FARGO, N.D. — In an impressive display of skill, Bryce Lance caught three touchdown passes from Cam Miller, including a spectacular one-handed grab that secured a 28-21 victory for North Dakota State over the two-time defending national champion South Dakota State on Saturday. This win also clinches a spot for the Bison in the FCS championship game.

The second-seeded Bison, now with a 13-2 record, will face off against top-seeded Montana State on January 6 in Frisco, Texas. Montana State earned its championship berth by defeating South Dakota 31-17 earlier that day.

North Dakota State has a storied history in the FCS, having claimed nine titles, with their most recent triumph occurring in 2021. The team has now achieved an impressive milestone, marking their 20th consecutive home playoff victory while overcoming the Jackrabbits for the second time this season. All three teams—NDSU, SDSU, and South Dakota—shared the Missouri Valley Football Conference championship this year.

The contest had its share of drama: after the third-seeded Jackrabbits (12-3) managed to tie the game at 21-21, the Bison orchestrated a 75-yard drive, culminating in a touchdown with just over four minutes left. Lance made a remarkable catch with one hand and secured his footing in the right corner of the end zone. Although initially ruled incomplete, the play was overturned upon review.

As the Jackrabbits looked to respond on their final drive, Mark Gronowski was sacked on a crucial fourth-and-17 situation at the Jackrabbits’ 31-yard line.

Both teams exchanged touchdowns throughout the first half, with neither defense yielding any points during the third quarter, where both punted three times. Early in the fourth, Miller connected with Lance on a deep 47-yard touchdown pass, and the Jackrabbits responded midway through the final quarter with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Gronowski to Grahm Goering, leveling the score again.

In a standout performance, Lance, who is the brother of NFL quarterback Trey Lance, finished the game with six receptions for 125 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown catch. Cam Miller completed 13 of 19 passes for 179 yards and also contributed with 93 rushing yards and a touchdown. On the other side, Gronowski completed 14 of 25 passes for 204 yards and added a rushing touchdown, while Amar Johnson led the Jackrabbits in rushing with 77 yards and another score.