Tigers to play for the HBCU National Championship in the Cricket Celebration Bowl

ATLANTA After leaving Mercedes-Benz Stadium about a year ago, the 2022 Jackson State University football team had one goal.

Dominate.

In the vision and vision of JSU head football coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, if the Tigers dominated, the results would take care of themselves: SWAC East Title, SWAC Championship, HBCU National Championship, 13-0.

Two of the aforementioned titles have been achieved. In Saturday’s Cricket Celebration Bowl vs. MEAC Champion North Carolina Central, the final goals can be reached for one of the most successful, electrifying and impactful eras in Southwestern Athletic Conference and HBCU football history.

GAME INFORMATION:

In the final game of the Coach Prime Era at Jackson State, the Tigers can win their first HBCU National Championship since 1996. The Tigers are 27-5 during his tenure and 23-2 over the last two seasons. JSU has won 17 straight SWAC games and 20 straight against league opponents while making its second straight Celebration Bowl appearance.

In winning its second straight SWAC title on Dec. 3, Jackson State opened the game with five straight field goals (1 FG, 4 TDs) en route to a 43-24 victory over Southern, turning three first-quarter carries into touchdowns.

Jackson State’s defense leads the FCS in seven statistical categories and ranks in the top 10 in nine overall categories: first in scoring defense (11.2 ppg), total defense (233.2 ipg), passing defense (129.4 ipg), third in scoring defense ( 25.3 %), fewest first downs allowed (159), sacks per game (3.9) and total sacks (47), third in defensive touchdowns (four) and sixth in rushing defense (103.8 ypg).

SWAC Defensive Player of the Year LB Aubrey Miller Jr. made 103 tackles (56 solo) with two sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, four quarterback hits, five pass breakups and one touchdown.

Offensively, JSU leads the SWAC and ranks in the FCS Top 15 in four categories: eighth in scoring offense (38.0 ppg), 10th in scoring offense (293.5 ipg), 14th in total offense (448.3) and seventh in completion percentage ( 690). %). The Tigers are seventh in the SWAC in rushing offense (154.8 ipg), first in first downs gained (287 / 23.9 ppg) and third in third down conversions (41.1%).

SWAC Offensive Player of the Year QB Shedeur Sanders ranks third in FCS in touchdown passes (37), fourth in scoring (252), seventh in completions (26.2), fifth in total offense (298.7 ypg) and sixth in passing yards (3,409).

The Eagles are making their second appearance in the Cricket Celebration Bowl (2016, a 10-9 loss to Grambling.) Among their big wins this season, NCCU had non-conference wins over Big South opponent North Carolina A&T (28-13) and Colonial Athletic Association opponent #18 New Hampshire ( 45-27), two teams that played in conference championship games and/or made the FCS playoffs.

Offensively, the Eagles rank 6th in the FCS in scoring (38.4 ppg) and 17th in the FCS in total offense with 442.0 ipg (237.4 passing / 16th in the FCS in rushing (204.6 ypg). NCCU leads the FCS , for 3rd loss (57 ppg). , and ranked 2nd in passing yards (70.0%) QB Davius ​​Richard (1st Team All-MEAC/MEAC Offensive POY) leads team in rushing (108 carries, 691 yards, 13 TD ) and passing (2,486 yards, 63).% comp; 14th in FCS with 24 TDs and 10 INTs.Has 3,177 total yards and 37 touchdowns.

NCCU ranks 11th in FCS in scoring defense allowing 20.1 ppg, and 17th in FCS in total defense allowing 326.1 ypg (22nd in FCS in passing defense (190.7 ypg / 135.3 rushing ypg). Eagles allow 38.2 tackles for loss and 38.2 percent tackles for loss 4. DB Khalil Baker (1st Team All-MEAC / MEAC Defensive POY) ranks second in conference with four interceptions and third on team in tackles with 51, including 2.0 tackles for loss.

NCCU alumnus Trei Oliver is in his third season as head coach. The former defensive back and linebacker has led the Eagles to back-to-back winning seasons (4-8 in 2019, 6-5 in 2021, 9-2 in 2022).