A&T, Alcorn Meet for Third Time In

For the Week of December 17 - 23, 2019 C E L E B R A T I O N B O W L V

NORTH CAROLINA A&T ALCORN STATE AGGIES (8-3) BRAVES (9-3)

CHAMPION CHAMPION Mid Eastern Athletic Conference vs. Southwestern Athletic Association

™ Team Record 2019 RESULTS 2019 RESULTS Team Record 2019 Overall: 8-3 NC A&T 8-3 ALCORN STATE 9-3 2019 Overall: 9-3 2019 MEAC: 6-2 24...... Elon...... 21 W 10.....@ Southern Mississippi...... 38 L 2019 SWAC: 7-1 2019 BCSP Ranking: T 1st 13...... @ Duke...... 45 L 45...... Mississippi College...... 7 W 2019 BCSP Ranking: T 1st All-Time vs. Alcorn: 2-1 27.....@ Charleston Southern.....21 W 14...... @ McNeese State...... 17 L All-Time vs. NC A&T: 1-2 Last Time vs. Alcorn: 24-22 W, '18 37...... Delaware State...... 0 W 45...... Prairie View A&M...... 41 W Last Time vs. NC A&T: 24-22 L, '18 45.....Mississippi Valley State...... 19 W Celebration Bowl: 3-0, (Last '18) 58...... @ Norfolk State...... 19 W Celebration Bowls: 0-2, (Last '18) 35...... @ Alabama State...... 7 W MEAC Championships: 9 31...... @ Florida A&M...... 34, OT L SWAC Championships: 17 42...... Savannah State...... 17 W 64...... Howard...... 6 W Celebration Bowl Trophy & Helmets 27...... Southern...... 13 W CELEBRATE COACH'S RECORD 22.... @ South Carolina State.....20 W COACH'S RECORD Alma Mater: Miss. Valley State ('82) 16...... @ Grambling State ....19,OT L Alma Mater: Alcorn State ('92) A CHARM: SWAC champion 16...... @ Morgan State...... 22 L Head Coach Record vs. Alcorn: 1-0 34...... Alabama A&M...... 28 W Record vs. NC A&T: 0-1 Head Coach HBCU Alcorn State and MEAC 47...... Bethune-Cookman...... 17 W 41...... @ Jackson State...... 6 W SAM Record at A&T: 17-5, .772 (2nd year) Record at ASU: 29-17, .630 (4th year) FRED champion North Carolina A&T 54...... North Carolina Central...... 0 W 39...... Southern...... 24 W Career Record: Same Career Record: Same McNAIR FOOTBALL meet for third time Saturday in WASHINGTON IN ATLANTA Celebration Bowl V. S A T . , D E C E M B E R 2 1 , 2 0 1 9 • A T L A N T A , G A • M E R C E D E S B E N Z S T A D I U M • 1 2 N O O N • A B C 2019 FINALE MATCHES A&T & ALCORN, AGAIN; COACHING LEGENDS, JOE TAYLOR HONORED A&T, Alcorn meet for third time in ATL

LUT WILLIAMS B C S P F O O T B A L L T O P T E N BCSP Editor UNDER THE BANNER Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference 1. ALCORN STATE (9-3) 6. BOWIE STATE (11-1) (MEAC) champion North Carolina A&T and 1. NoRTH CAROLINA A&T (8-3) 7. SOUTHERN (8-5) WHAT'S GOING ON IN AND AROUND BLACK COLLEGE SPORTS Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) 3. FLORIDA A&M (9-2) 8. VIRGINIA STATE (8-2) champion Alcorn State kick off the bowl season 4. SOUTH CAROLINA STATE (8-3) 9. SAVANNAH State (7-3) Carter Martin Harper Duffey HILL-ELEY COMPLETES DOCTORATE: for the third time Saturday in the fifth edition of 5. BETHUNE-COOKMAN (7-4) 10. MILES (9-3) We won't be referring to Alabama State University CELEBRATION BOWL YARDSTICK the season-ending Celebration Bowl at Atlanta's Head Football Coach Donald Hill-Eley anymore as just Mercedes Benz Stadium (12 noon, ABC). The Aggies finished at 6-2 in the MEAC, tied Coach Hill-Eley. N. C. A&T TEAM STATS ALCORN STATE Their previous two meetings in 2015 and 35.7 ppg. (1st) SCORING OFFENSE 32.8 ppg. (4th) with South Carolina State behind 7-1 Florida Not after he finished his 2018 have gone the way of the MEAC-champion 18.6 ppg. (1st) SCORING DEFENSE 19.7 ppg. (1st) A&M, who was ineligible for the title and Ph.D. in Higher Education Aggies, a 41-34 shootout in the inaugural game 430.8 ypg. (1st) TOTAL OFFENSE 402.8 ypg. (7th) postseason play because of NCAA penailties. The 270.4 ypg. (1st) 336.0 ypg. (1st) Administration from Morgan at the since demolished Georgia Dome and last TOTAL DEFENSE Aggies head-to-head win over SC State gave them State University this month. 