In a rematch of the 2021 Celebration Bowl, South Carolina State University will face off against Jackson State University for the Black college national championship.
South Carolina State is making its second appearance in the game. The Bulldogs’ 9-2 overall finish this season is their first winning season since 2021, when they won the Celebration Bowl by defeating Jackson State 31-10. South Carolina State will represent the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, which is 6-2 in Celebration Bowl play. The team earned its berth by defeating Morgan State University 54-7 on Nov. 16.
Jackson State, which represents the Southwestern Athletic Conference, recorded an 11-2 record overall this season. The Tigers earned their third Celebration Bowl berth in four years by defeating Southern University 41-13 on Dec. 7 in the SWAC championship game.
This year’s game will be broadcast live at noon EST Saturday on ABC from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Here’s a look at both teams by the numbers.
South Carolina State University
– First-year coach Chennis Berry was named MEAC Coach of the Year for leading the Bulldogs back to the Celebration Bowl.
– South Carolina State, which finished the regular season ranked 18th in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll, recorded its first nine-win season since 2013.
– The Bulldogs ranked first in total offense in the MEAC, scoring the most touchdowns (49). The Bulldogs are also averaging the most yards per game (426.5) in the MEAC and rank in the top 20 in the FCS in total offense.
– South Carolina State ranks eighth in the FCS in total defense, allowing 4.85 yards per play, and the Bulldogs are ranked No. 13 in the FCS in third-down conversion percentage defense.
– After going undefeated in MEAC play, the Bulldogs are tied for ninth in the FCS for winning percentage (.818) on the season.
– Seventeen players on South Carolina State’s roster earned All-MEAC honors. Twelve made the All-MEAC First Team.
Players to watch
– Quarterback Eric Phoenix led the MEAC in passing yards (2,469) and touchdowns (20). On Tuesday, he was named MEAC Offensive Player of the Year.
– Wide receiver Caden High, an All-MEAC First-Team selection, led the MEAC in receptions (58), receiving yards (892) and receiving touchdowns (seven).
– Offensive lineman Nick Taiste won MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Year and helped the Bulldogs rush for 1,690 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Jackson State University
– Led by coach T.C. Taylor, Jackson State won its third SWAC title in four years.
– Jackson State is 0-2 in the Celebration Bowl after losing in 2021 to South Carolina State and in 2022 to North Carolina Central University.
– Jackson State finished the regular season ranked 15th in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll. After going undefeated in SWAC play, the Tigers are tied for second in the FCS for winning percentage (.846) on the season.
– Jackson State is ranked in the top 10 in both scoring offense and defense in the FCS. The Tigers are ranked No. 5 in the FCS in scoring offense, averaging 37.1 points per game, and No. 10 in scoring defense, giving up only 17.92 points per game. In the SWAC the Tigers had the No. 1 scoring offense and the No. 2 scoring defense.
– The Tigers are ranked No. 11 in the FCS in third-down conversion percentage defense. On offense, the Tigers are ranked fifth in the FCS for fourth-down conversion percentage (.750).
– Jackson State led the conference with 11 players earning All-SWAC honors. Six made the All-SWAC First Team.
Players to watch
– Running back Irv Mulligan led the SWAC in rushing yards (1,174) and rushing yards per game (106.7). He’s tied with Alcorn State’s Xzavier Vaughn for most rushing touchdowns (11).
– Defensive back Ke’Vric Wiggins Jr., an All-SWAC First-Team selection, ranks third in the SWAC for pass breakups (nine).
– Defensive lineman Joshua Nobles, an All-SWAC First-Team selection, compiled 56 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.
Leave a Reply