It’s still hard for me to believe that Montana State reached the Football Championship Subdivision title game in my first season covering the team. The Bobcats lost the game by 28 points, but that hardly ruined the experience. The run provided some of the best memories and stories of my sportswriting career.

Below are my favorite articles I wrote leading up to the game, plus the game story from the championship.

Montana State advances to first FCS title game since 1984 with win over South Dakota State

Notebook: Montana State provides window into Tommy Mellott’s rise; injured Bobcats could return in FCS title game

Montana State’s limited FCS title game tickets sell fast

Stepmother’s scary accident puts life into perspective for Montana State’s Brody Grebe

COVID-19 prompts caution for Montana State, North Dakota State as FCS title game nears

Break helping Montana State, North Dakota State get close to full strength for FCS title game

Montana State great Sonny Holland sees similarities between 2021 and 1976 Bobcats

‘All Montanans now’: Led by homegrown stars, Montana State on precipice of national title

Retired sportswriters reflect on Montana State’s 1976, 1984 national title runs

Q&A: Montana State 1984 standout Doug Kimball ready to ‘pass the torch’

Five things to watch: Montana State vs. North Dakota State in FCS championship

Montana State suffers lopsided FCS championship loss to North Dakota State