Lamson leads Montana State to championship

Justin Lamson is at his third college, and he's finally found a home. Things didn't work out when the 2021 Oak Ridge graduate went to Syracuse and the same for his two-year stay at Stanford, but he's found a perfect fit at Montana State. In fact, Lamson led the Bobcats to a 14-2 record and a FCS Championship in college football's second-highest tier, as Montana State defeated Illinois State, 35-34 in overtime, on Jan. 6 in Nashville. Lamson was named the Most Outstanding Player of the game, as the quarterback completed 18-of-27 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns and also scored two touchdowns running the ball. In overtime, Lamson also threw the game-winning touchdown on fourth-and-10 at the 14-yard line, as Lamson hooked up with Taco Dowler to tie the game. Myles Sansted's extra point gave the Bobcats the win. "I give our offensive coordinator Pete Sterbick credit because he saw something with that play," Lamson said. "It was a corner route and it was an inside-out read and I saw the leverage." Lamson was named the game's Most Outstanding Player. "I didn't even know they had that award," Lamson said. "It was awesome. I was pretty fired up." More important than the individual award was the National Championship, Montana State's first since 1984. After losing their first two games of the season, the Bobcats won 14 straight games. Most of the games were not close, save for three: a 31-28 win over archrival Montana in the regular-season finale, a 21-13 win over Yale in the first round of the playoffs and the championship win over Illinois State. "I just think the culture that Coach Vigen created there, even before I got there, there were a bunch of guys who cared about winning," Lamson said. "You obviously have to have players who can play, but it takes so many people at the college level to be successful. Lamson had an outstanding season. He completed 72 percent of his passes and threw for 2,892 yards and 24 touchdowns against only three interceptions. Lamson also rushed for 704 yards and scored 14 touchdowns. "I was really happy with the way I played," Lamson said. "I prepared really hard each week and I didn't take a week off. It kind of all worked out. I've been through some adversity and I'm happy with the way it turned out. You can't ask for more than a national championship. "It's been a crazy journey, but it all worked out. I'm thankful for the opportunity to play at Montana State. I've had some ups and downs but I'm happy where I'm at. I loved both Syracuse and Stanford, but the football fit wasn't right for me. I just didn't get what I wanted out of it. I didn't play well enough and it wasn't the right situation for me." Lamson, who at 23 years old called himself the old guy, still has one year of eligibility left and he's looking forward to it. He's looking to make another run at a national championship next year and then maybe possibly a professional career. "We're going to try to find a way to build off of this season," Lamson said. "We're a young team and only graduating nine seniors. We've got to look to see where and how we can improve. "I would like to make it to the pros. I had a CFL team claim my rights, whatever that means. I hadn't really thought about it much but lately more people are bringing up the possibility of playing in the pros. It's a definite possibility. I'd be interested in playing overseas (or in Canada) if I don't make it in the NFL. I'd be fortunate to have the opportunity."