One school has made the trip the Celebration Bowl three of the last four years. The other, in its only trip, lost to the opponent it will play Saturday in Atlanta. Alcorn State and North Carolina A&T have been the standard by which all other HBCU teams have been judged over the last half-decade. They meet to decide which will be the next Black College Football national champion.
Our HBCU Sports contributors Kendrick Marshall, Kenn Rashad, and Fred Batiste will tell you who comes out on top in what shapes up to be a classic matchup.
HBCU Sports Editor Kendrick Marshall
Winner: North Carolina A&T
Score: 23-20
Why: While Alcorn State has the edge offensively on paper, the North Carolina A&T defense has only allowed 20 or more points in a game just three times all a season.
HBCU Sports Publisher Kenn Rashad
Winner: North Carolina A&T
Score: 38-28
Why: Both teams are strong defensively, but North Carolina A&T’s defense has proven its worth throughout the season against stronger teams. This may be a close game in the early stages, but the Aggies are just too strong overall.
HBCU Sports contributor Fred Batiste
Winner: North Carolina A&T
Score: 24-17
Why: The North Carolina A&T team that destroyed North Carolina Central is coming to Atlanta, not the one that dropped games to Florida A&M and Morgan State. It’s going to be tough sledding for both teams, but the Aggies are too experienced on both sides of the ball to be denied.
