This game has been a blast over the years.
Last year Florida A&M won a thriller over Howard. Coach Prime’s Jackson State team – with Shedeur and Travis – couldn’t keep up in a loss to North Carolina Central two years ago, and that was after getting flattened by South Carolina State the year before.
Six of the eight Celebration Bowls have been decided by one score, the other two were interesting, and this was should be just as much fun.
South Carolina State got over a 1-2 start to barrel through the rest of its schedule to win the MEAC thanks to a 24-21 win over North Carolina Central back on Halloween. Jackson State had no trouble rolling through the SWAC, winning it by three games to get here.
Jackson State vs South Carolina State: How to Watch the Cricket Celebration Bowl, and Game Preview
Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Game Time: 12:00 pm ET
How To Watch: ABC
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Teams: Jackson State (11-2), South Carolina State (9-2)
Why South Carolina State Will Win
How are you going to beat Jackson State and their powerful offence? You win most of the time in a battle for possession by pounding away.
The Tigers’ secondary is too strong, and the Bulldogs’ passing game is what keeps them going. In this game, though, start running and keep pounding away.
How did Jackson State lose to ULM to begin the season? It gave up more than 200 yards on the ground and could not take charge of the game. In what way did it lose to Grambling? There were a lot of turnovers and issues with the pass rush.
In the FCS, South Carolina State has the best pass rush. It also has some of the best takeaways in the country.
Why Jackson State Will Win
Here comes the Tiger offense.
The passing game is efficient and explosive, but it’s the running of Irv Mulligan and Travis Terrell that takes over games. This attack rips off yards in chunks, the quarterbacks can push the ball down the field as well as take off and make the big play, and again, that defense is dangerous.
Jackson State is fifth in the nation in total defense, it holds up great against decent passing teams, and as long as there aren’t a lot of mistakes, this team forces you to play at its pace and few can keep up. But …
Jackson State vs South Carolina State: Who Will Win?
The front line defence for South Carolina State is strong and will get into the Jackson State backfield.
The Tigers will make some big plays, but the Bulldogs’ defensive front will keep them off the field long enough for the offence to see how it works. Jackson State will give the ball away no matter how well it does other things. A few interceptions will be important.
The defence for South Carolina State will hold up in the end of a fun game.
Jackson State vs South Carolina State Cricket Celebration Bowl Prediction, Betting Lines
Prediction: South Carolina State 27, Jackson State 24
Line: Jackson State -1.5, o/u: 54.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Must See Rating: 4.5
