The Montana Grizzlies are headed to the the NCAA FCS championship game for the first time since 2009 after downing North Dakota State, 31-29, in a thrilling double-overtime semifinal game Saturday in Missoula, Montana.
And how they won was beyond impressive, extending their win streak to 10 games this season.
After having the lead for most of the game, the Grizzlies let the Bison tie it up at the end of the fourth quarter, eventually forcing overtime. It took the two teams a total of three plays to trade touchdowns, sending the game into a second overtime with the score tied at 23-23.
Getting the ball first, Montana found the end zone, and because it was the second overtime, it was forced to go for the two-point conversion after a touchdown. And wow, the Grizzlies did not disappoint with this incredible two-point conversion play:
2-PT ATTEMPT IS GOOD ✅#FCSPlayoffs x 🎥 ESPN2 / @MontanaGrizFB pic.twitter.com/KVCIW10vtb
— NCAA FCS Football (@NCAA_FCS) December 17, 2023
With receiver Junior Bergen getting tossed the ball after the snap on the trick play, he looked like he was about to be tackled way back around the 18-yard line. But he somehow still got the pass off, and receiver Keelan White SOMEHOW came up with the deflected ball in the back of the end zone.
North Dakota State had its chance to tie the game again and force a third overtime. And while the Bison scored a touchdown, their two-point conversion attempt was intercepted, and that was that.
NDSU tries a similar conversion, Montana picks it off and will play for the FBS title pic.twitter.com/4YhRDvp1IA
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) December 17, 2023
Montana will play for the FCS national title against defending champ South Dakota State on Jan. 7.
Feature image courtesy of ESPN.
