playoffs.

In front of a record-shattering crowd of 25,437 at Bobcat Stadium, the atmosphere was electric. After the Grizzlies rallied from a 17-point deficit to take a 23–20 lead in the third quarter, Montana State responded with 28 unanswered points.

The Highlight: Wide receiver Taco Dowler hauled in an 87-yard touchdown pass from Justin Lamson that ignited the stadium and broke the Grizzlies’ spirit.
The Dagger: Linebacker Bryce Grebe returned a late interception 40 yards for a touchdown, punctuating the 48–23 victory and officially punching the ticket to Nashville.

Stars of the Stampede

The Bobcats enter the championship game with one of the most balanced rosters in FCS history:

Player	Role	2025 Impact
Justin Lamson	Quarterback	2,892 passing yards and 24 TDs; accounted for 4 total TDs in the semifinal.
Adam Jones	Running Back	The engine of the ground game: 131 rushing yards and 2 TDs against Montana.
Taco Dowler	Wide Receiver	The deep threat; recorded 125 receiving yards in the “Super Brawl.”
Caden Dowler	Defensive Back	Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year; recorded 6 INTs this season.

Injury Watch: The Bobcats’ secondary faces a major question mark heading into the final. Caden Dowler exited the semifinal early with a wrist injury. His status for Nashville is the biggest storyline in Bozeman this week.

The Goal: Ending the 42-Year Wait

Montana State is making its fourth-ever appearance in the national title game and its third under Vigen. Despite their recent consistency, the program is still chasing its first national championship since 1984.

To do it, they must overcome a scrappy Illinois State team that has thrived as an underdog. But for a Bobcats team that hasn’t lost a game in nearly four months, the pressure of being the favorite is something they have embraced.

Stat of the Journey

40-2: Brent Vigen’s record at home in Bozeman. While the championship game is in neutral Nashville, the Bobcats’ ability to protect their “house” all season earned them the seeding and momentum necessary for this historic run.