Stats Perform is bringing a greater spotlight to athletes, students and stories at Historically Black Colleges and Universities through a partnership with Urban Edge Network. The season-long coverage has made its way to the 2024 Celebration Bowl.
For the second time in the past four seasons, MEAC champion South Carolina State and SWAC champion Jackson State will square off in the Celebration Bowl, which is considered the HBCU national championship game.
For SCSU’s Chennis Berry and JSU’s TC Taylor, it’s their first time leading a team to the Celebration Bowl as a head coach.
It’s extra special for Taylor and perhaps even more motivating because he’s leading his alma mater. He was an assistant coach on the 2021 Jackson State team that was a heavy favorite to win against South Carolina State in the Celebration Bowl, only to be dominated 31-10 by an opponent that entered with just a 6-5 record. He also made the trip to Atlanta the following season with an undefeated JSU squad that again was led by coach Deion Sanders, but they lost to North Carolina Central in a 41-34, overtime shootout.
Taylor is seeking to finish the job this time. His Tigers (11-2) play with a more physical style than SCSU, and the former quarterback and receivers coach has relied on a dominating rushing attack. They bring a nine-game winning streak into the Celebration Bowl.
Berry is the first-year coach at South Carolina State, and quarterback Eric Phoenix and some other transfers played for him at Division II Benedict. They’ve enjoyed success on the FCS level, blending well with players from former coach Buddy Pough’s tenure.
Since a 1-2 start, the Bulldogs (9-2) have found their footing and confidence during an eight-game winning streak.
Celebration Bowl
MEAC Champ South Carolina State (9-2) vs. SWAC Champ Jackson State (11-2)
Kickoff – Noon ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta (ABC)
Series – Tied 1-1 (last meeting: Jackson State won 37-7 on Aug. 26, 2023 in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge at Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
Coaches – South Carolina State: Chennis Berry (9-2, first season; 36-9 overall); Jackson State: TC Taylor (18-6, second season)
3 Players to Watch – South Carolina State: QB Eric Phoenix (170 of 261, 2,460 yards, 20 TDs, 7 INTs; MEAC Offensive Player of the Year, recipient of the inaugural HBCU+ National Player of the Year Award), WR Caden High (58 receptions, 892 yards, 7 TDs – all highs in the MEAC; first-team All-MEAC), DL Ashaad Hall (40 tackles, MEAC-high 11 sacks, 3 forced fumbles; first-team All-MEAC); Jackson State: RB Irv Mulligan (180 carries, 1,174 yards, 11 TDs; SWAC Offensive Player of the Year tops conference in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns), RB Travis Terrell Jr. (1,377 all-purpose yards, 6 TDs; SWAC Freshman of the Year and first-team All-SWAC return specialist), DE Joshua Nobles (56 tackles, 10 sacks, 3 FF, 7 QB hurries; first-team All-SWAC)
Notable – These two teams have met only at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, splitting two matchups that were dominant wins. Styles make fights, and this will be a game of distinct styles. The Bulldogs get it done through the air, but they’re not afraid to run the ball. The Tigers run the ball, but aren’t hesitant to pass it. The question becomes, which defense will make the opposition turn to its secondary strength more often? The matchup appears to be a toss-up because both teams have been so good this season. This is where it seems the MEAC champ has the advantage over the SWAC champ: SCSU will have had three weeks since its last game on Nov. 23 to rest and prepare for the HBCU national championship game, while JSU played in (and won) the SWAC conference championship game this past Saturday. It’s also difficult to get up emotionally for consecutive championship games in consecutive weeks. Mix that with a South Carolina State roster full of seniors, and it will be too much for the Tigers to overcome.
Prediction – South Carolina State 34, Jackson State 17
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