Illinois State Battles Back as Redbirds Trail Montana State 14-7 in FCS Title Game
Right now, all eyes are on Illinois State football as the Redbirds find themselves in the middle of a tense and high-stakes FCS National Championship game against Montana State in Nashville. It’s a historic night for the program, and while the scoreboard shows Illinois State trailing 14-7 in the second quarter, the story is far from over.
The game began with a sense of opportunity for Illinois State. The Redbirds received the opening kickoff and moved the ball into Montana State territory, showing early confidence and poise. However, the drive was stalled before points could be put on the board, and a punt was forced. That early missed chance set the tone for what would become a challenging first quarter against a red-hot Montana State offense.
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Montana State wasted little time capitalizing. Starting deep in their own territory, the Bobcats marched 90 yards down the field on their opening possession. That drive was capped by a short rushing touchdown from quarterback Justin Lamson, giving Montana State a 7-0 lead about ten minutes into the game. From there, the opening quarter remained scoreless, but the momentum clearly leaned toward the Bobcats.
Early in the second quarter, the pressure continued. After another Illinois State punt, Montana State again showed efficiency and balance, driving 80 yards in just eight plays. Once more, it was Lamson who finished the job, punching in a two-yard rushing touchdown to make it 14-0. At that point, Illinois State was facing its toughest stretch of the night, down two scores against a team riding a long winning streak.
But this is where the Redbirds showed why they’re in this championship game. On their fourth possession, Illinois State finally found its rhythm. The offense methodically moved down the field, covering 80 yards in 10 plays. The drive was finished with a six-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse to Scotty Preston Jr., cutting the deficit to 14-7 with under a minute left in the first half. That score wasn’t just points on the board; it was a statement that Illinois State belonged on this stage.
This championship appearance already holds special significance for the Redbirds. It’s only the second time in program history they’ve reached the FCS title game, the first coming back in 2014. What makes this run even more impressive is how Illinois State got here, becoming the first team ever to win four road playoff games to reach the championship.
As the second quarter winds down, Illinois State may be trailing, but momentum feels more balanced than the score suggests. With resilience already shown and history within reach, the Redbirds are very much alive in this championship fight, and the rest of the game promises to be a battle worthy of the moment.
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