The Jackson State Tigers (12-0) take on the North Carolina Central Eagles (9-2) in the Celebration Bowl on Saturday. Kickoff from Mercedes-Benz Stadium is at noon ET (ABC). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Jackson State vs. North Carolina Central odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
This game between 2 HBCUs pits 2 of the best offenses in the FCS. Jackson State was 7th in the FCS with 38.0 points per game (PPG) while finishing 1st in the SWAC; North Carolina Central is 5th in the FCS with 38.4 PPG en route to a 1st place finish in the MEAC.
Jackson State’s defense has been better, but North Carolina Central can clamp down in the red zone when needed and allowed just 19 red-zone TDs on 34 attempts through 11 games while allowing just 22 total red-zone scores.
Tigers QB Shedeur Sanders will enter the transfer portal to head to Colorado and join his father, Buffaloes coach Deion. Sanders has thrown for more than 3,383 yards with 36 TDs and 6 INTs. He ran for almost 174 yards and 5 TDs while leading the Tigers to their undefeated record.