Grambling faces North Carolina A&T in Celebration Bowl

By AP
Published

Celebration Bowl: North Carolina A&T (11-0) vs. Grambling (11-1), Dec. 16, Noon, Atlanta.

Series Record: Grambling leads 4-3.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

The HBCU national championship. Grambling is trying to win its second straight Celebration Bowl and finish off its season undefeated against FCS competition. The Tigers' only loss this season is to FBS opponent Tulane. North Carolina A&T won the inaugural Celebration Bowl in 2015 and wants to wrap up an undefeated season after winning the MEAC with an 11-0 record.

KEY MATCHUP

Grambling QB DeVante Kincade vs. North Carolina A&T's defense: Kincade has thrown for 2,680 yards, 21 touchdowns and three interceptions this season while also running for six touchdowns. North Carolina A&T's defense is giving up just 12.3 points per game and has given up more than 20 points just once in 11 games. The Aggies also have 16 interceptions and returned them for a total of 478 yards.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Grambling: LB De'Arius Christmas. He leads the team with 80 tackles, including 15+ for a loss. He's had five quarterback hurries and forced two fumbles.

North Carolina A&T: QB Lamar Raynard. He's thrown for 2,707 yards, 26 touchdowns and just five interceptions this season. He's also run for 168 yards and three touchdowns.

FACTS & FIGURES

Grambling coach Broderick Fobbs has won SWAC Coach of the Year honors all four years he's been at the school. He has a 38-10 record over that span. ... The Tigers have won 11 straight games since their season-opening loss to Tulane. ... North Carolina A&T is coached by Rod Broadway, who was the coach at Grambling from 2007-10. He was successful during that stretch with a 35-12 record and a SWAC Championship in 2008. ... North Carolina A&T beat FBS member Charlotte 35-31 back in September.

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