BOZEMAN, Mont. — The dream season for the University of South Dakota football team came to a close on Saturday.
Montana State snapped a 14-all tie midway through the second quarter and the No. 1 seed Bobcats never looked back in a 31-17 win at Bobcat Stadium in the NCAA FCS semifinals on Saturday.
After a 14-all tie in the second quarter, the Bobcats scored the next 17 points to control the game and return to the national championship game for the first time since 2021.
Joey Lombard points to a group of USD fans following a touchdown in an FCS Playoff Semifinal game between USD and Montana State in Bozeman, Montana on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024.
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South Dakota quarterback Aidan Bouman follows through on a pass during an FCS playoff semifinal college football game on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, Montana.
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From left, South Dakota quarterback Aidan Bouman gives directions to center Joey Lombard and linemen Jordan Larsen and Joe Cotton during an FCS playoff semifinal college football game on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, Montana.
Nathan Swaffar / Mitchell Republic
The Coyotes season ends at 11-3, the most in an FCS season since USD joined Division I in 2008.
South Dakota kicker Zeke Mata kicks off during an FCS playoff semifinal college football game on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, Montana.
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South Dakota defensive back Teven McKelvey prepares for a play during an FCS playoff semifinal college football game on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, Montana.
Nathan Swaffar / Mitchell Republic
South Dakota wide receiver Quaron Adams runs with the ball after the catch while Montana State cornerback Simeon Woodward gives chase during an FCS playoff semifinal college football game on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, Montana.
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South Dakota running back Charles Pierre Jr. carries the football down the sideline during an FCS playoff semifinal college football game on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, Montana.
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South Dakota defensive end Mi'Quese Grace lines up on defense during an FCS playoff semifinal college football game on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, Montana.
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Dennis Shorter pushes Tommy Mellott out of bounds in an FCS Playoff Semifinal game between USD and Montana State in Bozeman, Montana on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024.
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Carter Bell attempts to juke a defender in an FCS Playoff Semifinal game between USD and Montana State in Bozeman, Montana on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024.
Nathan Swaffar / Mitchell Republic
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott scrambles with the ball during an FCS playoff semifinal college football game on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, Montana.
Nathan Swaffar / Mitchell Republic
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Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Nathan Swaffar is a sports reporter for the Mitchell Republic. He joined the Mitchell Republic in July 2024 after graduating from the University of Kansas in May of 2024 with a degree in journalism and a minor in history. He covers a variety of prep and collegiate sports throughout South Dakota including USD Football.
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