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James Madison's jump, North Dakota State's reign and the FBS vs. FCS conundrum

The last matchup of the series was one of the best.

North Dakota State took a 20-14 lead over James Madison early in the fourth quarter in December's FCS semifinals, then held on for dear life as the Dukes charged back late. Destin Talbert picked off a Cole Johnson pass in the end zone with about three minutes left, and the Bison advanced. They then romped over Montana State 38-10 in the final to claim their ninth national title in the last 11 seasons.

That NDSU's stiffest title test came from JMU was no surprise.