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On Saturday, December 16th, a historic moment unfolded as Howard University and Florida A&M University (FAMU) came together for the first-ever showdown in the Black College Football National Championship Game – the highly anticipated Celebration Bowl. This monumental event marked a significant milestone in the world of college football, forever etching its place in history.
Heading into this matchup, the MEAC had a dominant 6-1 record against the SWAC in previous games, with the only victory for the SWAC attributed to Grambling State's win. The Rattlers, boasting an impressive 11-1 season record, were considered the favorites, while the Bison stood at 6-5.
In a thrilling match, the Rattlers emerged victorious over the Bison with a final score of 30-26, despite trailing 16-7 at halftime. The FAMU comeback was fueled by Quarterback Jeremy Moussa's exceptional performance, as he orchestrated two remarkable touchdown passes to running back Kelvin Dean in the fourth quarter. One pass covered 21 yards, while the other covered an impressive 53 yards. The combined efforts of the team led to a memorable win.
The defense caused a multitude of turnovers for the Bison Quarterback, Quinton Williams, in his fifth year. They intercepted the ball twice within the final five minutes. The first interception was made by Kendall Bohler, followed by Isaiah Major with the second. It was a disappointing conclusion for Quinton Williams, who finished the season with a stat line of 14 completions on 27 attempts, totaling 106 yards, and a total of three interceptions.
The Bison once held a two-possession lead over FAMU heading into halftime. The second half showcased a back-and-forth battle between the two teams. One controversial play that unfolded was when FAMU's Jalen Glaze made a hit that Bison fans deemed dirty, resulting in an injury to one of their own players during a touchback. Upon review, it was determined that while a personal foul occurred, it did not meet the criteria for targeting and therefore did not warrant ejection.
In the Bison's season finale, Runningback Eden James showcased his prowess, gaining 57 yards on 12 carries. Jarrett Hunter also contributed with 24 yards on nine carries. Meanwhile, for FAMU, Terrell Jennings made an impact by rushing for 71 yards on 19 attempts, scoring a touchdown in the process.
Kelvin Dean, Kamari Young, and Jah'Mare Sheread each made significant contributions in the receiving game, tallying 87, 78, and 56 yards respectively. Meanwhile, Howard's Kenny Gallop Jr. concluded his season with an outstanding performance, recording a total of 7 tackles. The entire Howard University Bison team showcased their talent this season. Notably, the Rattlers displayed remarkable determination and resilience, coming from behind to secure a victory in the Celebration Bowl.