237.0 ypg. (1st) RUSHING OFFENSE 158.3 ypg. (6th) season's 24-22 nail-biter in the second game at the 76.4 ypg. (1st) RUSHING DEFENSE 137.8 ypg. (2nd) the bowl berth. Dr. Hill-Eley, as he will new domed stadium in Atlanta. 193.8 ypg. (5th) PASSING OFFENSE 244.5 ypg. (5th) The change in the Braves is also obvious. now be known, received his Last season's Celebration Bowl was the first 194.0 ypg. (2nd) PASSING DEFENSE 198.3 ypg. (3rd) Instead of the consummate runner Johnson, undergraduate degree from for former assistants Sam Washington of NC INDIVIDUAL STATS last year's SWAC offensive player of the year, Virginia Union where he A&T and Fred McNair of Alcorn State as head Jah-Maine Martin RUSHING Niko Duffey 1,412 yds., 121.5 ypg., 7.8 ypc. 21 TDs 790 yds., 71.8 ypg., 5.2 ypc., 6 TDs McNair turned to left-hander Felix Harper after played for (1987-90) and coaches. Washington, in his second season, and Kylil Carter PASSING Felix Harper Johnson was hurt in the third game of the season. later coached (1991) under McNair in his fourth, bring their teams back for a 137-254-3, 53.9%, 1,856 yds., 12 TDs 179-296-8, 60.5, 2,613 yds., 30 TDs All Harper has done is pass for over 2,600 yards Hall of Fame coach Joe rematch. Elijah Bell RECEIVING Lecharles Pringle and 30 TDs en route to winning this year's SWAC Taylor. He also was a grad The Aggies, in fact, making their third straight 53 rec., 782 yds., 6 TDs 42 rec., 762 yds, 14 TDs Offensive POY award. trip and fourth overall to Atlanta, own all three Kyin Howard (LB) TACKLES Solomon Muhammad Dr. Hill-Eley assistant under Taylor in 70 tackles, 6.4 tpg. 81 tackles, 6.7 tpg. The Braves have a tall, talented and 1992-93 after his mentor MEAC wins in the series including a 21-14 win Devin Harrell (DE) SACKS Malik Holbert productive wide-receiving corps that includes moved on to Hampton University and later served as the over SWAC champion Grambling State in 2017. 7.0, -40 yds. 3.5, -15 yds. Chris Blair (6-3, 200 - 37 rec., 781 yds., 6 TDs), offensive coordinator for the Pirates under Taylor from Grambling State has the only SWAC win, a 10-9 Chris Mosley (S) INTERCEPTIONS Taurence Wilson Lecharles Pringle (6-0, 185 - 42 rec., 762 yds., decision over North Carolina Central in 2016. 3, 0 TD 4, 1 TD 14 TDs), Juan Anthony Jr. (6-0, 185 - 36 rec., 1997-2000. But the teams come into this year's game with Noel Ruiz PLACEKICKING Corey McCullough 380 yds., 3 TDs) and Raidarious Anderson (6-5, He earned a Master's degree in Counseling during the 39-44 PATs, 21-25 FGs, 102 pts. 42-44 PATs, 10-18 FGs, 72 pts. different looks. mid-90s at Hampton. Korey Banks KICK RETURNS Javen Morrison 196 - 19 rec., 377 yds., 3 TDs). Freshman Niko A year ago, A&T was led by a stingy, run- 21, 456 yds., 21.7 ypr., 0 TDs 19, 423 yds., 22.2 ypr., 1 TD He became head coach at Morgan State University Duffey (790 yards, 6 TDs) has filled in admirably stopping defense, senior career passing leader Korey Banks PUNT RETURNS Lecharles Pringle for Waller, who topped 1,000 yards last season but from 2002-2013 where he began pursuit of his doctoral Lamar Raynard and bruising back-to-back 1,000- 18, 184 yds., 10.2 ypr., 0 TD 7, 98 yds., 14.0 ypr;, 0 TD has been limited by injury most of the season. degree. He currently ranks third all-time with 56 wins for yard rusher in senior Marquell Cartwright. Alcorn State had just one hiccup in league the Bears. But it was the Braves who pounded out 328 play