BOZEMAN, Mont. — Tommy Mellott showcased his versatility on the field, rushing for two touchdowns and throwing for another, guiding Montana State to a 31-17 triumph over South Dakota on Saturday, which secured them a spot in the upcoming FCS championship game.

As the top-ranked Bobcats (15-0) prepare for their championship matchup against the second-seed North Dakota State on January 6 in Frisco, Texas, the Bison secured their place by defeating South Dakota State 28-21 earlier in the day. In a past encounter during the 2021 championship, North Dakota State bested Montana State 38-10. The Bobcats’ lone FCS title was clinched in 1984 when they triumphed over Louisiana Tech with a score of 19-6.

During the game, Mellott faced an unexpected challenge when he mishandled a shotgun snap. However, the ball fortuitously bounced back to him, allowing him to make a stunning 41-yard touchdown run, leaping over a defender to extend the lead to 31-14 early in the third quarter.

A field goal from South Dakota reduced the deficit to 14 points, but as they pushed towards the Montana State 11-yard line in the fourth quarter, their efforts fell short on a crucial fourth-down pass attempt. Another promising drive into Montana State territory was thwarted by a mishap with a snap, costing them crucial yardage and an additional down, leading to a failed fourth-down pass into the end zone. Their final possession concluded unexpectedly with a fumble on the very first play.

Montana State established a 24-14 lead by halftime, thanks to Scottre Humphrey’s 1-yard rushing touchdown concluding a lengthy drive halfway through the second quarter, paired with a 28-yard field goal from Myles Sansted.

In the opening quarter, Mellott connected with Taco Dowler for a 34-yard touchdown pass and added a 5-yard rushing touchdown. South Dakota’s Travis Theis responded with a 55-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter, while Charles Pierre Jr. tied the game early in the second quarter with a 45-yard touchdown run.

In terms of individual performances, Mellott accumulated 125 rushing yards and completed 134 passing yards. On the other hand, South Dakota’s Aidan Bouman recorded 236 passing yards, while Theis rushed for 110 yards.