ATLANTA — Quarterback Davius Richard rushed for 97 yards and two touchdowns, including a 1-yard scoring jump in overtime, and North Carolina Central defeated Jackson State 41-34 in Saturday’s Celebration Bowl to bid for Coach Deion Sanders for an unbeaten season thwarting his last game with the Tigers.
The Eagles defense made a goal-line stand on Jackson State’s first overtime possession to retain the win. Tight end Hayden Hagler’s rebound to third from the 1 set up an incompletion by Jackson State quarterback Shedeur Sanders to end what was viewed as a championship by teams from historically black colleges and universities.
Sanders’ 19-yard touchdown pass to Travis Hunter after regulation time set up Alejandro Matas’ equalizer to send the game into overtime. For Sanders, who was also chasing goals, it was the fourth shot on goal of the game.
Jackson State (12-1) was denied its bid for the first undefeated season in school history. Coach Deion Sanders takes over the football program at Colorado, but initially wanted to end the season with his Tigers. Shedeur Sanders will accompany his father to Boulder.
NC Central’s 10-2 win gave the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference a 6-1 advantage over Southwestern Athletic Conference teams in the Celebration Bowl.
Latrell Collier’s 7-yard scoring run with 4:31 remaining gave NCCU the lead. The Tigers responded with a 15-play drive that included Sanders’ 10-yard fightdown pass to JD Martin.
Richard rushed for 177 yards on a touchdown and rushed for 97 yards and two points. Richard showed his versatility with a 3-yard drive for the first touchdown of the game. Richard had a 21-yard run, a 30-yard catch on a trick play, and a 5-yard scoring run that gave the Eagles a 10-0 lead.
Sanders quickly showed he had dual threat skills as well as Jackson State outplayed North Carolina Central 21-7 the rest of the half. Sanders completed 13 of 14 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns and had four carries for 34 yards with another result in the half that gave the Tigers a 21-17 lead.
A fake punt early in the second half helped the Eagles retake the lead. Tight end Kyle Morgan took the snap on the fake punt and ran 43 yards to the Jackson State 24. Richard’s 12-yard scoring pass to Quentin McCall gave North Carolina Central a 23-21 lead after Adrian Olivo missed an extra point .
Olivo’s 21-yard field goal late in the third quarter pushed the lead to five points.
COMMISH IN THE CROWD
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell attended the game to support his nephew, defenseman Charlton “Charlie” Goodell, a sophomore at Jackson State. The Younger Goodell is the son of Roger Goodell’s brother.
THE TAKE AWAY
North Carolina Central: The Eagles bet on their stronger running game. A balanced running attack, led by Richard and Collier, gave NC Central a 276-78 advantage in rushing yards.
Jackson State: The Tigers responded resiliently to an early 10-0 deficit. Sanders was key, producing as a runner and passer while leading the comeback.
NEXT
North Carolina Central: The Eagles will be aiming for back-to-back MEAC championships when they open their 2023 season at North Carolina A&T on September 3.
Jackson State: With the rise of wide receivers coach TC Taylor as the new head coach, the Tigers return to Atlanta to open the 2023 season against South Carolina State in the Cricket MEAC-SWAC Challenge.