Party like its 1984! The Bobcats are going to the ‘ship

Behind a full team effort and in front of a sold-out crowd, the MSU football team defeated the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, 31-17, to advance to the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) National Championship for the first time since 1984. The Bobcats hosted the matchup in Bobcat Stadium. The last time the Bobcats hosted a semi-final matchup was in 1984 when the Cats went on to win it all, 19-6 against Lousiana Tech.

The Cats were propelled to victory behind a strong defensive performance in the second half. The SDSU fans had little to cheer for in the second half as they were held scoreless for the final two quarters. Senior linebacker Daniel Hardy registered two sacks for the Bobcat defense while freshman cornerback Simeon Woodard came away with his fourth interception of the season. Woodard's interception proved to be pivotal as the Bobcats capitalized on the good field position and scored a touchdown. Dillon’s own All-American senior linebacker Troy Anderson led the Bobcat defense with 10 tackles. The Bobcat defense held the Jackrabbits’ high-powered offense to their lowest offensive outputs of the season. SDSU averages 37.5 points per game which ranks in the top-10 in the FCS.

Freshman quarterback Tommy Mellot provided a spark plug for the MSU offense. Mellot accounted for all four of the Bobcat touchdowns. Mellot rushed for two and threw for two touchdowns in the contest.

Mellot completed 10 of 15 attempted passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns. Mellot also led the team in rushing with 155 yards on the ground. Lance McCutcheon was the top receiver for the Cats with 98 yards of offense

Looking ahead to the National Championship in Frisco, Texas, the Cats will face the #2 North Dakota State Bison. The Bison have proven to be a dynasty in the FCS, winning the championship eight times in the past 10 years. In the last showing in the FCS semifinals, the Cats faced NDSU in Fargo, North Dakota where they fell to 42-14. The Cats will take the field at Toyota Stadium on Saturday Jan. 8. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2 at 10 a.m. MT.