ESPN is already looking ahead to December, and its latest projections have a Celebration Bowl rematch.
Both ESPN analysts Kyle Bonagura and Adam Schlabach have the same matchup projected: South Carolina State vs. Prairie View A&M.
That would mean a return trip to Atlanta for two programs that are already familiar with the Celebration Bowl stage.
South Carolina State and Prairie View A&M met in last year’s Celebration Bowl in a four-overtime 40–38 win by the Bulldogs over Prairie View A&M
A rematch would bring the same two programs back to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with the HBCU national championship once again on the line.
South Carolina State — which have yet to lose a MEAC conference game in two seasons under head coach Chennis Berry — was picked in the preseason poll to win the league again. Prairie View A&M — favored to win the SWAC West again — would carry the SWAC into the postseason matchup.
The projection also reflects the expectations surrounding both programs entering the season. South Carolina State has continued to establish itself as a force in the MEAC, while Prairie View A&M enters the season looking to remain among the SWAC’s top contenders.
Of course, there is a lot of football to be played before either team gets back to Atlanta.
But ESPN’s projection has already put a potential Celebration Bowl rematch on the radar.
The game is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12, at noon ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and will be televised on ABC.
For now, it’s only a prediction.
