South Carolina State University (SCSU) and Jackson State University (JSU) are set to face off in the highly anticipated Celebration Bowl, a game that will determine the HBCU national champion. Both teams have showcased exceptional talent and leadership throughout the season, guided by head coaches Chennis Berry of SCSU and T.C. Taylor of JSU. But the major question looms: Can Coach T.C. Taylor do what Coach Prime, Deion Sanders, could not?
Deion Sanders, now the head coach at the University of Colorado, led Jackson State to the Celebration Bowl twice during his tenure, but his teams fell both times to MEAC opponents, including a crushing 31-10 loss to South Carolina State in 2021. Now, T.C. Taylor, a former assistant under Sanders, has the opportunity to deliver what eluded his predecessor: a Celebration Bowl victory.
Coaching Philosophies and Preparation
Coach Chennis Berry, in his inaugural season with SCSU, has emphasized a disciplined approach centered on daily victories. “Our thing is, you know, the separation is in the preparation. We have to make sure that when we come to work, we have a mindset of going 1-0. Anybody that knows me, we just want to win the day,” Berry said. His team’s focus was clear from the outset. “In our very first team meeting, we showed a picture of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and we talked about it once and never again. After that, it was all about focusing on going 1-0 every single day.”
Similarly, Coach T.C. Taylor has led JSU with a championship-or-bust mentality. Reflecting on the team’s journey, Taylor remarked, “We’ve been talking about it all year. We wanted to get to that point and have an opportunity to play for a championship. That was our goal—to be playing in December in a game like this and have an opportunity to earn a berth in the Celebration Bowl.”
Team Mindsets
Under Berry’s leadership, the Bulldogs have adopted a humble yet hungry attitude. “When I look at our football team, I see a team that is hungry but humbled. They’re completely bought into the mission. We don’t talk about goals in this program; we talk about missions. These young men are locked and loaded, excited about the opportunity,” Berry expressed. He emphasized the importance of urgency, saying, “We talk about the urgency of now. There’s no opportunity wasted. We’re ready to go to Atlanta, Georgia, and come back to Orangeburg, South Carolina, 1-0.”
Taylor has instilled resilience in the Tigers, especially evident during challenging moments. At halftime of the SWAC Championship, he told his players, “As long as there’s football left to play, I don’t want this to be the last time we’re in these pads doing what we love.” This determination has been a hallmark of JSU’s season and sets the tone for their Celebration Bowl aspirations.
Leadership and Key Players
Leadership on both teams has been pivotal. For SCSU, players like offensive lineman Nick Taiste and linebacker Aaron Smith set the standard. Taiste, a veteran of the Bulldogs’ 2021 Celebration Bowl victory over Jackson State, brings invaluable experience. “Our leaders, like Nick Taiste and Aaron Smith, represent the standard we’ve set here. They are not just great players; they’re great human beings,” Berry said. Taiste, who played a key role in SCSU’s upset over JSU two years ago, will again be a cornerstone of the Bulldogs’ strategy.
For JSU, running back Irv Mulligan has been instrumental, providing stability and explosiveness to the Tigers’ offense. His ability to create plays will be crucial against a disciplined SCSU defense. Taylor also praised his entire team’s resilience, saying, “We’ve got a tough football team that loves playing football.”
Coaching Journeys and Mutual Respect
Both coaches share a deep respect for each other, stemming from their shared experiences in HBCU football. Berry acknowledged his relationship with Taylor, stating, “I know Coach T.C. Taylor very well; he’s going to have his football team ready.” Taylor, reflecting on his coaching journey, noted, “This is my fourth time attending the Celebration Bowl. It’s always special, and I know what it means to the players, the program, and the fans.”
Historical Context and Redemption
The matchup also carries historical weight. In 2021, Nick Taiste and the Bulldogs shocked Jackson State, then led by Coach Prime, with a 31-10 victory. That game remains a source of pride for SCSU and a painful memory for JSU. Now, with T.C. Taylor at the helm, the Tigers have a chance to rewrite the narrative. Taylor, acknowledging the stakes, said, “I’ve been here four times now, and I feel like if I keep coming, eventually I’m going to get one.”
The Question of Legacy
For Jackson State, the Celebration Bowl represents more than just another game—it’s a chance to cement their legacy. Can Taylor achieve what Sanders could not and bring home a Celebration Bowl victory? Meanwhile, Berry and South Carolina State aim to reaffirm their dominance as a MEAC powerhouse.
As the two teams prepare for battle at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, one thing is clear: the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown.
