Ad Disclosure
FCS semifinal decided on pair of wild 2-point conversion tries
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Saturday’s FCS semifinal showdown between North Dakota State and Montana produced one of the wildest finishes seen across college football this season.
In the end, the semifinal game would not be decided in regulation and eventually went into a second overtime period. Montana started the period with the ball, and the chaos ensued after a go-ahead touchdown for the Grizzlies.
Montana dialed up a trick play with a receiver coming on a reverse taking a pitch and dropping back to throw a pass. He was immediately under heavy duress and threw up a prayer into the end zone.
The pass was nearly intercepted but careened off an NDSU defender and directly into the hands of a Montana receiver for the conversion. That play made it 31-23 in favor of the Grizzlies.
ARE YOU KIDDING???!@bergen_junior ? https://t.co/hersvwChCM pic.twitter.com/jQu73Ef3JQ
— Big Sky Conference (@BigSkyConf) December 17, 2023
The Bison scored on their ensuing possession, setting up a do-or-die 2-point try to force a third overtime period. Much like Montana, NDSU dialed up a trick play.
This time, the Bison tried a halfback pass from an odd formation, but it was doomed early on. The NDSU receiver fell in the end zone, and a Montana defender easily intercepted the pass to send Montana to the FCS finals.
INTERCEPTED!! MONTANA IS HEADED TO THE FCS CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2009!! pic.twitter.com/vVOP3PNt2H
— Video from: @TSV__1 (@TSV__1) December 17, 2023
With the win, Montana will play in the FCS championship for the first time since 2009. Meanwhile, North Dakota State was eliminated before reaching the championship for the first time since the 2020 season.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
