Montana State leads Illinois State 21-7 after a pair of late scores from both teams. While the Redbirds got score after the two minute warning to finally get on the board, the Bobcats might’ve had the score that will be pivotal to the game.
Montana State’s third touchdown of the day puts the Bobcats up two scores at halftime. If the Bobcats didn’t score, Illinois State would’ve been down just one score, with Montana State receiving the second half kickoff.
That’s a game-changing touchdown that gives Montana State some breathing room.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way to the endzone 🤌
📺 ESPN#FCSChampionship x @MSUBobcats_FB pic.twitter.com/3UG2tzhJs9
— NCAA FCS Football (@NCAA_FCS) January 6, 2026
Impressively, Montana State has a two-score lead with only four rushing attempts from their 1000-yard running back duo of Adam Jones and Julius Davis. Will the Bobcats lead on its backfield to run some clock up a few scores in the second half?
If not, can Justin Lamson continue his accurate day from the pocket? He’s 12-of-13 passing for 228 yards and a touchdown so far.
On the other side of the ball, Illinois State has to figure out how to convert third downs. The Redbirds are 0-5 so far, albeit 2-2 on fourth downs. Star wide receiver Daniel Sobkowicz has been largely held in check compared to his eight playoff touchdowns. He’ll need to have an impact in the second half.
Click or tap here for live stats. See stats from the first half below.
