ATLANTA – Since leaving Mercedes-Benz Stadium approximately one year ago, there was one goal for the 2022 Jackson State University football team.
Dominate.
In the vision and foresight of JSU head football coach Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders, if the Tigers dominated, the results would take care of themselves: SWAC East Title, SWAC Championship, HBCU National Championship, 13-0.
Two of the aforementioned titles have been attained. In Saturday's Cricket Celebration Bowl vs. MEAC Champion North Carolina Central, the final goals can be achieved in the closing chapter of one of the most accomplished, electric, and impactful eras in Southwestern Athletic Conference and HBCU football history.
GAME INFORMATION:
In the final game of the Coach Prime Era at Jackson State, the Tigers can win their first HBCU National Championship since 1996. The Tigers are 27-5 in his tenure and 23-2 in the last two seasons. JSU has won 17 consecutive SWAC games, and 20 straight games over league opponents in making its second consecutive Celebration Bowl appearance.
In winning its second straight SWAC title on December 3, Jackson State opened the game with five consecutive scoring drives (1 FG, 4 TDs) en route to a 43-24 win over Southern, converting three first-quarter turnovers into touchdowns.
The Jackson State defense leads the FCS in seven statistical categories and ranks in the top 10 in nine total categories: first in scoring defense (11.2 ppg), total defense (233.2 ypg), passing defense (129.4 ypg), third down conversions allowed (25.3%), fewest first downs allowed (159), sacks per game (3.9), and total sacks (47), third in defensive touchdowns (four) and sixth in rushing defense (103.8 ypg).
SWAC Defensive Player of the Year LB
Aubrey Miller Jr. made 103 tackles (56 solo) with two sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, four quarterback hits, five pass breakups, and one touchdown.
Offensively, JSU leads the SWAC and ranks in the FCS Top 15 in four categories: eighth in scoring offense (38.0 ppg), 10th in passing offense (293.5 ypg), 14th in total offense (448.3), and seventh in completion percentage (69.0%). The Tigers are seventh in the SWAC in rushing offense (154.8 ypg), first in first downs gained (287 / 23.9 pg), and third in third-down conversions (41.1%).
SWAC Offensive Player of the Year QB
Shedeur Sanders ranks third in the FCS in touchdown passes (37), fourth in points responsible for (252), seventh in completions per game (26.2), fifth in total offense (298.7 ypg), and sixth in passing yards (3,409).
The Eagles are making their second appearance in the Cricket Celebration Bowl (2016, a 10-9 loss to Grambling.) Among its big wins this season, NCCU posted non-conference victories over Big South opponent North Carolina A&T (28-13) and Colonial Athletic Association opponent #18 New Hampshire (45-27), two teams that played in their respective conference championship games and / or made the FCS Playoffs.
Offensively, the Eagles rank 6th in FCS in scoring (38.4 ppg), and 17th in FCS in total offense 442.0 ypg (237.4 passing / 16th in FCS in rushing (204.6 ypg). NCCU leads the FCS in 3rd down conversions (57.3 %), and rank 2nd in 4th down conversions (70.0%). QB Davius Richard (1st Team All-MEAC/ MEAC Offensive POY) leads the team in rushing (108 car., 691 yards, 13 TDs) and passing (2,486 yards, 63% comp.; 14th in FCS with 24 TDs and 10 INT). He has 3,177 total yards and 37 total touchdowns.
NCCU ranks 11th in FCS in scoring defense, allowing 20.1 ppg, and 17th in FCS total defense allowing 326.1 ypg (22nd in FCS in passing defense (190.7 ypg / 135.3 rushing ypg). The Eagles allow 38.2 percent of 3rd down conversions, and 33 percent of 4th down conversions. DB Khalil Baker (1st Team All-MEAC / MEAC Defensive POY) ranks second in the conference with four interceptions, and third on the team in tackles with 51 including 2.0 tackles for loss.
NCCU alum Trei Oliver is in his third season as head coach. The former defensive back and punter has led the Eagles to back-to-back winning seasons (4-8 in 2019, 6-5 in 2021, 9-2 in 2022).