while claiming its sixth straight SWAC East He took over as interim head coach at Alabama State rushing yards, led by 167 from junior running Division title, falling in overtime on the road to during the 2017 season and was named to the permanent back DeShawn Waller and 107 and two TDs Grambling State. The Braves beat SWAC West position following that season. He has compiled a 14-14 from junior quarterback Noah Johnson, while Division winner Southern twice including a 39-24 record during his time leading the Hornets, who finished holding the Aggies to only 38 yards on the ground. Howard Harrell Solomon Morrison win two weeks ago in the league's championship 5-6 this season. He has an overall record of 73-90. Raynard's 286 passing yards and two TDs and game. a timely 79-yard kickoff return TD by Malik Cohen, the A&T back that ran for 295 yards and COLLEGE HOF WELCOMES JOE TAYLOR: Wilson late in the third quarter, gave the Aggies a three long touchdowns vs. Alcorn in their first WHAT TO EXPECT Legendary head football coach Joe Taylor was 24-16 lead. meeting in the game. Martin averages an FCS-best What do the previous four Celebration Bowls inducted into the College The deciding play occurred on a controversial 7.8 yards per carry with nine of his school-record have in common? They have all been decided by Football Hall of Fame last failed two-point conversion attempt by the Braves 21 rushing touchdowns topping 55 yards. single digits. Don't be surprised if Celebration week. after Johnson brought them within 24-22 on a 59- The Aggies sport an experienced group of Bowl V has a similar outcome. The ceremony took place yard scoring run in the first series of the fourth receivers led by senior record-holder Elijah Bell The MEAC teams that beat A&T – Florida Tuesday evening at the quarter. The Aggies milked the last five-plus (53 rec., 782 yds., 6 TDs) and redshirt junior A&M, 34-31 in OT, and Morgan State, 22-16 – 62nd National Football minutes off the clock to secure the victory. Zachary Leslie (38 rec., 571 yds., 4 TDs). held Martin to under 100 yards. For Alcorn State to shut down A&T, limiting Martin will be key. Foundation Annual Awards The defense, once led by Washington, is The most lethal part of Alcorn's offense has been Dinner presented by ETT. HOW DID THEY GET HERE just as stingy leading the FCS in total defense its passing attack, likely the weakest or most This gathering was held in This season, A&T has been led on offense (270.4 ypg.), giving up just 76.4 rushing yards per game, tops in the MEAC and fourth best in the underperforming part of the A&T defense. the Grand Ballroom at the by steady longtime back-up, graduate QB Kylil The game could be a high-scoring shootout, Carter (1,865 passing yards, 12 TDs, 3 ints.) FCS, and 18.6 points per game, tenth best in the New York Hilton Midtown. like their first game, or a back-and-forth defensive Taylor, now director of and junior star running back Jah-Maine Martin nation. A&T will be without defensive centerpiece (1,421 rushing yards). Whereas Cartwright was Antoine Wilder (48 tackles), who broke his ankle slugfest like the last game. TAYLOR: Shown giving intercollegiate athletics at a grinder, Martin is a home run hitter, a la Tarik in a practice leading up to the game. Either way, it should be exciting. his acceptance speech Virginia Union University, last Tuesday in New York. compiled an impressive 233 wins overall during his standout 30-year career, and his remarkable 70.6 winning percentage ranks in the top 10 in Nine HBCU coaches among list of 150 greatest FCS coaching history. In conjunction with the 150th Anniversary of College Football, ESPN 