The South Carolina State Bulldogs haven’t taken the field since Nov. 23, while the Jackson State Tigers are riding high after claiming the SWAC championship on Dec. 7. So, which team has the edge heading into the de facto HBCU national championship, pitting the top squads from the SWAC and MEAC against each other?
Who will emerge victorious? Our Jackson State vs. South Carolina State prediction dives into everything you need to know — from the latest betting odds to what’s on the line for both teams as they battle for the HBCU national title.
Jackson State vs. South Carolina State Celebration Bowl Betting Preview
All Jackson State vs. South Carolina State odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024.
- Spread
South Carolina State -2.5 - Moneyline
South Carolina State -135, Jackson State +110 - Over/Under
54.5 points - Game Time
Noon ET, Saturday, Dec. 14 - Location
Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta - Predicted Weather at Kick
42 degrees, 8 mph winds, mostly cloudy - How To Watch
ABC
The Tigers had been favored in all but one game this year (Week 1 vs. FBS-level UL-Monroe Warhawks), and they’ve been profitable. In their last eight contests, they’ve gone 7-1 against the spread.
Total-wise, Jackson State games have gone over in nine of 12, with the under cashing just once at home.
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South Carolina State is riding an eight-game win streak straight up and would likely be 8-0 ATS were it not for the bout with DII Fort Valley State not having a line.
This line opened with Jackson State as a slight favorite but closed with South Carolina State pushing to nearly a field goal favorite.
Prediction for Jackson State vs. South Carolina State
While SC State’s rest advantage is worth mentioning—especially considering the MEAC, which skips a conference championship game, holds a 6-2 edge over the SWAC in the Celebration Bowl—JSU’s momentum is undeniable following a dominant 41-13 conference title victory over Southern.
And let’s face it, head coach T.C. Taylor is overdue for a win.
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Taylor has been on the sidelines for three Celebration Bowls—first in 2016 as an assistant under then-North Carolina Central head coach Jerry Mack and later in 2021-22 under Deion Sanders with Jackson State—but he’s yet to taste victory.
His Tigers lost the 2022 edition of this game to South Carolina State 31-10. It’s time for payback.
Starting QB Jacobian Morgan missed the second half against Southern last week due to injury, but backup Zy McDonald stepped in seamlessly, leading back-to-back touchdown drives. Still, JSU needs Morgan healthy and under center against an SC State team boasting its own capable passer in Eric Phoenix.
That said, I’m giving the edge to Morgan. He gets the ball out quickly and consistently avoids turning pressures into sacks—a critical skill on this stage. Plus, he’s supported by 1,000-yard rusher Irv Mulligan in the backfield, while SC State leans on more of a committee approach.
But that’s just the backdrop—let’s dive into the numbers.
SC State’s defense has tied for the fifth-most touchdowns this year (4) and leads the FCS in sacks per game (3.27). However, Jackson State isn’t your typical SWAC opponent.
The Tigers lead the nation in red-zone efficiency (89.0%) and rushing offense (216.5 yards per game), powering a top-five scoring attack (37.1 points per game, fifth). While the Bulldogs aren’t far behind at 35.5 ppg (12th), Taylor’s Tigers have the scheme, talent, and momentum to claim their first outright HBCU national title since 1996.
Prediction: Jackson State 41, South Carolina State 34
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