No. 7 North Carolina A&T vs. No. 12 Grambling State
Time: Noon (ET)
When: Saturday
TV: ABC
Three things to know about North Carolina A&T
Rod Broadway was once a Tiger, too: The longtime head coach spent four seasons at Grambling, winning three SWAC Western Division championships, one SWAC championship and a national championship in 2008.
The Aggies dominated the MEAC: In addition to finishing the regular season unbeaten, North Carolina A&T featured a dozen players on the All-MEAC first-team, including quarterback Lamar Raynard, who was named the conference Offensive Player of the Year.
They’ve been here before: Saturday will be the Aggies second trip to the Celebration Bowl. In 2015, North Carolina A&T beat SWAC champion Alcorn State 41-34.
Three things to know about Grambling State
The Tigers are looking to repeat: Grambling State won the Celebration Bowl and the national championship last season in a thrilling 10-9 win over North Carolina Central.
The defense is stingy: Despite giving up 22 points in the fourth quarter of the SWAC Championship Game against Alcorn State, the Grambling defense had been one of the best in the FCS this season, compiling an FCS-best 47 sacks and plus-21 turnover margin.
Its record against SWAC opponents is amazing: Since the 2014 season, Grambling has won 26-straight games in league play.
