NC Central beats Jackson State in Deion Sanders’ final game

ATLANTA (AP) — Quarterback Davius Richard ran for 97 yards and two touchdowns, together with a 1-yard scoring plunge in time beyond regulation, and North Carolina Central beat Jackson State 41-34 in Saturday’s Celebration Bowl to spoil coach Deion Sanders’ bid for an undefeated season in his remaining sport with the Tigers.

The Eagles’ protection made a goal-line stand on Jackson State’s first time beyond regulation possession to protect the win. Tight finish Hayden Hagler’s drop on third down from the 1 arrange an incompletion by Jackson State quarterback Shedeur Sanders to finish the sport considered the championship of groups from traditionally Black school and universities.

Sanders’ 19-yard landing move to Travis Hunter as time expired in regulation arrange Alejandro Mata’s tying additional level to ship the sport to time beyond regulation. It was the fourth scoring move of the sport for Sanders, who additionally ran for a rating.

Jackson State (12-1) was denied its bid for the primary undefeated season in class historical past. Coach Deion Sanders is taking on the soccer program at Colorado, however needed to complete the season together with his Tigers first. Shedeur Sanders will accompany his father to Boulder.

The win by N.C. Central (10-2) gave the Mid-Jap Athletic Convention a 6-1 edge over groups from the Southwestern Athletic Convention within the Celebration Bowl.

Latrell Collier’s 7-yard scoring run with 4:31 remaining gave NCCU the lead. The Tigers answered with a 15-play drive that included Sanders’ 10-yard, fourth-down move to T.J. Martin.

Richard handed for 177 yards with a landing and ran for 97 yards and two scores. Richard confirmed his versatility on a three-yard drive for sport’s first landing. Richard had a 21-yard run, a 30-yard catch on a trick play and a 5-yard scoring run that gave the Eagles a 10-0 lead.

Sanders shortly confirmed he additionally boasts dual-threat expertise as Jackson State outscored North Carolina Central 21-7 the rest of the half. Sanders accomplished 13 of 14 passes for 178 yards and two landing and had 4 carries for 34 yards with one other rating within the half, the Tigers a 21-17 lead.

A pretend punt early within the second half helped the Eagles reclaim the lead. Tight finish Kyle Morgan took the snap on the pretend punt and ran 43 yards to the Jackson State 24. Richard’s 12-yard scoring move to Quentin Mcall gave North Carolina Central a 23-21 lead following Adrian Olivo’s missed additional level.

Olivo’s 21-yard subject purpose late within the third quarter pushed the result in 5 factors.

COMMISH IN THE CROWD

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell attended the sport in help of his nephew, Jackson State sophomore defensive lineman Charlton “Charlie” Goodell. The youthful Goodell is the son of Roger Goodell’s brother.

THE TAKEAWAY

North Carolina Central: The Eagles relied on their stronger working sport. A balanced working assault led by Richard and Latrell Collier gave N.C. Central a 276-78 benefit in dashing yards.

Jackson State: The Tigers had been resilient in responding to an early 10-0 deficit. Sanders was the important thing, producing as a runner and passer whereas main the comeback.

UP NEXT

North Carolina Central: The Eagles will search for back-to-back Mid-Jap Athletic Convention (MEAC) championships once they open their 2023 season at North Carolina A&T on Sept. 3.

Jackson State: With large receivers coach T.C. Taylor shifting up as the brand new coach, the Tigers will return to Atlanta to open the 2023 season in opposition to South Carolina State within the Cricket MEAC-SWAC Problem.

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