Jackson State and North Carolina Central have taken different routes to get to the Cricket Celebration Bowl. In what could be perceived as the proverbial flash versus substance matchup, this will be the first time that both participants will be returning to the game without winning it previously.
The heavily favored JSU Tigers (14.5-point favorites on BetMGM), with their roster constructed by FBS transfers, top-tier recruits, and led by pro football hall of fame head coach Deion Sanders — that has an overall coaching record of 26-3 — will face NC Central. Led by fourth-year head coach and NCCU alum Trei Oliver, the Eagles have transcended from a sub-.500 program to conference champs with players that have steadily improved under his coaching philosophy.
Both programs will be looking to redeem themselves after past Celebration Bowl failures. Last December, JSU was unexpectedly mollywhopped by 6-5 SC State, while NCCU has been haunted by the specter of a late-game blocked extra-point attempt in their 2016 one-point loss to Grambling State.
Will JSU, despite all of its potential off-the-field distractions, become the second team in the Celebration Bowl-era to finish their season undefeated, or will NCCU improve the MEAC’s Celebration Bowl record to 6-1 against the SWAC?
#5 Jackson State Tigers (12-0, 8-0 SWAC) vs. #21 North Carolina Central (9-2, 4-1 MEAC), Saturday, Noon (ABC)
When North Carolina Central Has the Ball
Players to watch:
Eagles: QB Davius Richard, RB Latrell Collier, RB J’mari Taylor, WR EJ Hicks
Tigers: LB Aubrey Miller Jr., DL Justin Ragin, DB Travis Hunter, S Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig
Seven. That’s the number of times the Eagles have scored 40 or more points this season. Led by Richard (3,177 Total Off. Yards; 37 Total TDs, 10 INTs), the 2022 MEAC Offensive Player of the Year, and Collier (1,103 All-Purpose Yards; 7 Total TDs), NCCU’s offense ranks sixth in the nation (FCS) in scoring, averaging 38.4 points per game.
With their balanced offense (Run: 2,251 yards, 31 TDs; Pass: 2611 yards, 25 TDs), NCCU will face its stiffest test of the season in the nation’s best defense in points allowed (11.25 PPG), yards allowed (233.2 YPG), and team passing efficiency (81.22).
Third downs will be key for NCCU in this matchup. The Eagles lead the nation in third down conversions, with a success rate of 57.3%, while the Tigers rank first in FCS in third down conversion defense, holding opponents to 25.3% on third downs while allowing 159 total first downs, also tops in the nation.
When Jackson State Has the Ball
Players to watch:
Tigers: QB Shedeur Sanders, RB Sy’veon Wilkerson, WR Shane Hooks, WR Dallas Daniels
Eagles: DB Manny Smith, DB Khalil Baker, LB Jaki Brevard, LB Max U’Ren
Last week, Coach Sanders indicated that his offense needed to find ways to get their explosive players the ball if they wanted to win back-to-back SWAC Championships. They did just that, scoring 26 unanswered points in the 1st Quarter en route to their 43-24 beat down of Southern. Averaging 38.0 points per game this year, it was the first time that the Tigers have scored 40 or more in a game since Nov. 5.
For the eighth time this season, Sanders (3,403 Passing Yards; 41 Total TDs, 6 INTs), the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year, was responsible for scoring at least four of the offensive touchdowns for JSU, connecting with Hooks for five receptions, 104 yards, and 2 touchdowns.
The Tigers’ tenth-ranked ariel attack (293.4 pass yards per game, 38 touchdowns) will face a stingy Eagles defense that allows 20.4 points per game (T-11th nationally), 190.7 passing yards allowed per game (22nd nationally) and ranks first overall in red zone defense.
Prediction
For a second consecutive season, the headlines have focused on the heavy favored Tigers, their undefeated season, and Deion Sanders’ subsequent departure from the program.
But thanks to SC State’s 2021 Celebration Bowl victory and NC Central defeating quality opponents this season (#16 New Hampshire and North Carolina A&T), some believe that the Eagles have a chance at upsetting JSU.
And let’s not forget about the “Boulder” in the room. Coach Sanders has spent a lot of time in Colorado after winning the SWAC Title on Dec. 3. Will that be a distraction? I doubt it.
JSU has been focused on dominating every opponent this season, addressing all of their shortcomings in the 2021 Celebration Bowl. Most notably in their kicking game.
Last year, JSU kickers were a combined 3-for-11 on field-goal attempts. This season, freshman kicker Alejandro Mata is 11-for-12 in field goal attempts and 47-for-48 on PATs.
Look for the Buford, Ga, native to kick the game-winning field goal in his homecoming.
Tigers 31, Eagles 28
