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North Dakota State finished its season as champions in the first year of Tim Polasek's tenure.
The Bison defeated Montana 35-32 in the FCS championship on Monday night, ending the Bobcats' undefeated season and giving North Dakota State its 10th title in the last 14 years.
Quarterback Cam Miller, who is in his fifth season with the program, ended his career with a bang. He threw for 200 yards and two touchdowns on 19-of-22 passing while picking up 121 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
His target was Bryce Lance, brother of North Dakota State star Trey Lance. He had nine receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown in the win.
It was all Buffalo through the first half as North Dakota State led 21-3 in the third quarter, but Montana State came back to make it 21-18, setting up the fourth quarter.
The two teams traded blows early in the Bison led 28-25 for most of the quarter. North Dakota State got a 10-point cushion and scored with just under two minutes to play.
But the Bobcats weren't out of the game after a late finish. They responded with one of their own to cut the deficit to one minute to play. Montana State's comeback was short-lived, however, as North Dakota State recovered the ball and ran the clock down to just 10 seconds. Time ran out when the Buffalo threw the ball.
Charlie Baker @CharlieBakerMA
FYI – there is an NCAA FCS Division I National Championship game live on ESPN between Montana State and North Dakota State. 28-25 NDS with about 11 minutes to play. Look! #FCChampionship
The win marks the Bison's 10th championship streak in 14 years, adding to what has been the most successful streak in recent college football memory. There were questions about how successful Polasek could be after Matt Entz left for Fresno State, and he quickly showed that he could carry the torch.