Celebration Bowl Prediction (Grambling State vs North Carolina A&T)

North Carolina A&T Aggies vs Grambling State Tigers (December 16 Noon EST)

The Celebration Bowl, features the MEAC Champion North Carolina A&T Aggies (11-0) and the SWAC Champion Grambling State Tigers (11-1). Even though the Aggies are ranked #7 in the nation and Grambling is ranked #12 in the FCS coaches poll, the MEAC and SWAC met in this game for the Black College National Championship, instead of completing in the playoff.

This may not be a FBS game, but the Celebration Bowl could very well end up being the most exciting bowl game played on Saturday.

The Aggies are averaging 36.4 points a game and only allowing 12.3 to their opponents. The Tigers come in averaging 32.7 points per game and allowing 20.4.

Both teams have benefited from very strong quarterback play this season. Grambling is led by former Ole Miss transfer Devante Kincade at quarterback. Kincade has thrown 21 touchdown passes verus only three interceptions on the season. Kincade has also rushed for six touchdowns on the season.

North Carolina A&T quarterback Lamar Raynard has thrown for 26 touchdowns against only five interceptions and three rushing touchdowns. The Aggies also have the MEAC leading rusher Marquell Cartwright who comes in with 1080 yards on the season.

This will be the third Celebration Bowl, with each of the first two match-ups between the SWAC and MEAC being decided by a touchdown or less. North Carolina A&T defeated Alcorn State 41-34 in 2015 and Grambling State defeated North Carolina Central 10-9 last season.

Currently North Carolina A&T is an 8.5 point favorite. I see this match-up as a toss-up between to very talented and evenly matched teams, with neither side deserving to be favored by more than a touchdown. Over the last two seasons, Grambling is 22-2 overall, with one loss each season coming to a FBS team; Arizona and Tulane. respectively. Grambling State will be the toughest competition the Aggies have faced this season. There is great value in the Tigers here who I believe have better than a 50% chance of winning this game outright.

Get Sports Strong Prediction:

Grambling State 27 North Carolina A&T 24

Recommended Vegas Play: Grambling State +8.5