The South Carolina State Bulldogs (10-3) of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) took on the Prairie View A&M Panthers (10-4) of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) on Saturday afternoon from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, in the Cricket Celebrations Bowl. This is the HBCU’s National Championship.
South Carolina State’s offense had 357 yards (279 yards passing, 78 yards rushing), 22 first downs, and the team was penalized seven times for 65 yards.
Quarterback Ryan Stubblefield completed 15 of 29 passes (51.7%) for 234 yards, two touchdowns, one interception, 11 carries for 11 yards, and one rushing touchdown to lead the Bulldogs to a 40-38 win in four overtimes over the Panthers. It was the second Cricket Celebrations Bowl title, and the seventh overall title for South Carolina State.
Running back Jordan Smith had five carries for 28 yards, one rushing touchdown, nine catches for 152 yards, and two receiving touchdowns. Tyler Smith had eight carries for 22 yards, one rushing touchdown, and one catch for four yards.
Wide receiver Nigel Johnson made one catch for 42 yards, while Johnny Jones made four catches for 28 yards. The defense made 57 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two pass breakups, and one fumble recovery.
Prairie View A&M’s offense had 491 yards (436 yards passing, 55 yards rushing), 21 first downs, and the team was penalized five times for 53 yards. Quarterback Cameron Peters completed 24 of 36 passes (66%) for 412 yards, four touchdowns, nine carries for 35 yards, and one rushing touchdown.
Running back Lamagea McDowell had six carries for 15 yards and one catch for 24 yards. Wide receiver Andre Dennis made seven catches for 131 yards and one rushing touchdown, while Cameron Bonner made two catches for 91 yards and one touchdown.
Jyzaiah Rockwell made six catches for 77 yards, one touchdown, and Ethan John made two catches for 17 yards and one touchdown. The defense made 78 catches for nine tackles for loss, four sacks, four pass breakups, and one interception.
