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The Jackson State Tigers (11-2) and South Carolina State Bulldogs (9-2) meet Saturday in the Cricket Celebration Bowl. Kickoff from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta is scheduled for noon ET (ABC). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Jackson State vs. South Carolina State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
Jackson State wrapped up the season with a 9-game win streak, highlighted by a 41-13 victory over the Southern Jaguars in the SWAC Championship. Their offense shined, averaging 37.1 points per game (PPG)—well ahead of the SWAC competition. RB Irv Mulligan led the conference in rushing yards (1,174), yards per game (106.7), yards per carry (6.5), and TDs (11). The defense was equally strong, allowing just 17.9 points per game.
The Tigers return to the Celebration Bowl for the first time since their 41-34 overtime loss to the North Carolina Central Eagles in 2022.
South Carolina State closed the season on an impressive 8-game win streak, finishing as the only undefeated team in the MEAC. The Bulldogs tied for first in scoring offense at 35.5 PPG and ranked second in points allowed at 20.9. QB Eric Phoenix led the conference with 2,469 passing yards (587 more than the next closest), 20 TDs and just 7 interceptions.
The Bulldogs return to the Celebration Bowl for the first time since their 31-10 win over Jackson State in 2021.
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Jackson State at South Carolina State odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Friday at 9:25 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Jackson State +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | South Carolina State -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
- Against the spread: Jackson State +2.5 (-110) | South Carolina State -2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 53.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Jackson State at South Carolina State picks and predictions
Prediction
South Carolina State 31, Jackson State 28
Moneyline
South Carolina State (-130) will win its second Celebration Bowl on Saturday afternoon, but I’d rather take the slightly better odds on the spread than this moneyline.
PASS.
Against the spread
BET SOUTH CAROLINA STATE -2.5 (-110).
South Carolina State beat Jackson State 31-10 in the 2021 Celebration Bowl and the MEAC holds a 6-2 all-time record against the SWAC in this bowl. The Bulldogs are currently on an 8-game win streak and finished 7-0 against the spread.
Jackson State is still seeking its first Celebration Bowl win and first HBCU national title since 1996. Starting QB Jacobian Morgan was injured in the SWAC Championship game, but is expected to play. He was replaced by Zy McDonald, who helped JSU score 24 consecutive points.
South Carolina State also has a huge rest advantage, having not played since Nov. 23, while Jackson State just played on Dec. 7.
Over/Under
BET OVER 53.5 (-110)
The first bowl game of the season is set to be a high-scoring spectacle, with both FCS teams averaging 35 points or more per game.
The Tigers have been particularly explosive, scoring at least 41 points in 4 of their last 5 games and 30 points or more in 10 of 12. They lead the country in red-zone efficiency (89.0%) and rush offense (216.5 yards per game). The total has gone over in 9 of Jackson State’s last 12 games.
The Bulldogs are no slouches either, scoring 53 or more points in back-to-back games and 30 points or more in 6 of their last 8.
Despite solid defenses, both will be overmatched in what’s likely to be a shootout.
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