Stephen F. Austin’s Playoff Run Ends: Montana State Prevails in High-Stakes FCS Quarterfinal

Montana State Outpaces Stephen F. Austin in FCS Quarterfinal Showdown

On a crisp December evening in Bozeman, Montana, the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks saw their remarkable postseason run come to an end at the hands of the Montana State Bobcats. In a game that combined explosive offense with the tension of playoff football, Montana State emerged victorious, 44-28, securing a berth in the FCS national semifinals and putting a halt to Stephen F. Austin’s eight-game winning streak (ESPN, Fox Sports).

A Fast Start and a Fierce Response

Montana State wasted no time setting the tone. On their first possession, Adam Jones punched in a 1-yard touchdown, capping a methodical 65-yard drive. The Bobcats kept the pressure on throughout the first half, scoring on six of their first eight drives. Quarterback Justin Lamson was in command, tossing two touchdown passes—one to Jones for 21 yards and another to Luvens Valcin for three—helping Montana State build a daunting 24-0 lead by the midpoint of the second quarter.

Stephen F. Austin, however, was not content to let the game slip away quietly. With only seconds left in the first half, quarterback Sam Vidlak engineered a rapid 75-yard drive, finding Clayton Wayland for an 11-yard touchdown and converting a two-point play to cut the deficit to 24-8. That flash of resilience hinted at the fight still left in the Lumberjacks.

Momentum Shifts and Standout Performances

The third quarter was a showcase of determination. Jaylen Jenkins found the end zone twice for Stephen F. Austin, first with a 5-yard run and later with a 6-yard dash, helping his team narrow the gap to 34-21. But Montana State always had an answer—whether it was a timely field goal from Myles Sansted or Lamson’s own rushing touchdown. Each time the Lumberjacks threatened, the Bobcats restored control.

Adam Jones proved to be the difference-maker. His 16-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter dashed any hopes of a Stephen F. Austin comeback, and Sansted’s field goal late in the game sealed the win. Jones finished with 114 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Lamson contributed both through the air and on the ground, showing why Montana State’s offense had been so formidable all season (ESPN).

Season Reflections: Stephen F. Austin’s Journey

Despite the loss, the Lumberjacks’ 2025 campaign deserves recognition. They finished with an 11-3 record and a perfect 8-0 mark in Southland Conference play, a testament to their consistency and competitive fire. Their offense, led by Jenkins and Vidlak, delivered some of the most dynamic performances in the conference, including a 62-14 blowout over Northwestern State and a 50-3 rout of Houston Christian. The quarterfinal game marked only their third loss of the season, and they became just the second FCS team to score more than 17 points against Montana State in regulation.

Key players stepped up when it mattered. Jenkins ran for 96 yards on 17 carries in the quarterfinal, adding two scores to his season tally. Vidlak’s poise under pressure and Wayland’s clutch receptions embodied the team’s never-quit attitude, even as the clock worked against them in Bozeman.

Montana State’s Semifinal Prospects

With the win, Montana State improved to 12-2 and advanced to face the winner of Montana vs. South Dakota in the semifinals. Their ability to score consistently and control possession (35:28 to Stephen F. Austin’s 24:32) made them a formidable opponent, and the Bobcats’ defense—despite surrendering 28 points—held firm when it mattered most. The game in Bozeman drew nearly 20,000 fans, a testament to the passion surrounding FCS playoff football and the stakes involved at this stage of the season (Fox Sports).

What Lies Ahead for Stephen F. Austin?

As the Lumberjacks turn the page on 2025, their season will be remembered for its highs: an undefeated conference run, a string of dominant wins, and the ability to push one of the nation’s best teams deep into the fourth quarter. For head coach and players alike, this loss will sting, but it also sets a standard for future teams—a reminder that Stephen F. Austin can compete with the best and that their pursuit of a national title remains very much alive.

In the landscape of college football, progress is rarely linear. The Lumberjacks’ journey from early-season setbacks to playoff contention illustrates the unpredictable nature of the sport, where resilience, teamwork, and the ability to seize momentum define success. Bozeman may have marked the end of their 2025 run, but it also signaled the beginning of new aspirations and the promise of seasons yet to come.

Stephen F. Austin’s exit from the FCS playoffs was not just the end of a season—it was the culmination of a year marked by growth, adversity, and the kind of competitive spirit that keeps college football fans coming back for more. The Lumberjacks proved they belong among the elite, and the lessons learned in Bozeman will fuel their next chapter.