Was Alabama snubbed after being left out of CFP?
The College Football Playoff committee chose SMU over Alabama, leaving the Crimson Tide out of the hunt for the championship.
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For the second time in four seasons, MEAC champion South Carolina State and SWAC champion Jackson State will face off in the Celebration Bowl. Last time out, South Carolina State got the better of Jackson State 31-10. The Bulldogs held then-Jackson State quarterback Shedeur Sanders to 16-of-36 passing, only 175 yards, one touchdown, and even forced two interceptions out of him.
That said, both of these teams have changed drastically since then. Both have new head coaches and, most notably, South Carolina State now boasts a 9-2 record compared to 6-5 heading into their matchup in 2021.
South Carolina State’s first-year head coach Chennis Berry has found success at the FCS level after jumping over from Division II school Benedict. Still, perhaps the pressure of a bowl game could poke some holes in Berry’s game plan. Here’s everything to know about this year’s Celebration Bowl.
South Carolina State vs. Jackson State, Celebration Bowl predictions:
Shane Shoemaker, ClutchPoints: Jackson State 41, South Carolina State 28
Shoemaker writes, “We’ll go with the SWAC champions on this one, who outscored their opponents 316-127 this season.”
Pete Fiutak, College Football News: Jackson State 27, South Carolina State 24
Fiutak writes, “Jackson State isn’t as good as it was in the Coach Prime era, but those 2021 and 2022 teams both lost. Both teams are explosive, both have a terrific defense, but Jackson State has a bit more power to go with the flash.”
Gene Clemons, The Analyst: South Carolina State 34, Jackson State 17
Clemons writes, “South Carolina State will have had three weeks since its last game on Nov. 23 to rest and prepare for the HBCU national championship game, while Jackson State 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.”
South Carolina State vs. Jackson State, Celebration Bowl odds:
The Jackson State Tigers are favorites to defeat the South Carolina State Bulldogs, according to BetMGM NCAA odds. Not interested in this game? Check out expert picks and best bets for every bowl game.
Odds as of Wednesday, Dec. 11:
- Spread: Jackson State (-1.5)
- Moneyline: Jackson State (-120); South Carolina State (+100)
- Over/under: 54.5
How to watch South Carolina State vs. Jackson State, Celebration Bowl:
- Date: Saturday, December 14
- Time: 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
- TV: ABC
- Stream: Fubo
Stream college bowl games with a Fubo subscription
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