The SWAC champion Grambling State Tigers (12-1) defeated the MEAC champion North Carolina Central Eagles (9-3) in the second annual Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl on Saturday. North Carolina Central pulled within one with 2:14 left, but the extra point was blocked by Grambling’s Joesph McWilliams. 31,096 fans were on hand at the Georgia Dome, making the game the 2nd highest attended of six bowl games on Saturday. Grambling State RB Martez Carter took home Offensive MVP honors after logging 109 yards rushing, 23 receiving and 69 on returns. Linebacker Jameel Jackson was named Defensive MVP after coming up with a huge interception with less than 6 minutes remaining. With the win the Tigers were named the undisputed 2016 HBCU National Champions.
The game story, game notes and post-game quotes from both teams can be viewed at the links below:
2016 AFR Celebration Bowl Game Story
2016 AFR Celebration Bowl Game Notes
2016 AFR Celebration Bowl Post-Game Quotes – Grambling State
2016 AFR Celebration Bowl Post-Game Quotes – North Carolina Central
See below for more coverage:
ESPN Recap
WATCH: Trophy Presentation
WATCH: ESPN SportsCenter Highlight
The Undefeated Recap
WATCH: HBCU Gameday Video Recap
WATCH: NC Central Sound Machine Halftime Performance
WATCH: World Famed Grambling State Tiger Marching Band Performance