The 2024 Celebration Bowl delivered a spectacular clash between South Carolina State University (SCSU) and Jackson State University (JSU), with the latter emerging as HBCU national champions in a decisive 28-7 victory. This game was more than a battle for a trophy—it was a culmination of narratives, redemption arcs, and statements of dominance that will echo through the annals of HBCU football history.
Coming into the game, the storyline seemed almost poetic. South Carolina State, a team with a storied history of upsetting giants, entered the Mercedes-Benz Stadium as favorites. With a dominant 9-2 season that included blowout wins such as a 69-35 rout of Delaware State and a 54-7 demolition of Morgan State, SCSU claimed the MEAC title with authority. Head Coach Chennis Berry, in his inaugural season, had transformed the Bulldogs into a disciplined, mission-driven squad. “We’re humble but hungry,” Berry said pre-game. “This team is completely bought into the mission. We don’t waste opportunities, and we’re ready to bring the trophy back to Orangeburg.” On the other side, Jackson State came into the Celebration Bowl as underdogs for the first time in years. With a 10-2 record and a SWAC Championship win over Southern, the Tigers were led by first-year Head Coach T.C. Taylor, a man charged with delivering what Deion Sanders could not: a Celebration Bowl victory. “We’ve been talking about this all year,” Taylor said. “We wanted to be playing in December with an opportunity to win it all.”
The game began with high stakes and even higher tensions. South Carolina State, known for their physicality, struggled early to find rhythm against Jackson State’s stifling defense. The Tigers controlled the trenches, a point of emphasis for Coach Taylor all week. “We talked about controlling the trenches,” Taylor said post-game. “Our offensive line went out there and executed their butts off.” Running back Irv Mulligan epitomized this dominance. Mulligan, who rushed for 71 yards and two touchdowns, credited his performance to the offensive line. “It starts in the trenches,” Mulligan said. “We’ve got three guys going to the HBCU Legacy Bowl, and their work speaks for itself.” Quarterback Jacobian Morgan added two touchdown passes to Joanes Fortilien, the latter a decisive fourth-quarter strike that sealed the game. “The defense expected a run, but we trusted our best receiver to make the play,” Morgan said. Meanwhile, the Jackson State defense delivered a masterclass, holding SCSU to just 30 rushing yards and forcing two interceptions. Defensive lineman Jeremiah Williams emphasized the preparation that led to their success. “We won this game in the summer,” he said. “It was all about hard work and extra preparation.”
For Jackson State, this victory was about more than just a trophy. It was redemption for past heartbreaks, including their 31-10 loss to South Carolina State in the 2021 Celebration Bowl under Coach Prime. T.C. Taylor, who served as an assistant coach during that game, carried the weight of that loss into this year’s matchup. “I’ve been here four times now, and I feel like if I keep coming, eventually I’m going to get one,” Taylor said. “Today, we finally did.” South Carolina State, for their part, showed resilience even in defeat. A fourth-quarter touchdown by quarterback Eric Phoenix briefly reignited hope, but it was too little, too late. Post-game, Coach Berry remained proud of his team’s journey. “Nobody believed we’d be here,” Berry said. “We didn’t finish the way we wanted, but this season laid the foundation for what’s to come.” Players like Nick Taiste echoed this sentiment. “Nobody believed in us but us,” Taiste said. “This is just the beginning for South Carolina State.”
The numbers highlighted the gulf in execution. Jackson State outgained South Carolina State 152 rushing yards to 30 and converted 9 of 16 third downs compared to SCSU’s 2 of 13. Jackson State dominated possession, holding the ball for 37 minutes versus South Carolina State’s 23:49. Two interceptions by SCSU proved costly, as Jackson State capitalized with points off turnovers. A 67-yard reception by Isaiah Spencer showcased Jackson State’s big-play potential and sealed their dominance.
As the confetti fell in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Tigers celebrated a moment years in the making. For T.C. Taylor, this was more than a personal triumph. It was a declaration that Jackson State had arrived as a perennial powerhouse. “This was the job I always wanted,” Taylor said. “We rolled up our sleeves, and we delivered.” For South Carolina State, the loss marked a bittersweet end to a remarkable season. Coach Berry’s program, built on humility and hard work, remains a force to be reckoned with. “We’ll grow from this,” Berry said. “The foundation has been set, and the Bulldogs will be back.” The 2024 Celebration Bowl was more than a game; it was a testament to the resilience, preparation, and legacy of two storied programs. Jackson State finally claimed their place atop HBCU football, while South Carolina State vowed to rise again. For fans of HBCU athletics, this game will be remembered as one for the ages.
The game’s offensive MVP was Jacobian Morgan, Jackson State’s quarterback, who threw for two touchdowns, including a game-sealing strike in the fourth quarter. Defensive MVP honors went to Jeremiah Williams, Jackson State’s defensive lineman, who anchored a dominant defensive effort that stifled South Carolina State’s offense. The attendance of 36,823 fans added to the electric atmosphere in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Jackson State’s 28-7 win tied the largest margin of victory in Celebration Bowl history, matching South Carolina State’s 31-10 victory over Jackson State in 2021.
This article is dedicated to the remarkable and incredible Ms. Michelle Jinks. Four years ago, she took a chance on us, and since then, we have been striving to prove her right. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that my story is not unique. Countless podcasters, commentators, and dreamers with aspirations of making an impact in sports have been helped by the amazing woman we affectionately call Ma Jinks. While she creates opportunities, she also imparts invaluable lessons in media professionalism, with gems like, “Real media shows up early” and “Mr. Ricks, sports don’t stop; you should be covering everything.”
It’s because of her guidance that we expanded our HBCU and WNBA coverage. Following her advice, we secured our first Atlanta Dream credentials. If you don’t know her heart, you might mistake her boldness, straightforwardness, and “Ma Jinks don’t play that” approach for meanness. But if you do, you’ll understand her genuine passion for opening doors for hard-working people who are ready to run through the opportunities she provides.
Ms. Jinks has played a major role in elevating media interest in the Celebration Bowl. Under her influence, Radio Row grew from two or three outlets to a full room of media representatives. Her impact on the growth of the Black College Football National Championship Game has been profound. If this is indeed her last time running the show, we simply want to say: Job well done, Ma Jinks. You have left this better than you found it, and for that, we are all deeply grateful.