#1 NDSU Falls, Cats and Griz Fans Roar in Bozeman and Missoula

I wasn't at Griz stadium. I wasn't at Bobcat Stadium. I was at a wrestling tournament in Polson on Saturday, but I can only imagine the crowd reaction both stadiums as both the Montana Grizzlies and Montana State Bobcat fans got the news that the #1 ranked North Dakota State Bison fell.

I couldn't believe it when the hosts of the Owen Invitational Wrestling Tournament announced the final score over the loud speaker in Polson. Wait, did the unranked Illinois State just defeat the #1 NDSU Bison on home turf? Yep.

That means the number 1 team for the FCS playoffs is OUT and the national championship is WIDE OPEN for the #2 Bobcats and the #3 Grizzlies. Both teams could meet again on December 20th for another Cat-Griz game in the semifinals if both teams win this coming Saturday. If ever there were a shot for a Montana team to win the national championship- this is it.

I shared the score on social media- including the "Montanica!" Facebook page. I also added, "Would be great to see the reaction when these results were shared inside Griz and Bobcat stadiums."

Here's some of the responses:

Abby: The entire stadium erupted, we were on offense and half the Bobcats on the field had to start pumping their arms in the air in a "take it down/be quiet" gesture

Teresa: A Cat student had NDSU LOST showing on their phone and the cameraman put it on the big screen. Crowd went nuts!

Robin: Oh it was crazy when they announced it in WA-Griz stadium

Karli: Last time neither NDSU or SDSU was playing in the Natty...I think it's been a decade.

Dillon: Illinois state threw 5 interceptions and still won. Insane.