29 consecutive winning seasons. Merritt coached future NFL stars Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Claude "The College Football Hall of Fame is an extraordinary Humphrey and Richard Dent. recently unveiled its list of the 150 greatest college football coaches in No. 103. Billy Nicks, 188-57-21 honor," Taylor said. "When you start in life, you can't have history. Morris Brown (1930-35, 1937-39, 1941-42; 65-21-13) this as a goal because you'll be out of focus." and Prairie View A&M (1945-47, 1952-65; 123-36-8) The list, which was the result of voting from a "blue-ribbon panel In 28 seasons as a head coach, Nicks won six black college national championships, "Bo Schembechler from Michigan said hard work of 150 media members, administrators and former players and coaches," including five at Prairie View A&M, where he also served as athletic director and coached does not go unnoticed. To get to this pinnacle in life, it basketball and softball. Nicks would claim eight SWAC football championships at Prairie View includes the nine black college coaches listed below: A&M. Atlanta honored him with a Billy Nicks Day in 1982. simply said hard work was involved. You were involved, No. 113. Vernon (Skip) McCain, 102-21-5 and you were around a lot of great people. You were able No. 5. Eddie Robinson, 408-165-15 Maryland State (1948-63) Grambling (1941-42, 1945-1997) Maryland State (now Maryland Eastern Shore) was a football powerhouse among historical to gleam off them and the rest is history." Robinson did it all at Grambling. He lined the field. He taped the ankles. And he sent black colleges under McCain, who was posthumously inducted into the College Football Hall of After one season as the head coach at Howard, hundreds of players to professional football, four of whom -- Paul “Tank” Younger, Junious Fame in 2006. He never had a losing season, won four conference titles and was 4-0 against “Buck” Buchanan, Gary Johnson and Doug Williams -- reached the College Football Hall legendary coach Eddie Robinson. Taylor took over the program at Virginia Union, where of Fame. Robinson took over in 1941 at age 22. In his second season, the Tigers went 9-0 No. 122. Marino Casem, 159-93-8 he won 60 games in eight seasons (1984-91). His best -- unbeaten, untied and unscored upon. Under Robinson, Grambling won nine black college Alabama State (1963; 2-8), Alcorn State (1964-1985; 139-70-8) national championships and 17 SWAC titles. and Southern (1987-88, 1992; 18-15) season with the Panthers was in 1986 when he guided the No. 34. Arnett (Ace) Mumford, 233-85-23 In 22 seasons at Alcorn State, Casem won seven conference titles and four black college team to the CIAA title, an 11-1 record and a trip to the Jarvis Christian (1924-27; 6-8-3), Bishop (1927-29; 22-7-1), national championships, including back-to-back titles in 1968 and 1969. He was inducted into Texas College (1931-35; 26-9-6) and Southern (1936-61; 179-61-13) the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003, and he gave this legendary quote summing up the NCAA Division II Playoffs. Taylor also guided Virginia Mumford’s coaching techniques were timeless: His Texas College and Southern teams sport to the Hattiesburg (Mississippi) American in 1983: “In the East, where the Ivy Leaguers are, Union to the playoffs during a 10-2 season in 1990 and an won a total of six black college national championships in four different decades. From 1948-51, it’s a cultural experience. In the West, with Stanford and all those people out there, it’s a tourist his Southern teams had a 38-game unbeaten streak and won three black college national