By Garin Turner
The college football postseason officially kicks off Saturday at noon ET on ABC as South Carolina State (9–3) and Prairie View A&M (10–3) square off in the Cricket Celebration Bowl for the HBCU National Championship. Both teams arrive in Atlanta holding conference titles, long winning streaks, and a chance to finish their seasons as champions on the biggest HBCU stage in the sport.
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How Each Team Got Here
South Carolina State (MEAC Champion)
The Bulldogs’ season has been a true turnaround story. After edging Wofford 16–15 in their opener, South Carolina State dropped three of their next four — including losses to South Carolina, USF, and Charleston Southern. Sitting at 2–3, their season hung in the balance.
Then everything flipped.
The Bulldogs ripped off seven straight wins to close the regular season, claiming the MEAC Championship and returning to the Celebration Bowl with momentum and confidence. South Carolina State enters looking to complete an eight-game winning streak and repeat as HBCU National Champions.
Prairie View A&M (SWAC Champion)
Prairie View A&M’s season opened on uneven footing. A narrow win over Texas Southern was followed by losses to UT Rio Grande and Rice, leaving the Panthers at 1–2.
Like South Carolina State, the Panthers responded with urgency.
Prairie View A&M strung together five straight victories, briefly stumbled against Alabama State, then finished the season with four consecutive wins, securing the SWAC title and punching their ticket to Atlanta. Their offense has been consistently explosive, and they enter the championship averaging over 32 points per game.
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Inside the Celebration Bowl Matchup
This year’s Cricket Celebration Bowl brings two well-matched, high-scoring teams into a heavyweight collision.
South Carolina State
The Bulldogs average 31.3 points per game and convert an impressive 48% on third down, a key component of their late-season surge.
Prairie View A&M
The Panthers put up 32 points per game and convert 41% on third down, leaning on balance and efficiency to control game flow.
Both teams have elite playmakers, disciplined defenses, and quarterbacks capable of taking over the game. Expect a physical, emotionally charged matchup befitting a national championship.
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South Carolina State Statistical Leaders
Passing
William Atkins IV: 162/260 • 2,274 yards • 16 TD • 4 INT
Rushing
Tyler Smith: 104 carries • 490 yards • 5 TD
Receiving
Jordan Smith: 50 receptions • 748 yards • 6 TD
Defense
Tackles: Jordan Franklin (55), Malik Harp (55)
Sacks: Mike Lunz (8.5)
Interceptions: Franklin (2), Jones (2), Levine (2), Washington (2)
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Prairie View A&M Statistical Leaders
Passing
Cameron Peters: 160/253 • 2,367 yards • 17 TD • 7 INT
Rushing
Chase Bingmon: 148 carries • 847 yards • 8 TD
Receiving
Jyzaiah Rockwell: 66 receptions • 1,055 yards • 6 TD
Defense
Tackles: Travor Randle (89)
Sacks: Kennedy Parker (3.5)
Interceptions: Amao (3), Randle (3)
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Prediction
Both teams enter with firepower, discipline, and confidence — but Prairie View A&M has been the more consistent team late in games. In what should be a back-and-forth battle with explosive scoring on both sides, the Panthers edge out the Bulldogs to claim the HBCU National Championship.
Prediction: Prairie View A&M 35, South Carolina State 31
