Cats ready to make history in Frisco
More than four decades has passed since Montana State University won an FCS football national championship. That was a 19-6 win over Louisiana Tech in 1984, for those whose memory might have fogged a bit over the years.
It's been a minute since the Bobcats finished the season on top, most recently falling in the 2021 title game to North Dakota State, 38-10. While that Bobcat team felt like an upstart roster on the rise, this year's version heads to Frisco, Texas for a rematch with the Bison with the swagger of a juggernaut that has demolished the competition along the way.
"I think this team is different," MSU head coach Brent Vigen said last week when reflecting on his team’s meteoric trajectory. "This team is better equipped for this time of year.”
The stats are unquestionably impressive: Montana State has outscored its opponents 620-257 while riding a 15-game winning streak into the title match. They've put up more than 30 points in every outing, including three 50-point outbursts and five for 40 or more. Oh, and they spanked the Griz in the Brawl of the Wild for a final jolt heading into the playoffs where they’ve yet to be challenged.
Homegrown senior quarterback "Touchdown Tommy" Mellott is the motor behind the Cats' sensational offensive. Hailing from Butte, America, it's hard not to be inspired by Mellott's on-field work ethic and his commitment to the program in Bozeman. In an era when top talent is always looking for the next best opportunity via the transfer portal and NIL (name, image and likeness) money, Mellott has stayed with his team through the good times and bad.
"He's the poster child for Butte, America," commented Arie Grey, his former coach at Butte High, in an interview with MTN Sports. "He's the guy that [says], 'I'm going to bring my lunch pail; I'm going to work extremely hard; I'm going to be tough; I'm not going to say a whole lot; I'm just going to do my job.'"
After falling to North Dakota State in his last two playoff appearances, Mellott is poised to finally push the Cats over the hump against the mighty Bison and seal his legacy as the most prolific Montana gunslinger to don the blue and gold.
It won't be easy. Winners of nine FCS championships, North Dakota State will come ready to rumble. But this time around, they'll be met at the line of scrimmage by a Bobcat team that's confident and equipped to make history.
"I don’t think there’s anything that’s going to get in our way ... or cause us to have any doubt in each other," Mellott said. "It’s been that way all year.”
From the Flathead Valley to the eastern plains, the entire state will be cheering for Montana State to finally get 'er done and bring that elusive championship trophy back to Bozeman. Go Cats!
Kickoff at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, is Monday at 5 p.m. Follow the Hagadone Sports Network on YouTube for the latest news, commentary and final thoughts from the Inter Lake sports team.