titles. attraction. In the Midwest, with Nebraska and those folks, it’s a form of cannibalism. But in the 8-3 season in 1991. In 1948, the Jaguars went 12-0 and beat San Francisco State in the Fruit Bowl. South, where we reside, football is a religion and Saturday is a holy day of obligation.” Taylor shined during his tenure as Hampton's head No. 53. Alonzo (Jake) Gaither, 203-36-4 No. 143. Earl Banks, 95-30-2 Florida A&M (1945-69) coach from 1992-2007, posting a school record 136 wins Morgan State (1960-73) Gaither famously said he liked his players to be “mobile, agile and hostile.” For 25 years, Banks couldn’t lose at Morgan State. In 14 seasons, he never had a losing record. He sent 41 while leading the Pirates to four SBN Black College his Florida A&M teams certainly displayed those characteristics. Gaither coached 42 future players to the NFL and posted three unbeaten seasons and 31 straight wins from 1965-68. NFL players, including “Bullet” Bob Hayes, Willie Galimore and Ken Riley. The Rattlers went National Championships. Hampton played at the NCAA Banks was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992. undefeated in 1957, ‘59 and ‘61 and won 18 conference titles and six black college national No. 145. W.C. Gorden, 119-47-5 Division II level his first three seasons, earning two championships. His .844 career winning percentage ranks 11th among coaches at any NCAA Jackson State (1976-91) level. Division II playoff appearances, including the school's Gorden won conference coach of the year six times during his 15-plus seasons at No. 71. John Merritt, 235-70-12 Jackson State, where he finished with the most wins in program history. He led his team to eight first-ever NCAA playoff win. Taylor guided the Pirates to Jackson State (1952-62; 63-37-5) and Tennessee State (1963-83; 172-33-7) conference titles and nine playoff appearances. Gorden was inducted into the College Football “Big John” Merritt was one of the most accomplished coaches in HBCU history, winning Hall of Fame in 2008. CIAA titles in all three of those seasons and the first of his seven black college national championships. From 1955 until his death in 1983, his teams had four Black College National Championships in 1994. After moving to the FCS in 1995, his Hampton UNDER THE BANNER, Continued TAYLOR WELCOMED TO HOF teams would win three more Black College National Championships and five MEAC titles while making Florida A&M from 2008-12, where Taylor also served on the FCS All- halls of fame. five FCS Playoff appearances. The four-time MEAC he became the first coach in school American Selection Committee and the A graduate of Western Illinois Coach of the Year owns eight of the top 10 winningest history to win 25 games in his first three advisory board of the Black Coaches University, Taylor played offensive seasons in Pirate history, including the top six. Taylor also seasons. Arguably, his best season with Association. He has received lifetime line for the Leathernecks under College guided Hampton to a win in the 1999 Heritage Bowl over the Rattlers came in 2010 when the achievement awards from the AFCA/ Football Hall of Fame Coach Darrell Southern. team went 8-3 and claimed a share of FCA and the All-American Football Mudra. He began his coaching career as Taylor concluded his stellar coaching career at the MEAC title. Foundation, and he is enshrined in an assistant at Howard D. Woodson High A former president of the American the Virginia Union Athletics, Western School in his hometown of Washington, CONTINUED, See TAYLOR Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Illinois Athletics, CIAA and MEAC D.C., from 1972-77.