Home » News » 2025 Celebration Bowl Preview: Expert Picks, Odds & Forecast for South Carolina State vs. Prairie View A&M

2025 Celebration Bowl Preview: Expert Picks, Odds & Forecast for South Carolina State vs. Prairie View A&M

by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief

Prairie ‌View A&M and South Carolina state Set for Thrilling Party Bowl Showdown

Atlanta, GA‌ – December 13, 2025 – ‌The Celebration Bowl,⁣ a pivotal event in the HBCU football landscape, is rapidly approaching, promising a captivating clash between Prairie View A&M and South Carolina state. With a ⁣national viewership of 5.2 million, the game is generating meaningful⁣ buzz and offering a multitude of compelling storylines beyond the final score.

The⁢ Stakes Are High: More Than Just a Trophy

Beyond the traditional bowl championship, the Celebration Bowl ‌delivers substantial benefits. For Prairie View A&M and South carolina⁤ State, a strong performance translates ⁤directly into enhanced recruiting momentum. According to 247Sports, a triumphant showing ​dramatically impacts the programs’ 2026 recruiting class rankings. Moreover, Atlanta’s hospitality sector anticipates an economic injection of $42 million, fueled by the influx of fan travel – a crucial factor for ​local businesses.

Key Betting Insights & Game Analysis

Current betting odds favor Prairie View A&M by 4.5 points at -120 moneyline, with an over/under of 79.5 points.‍ Analysts are closely watching Prairie ‌view A&M quarterback Jalen Walker, a dual-threat⁢ player known for his passing prowess and mobile ability, and⁣ South Carolina State running back Jalen Morris, consistently racking up over‌ 100 rushing yards per ‌game. ​

Factor Prairie View⁣ A&M South Carolina State
Starting Quarterback Jalen Walker (Dual-Threat) Jalen Morris (Rushing Focus)
Key Offensive Statistic Average Passing Yards: 260 Rushing Yards per Game: 115
Key Defensive Statistic sacks per Game: 3.2 Turnover Margin: +1.5

How to Tune In and Stay Informed

Fans can watch the Celebration Bowl live via ESPN’s website and app, or through ESPN+ for‌ authenticated cable subscribers.For play-by-play commentary, the WHUR-FM 96.3‍ broadcast will provide real-time updates. Did you no that the Celebration Bowl is now the largest HBCU football event, showcasing the astonishing talent and dedication ​within Historically black Colleges and Universities?

Recent⁤ Developments & Potential Disruptors

Adding a layer of intrigue, South Carolina State’s starting left tackle, ⁢Derrick Gaines, is listed as questionable due to an ankle injury.⁣ This presents a potential ‍vulnerability for the Bulldogs’ offensive line, which ⁢will be a key battleground⁢ in the game.⁤ Recent reports indicate a shift in defensive strategies, with both teams adapting to each othre’s strengths.

Reader Engagement

Are​ you planning to attend the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta? What are your predictions for the game’s outcome?

Want⁤ to learn more⁣ about HBCU football’s impact on college recruiting? Check out ⁤ this⁣ resource for a deeper dive.

The Celebration Bowl’s growing popularity underscores the rising prominence ‍of HBCU football. Beyond ⁤the immediate excitement of the ⁣game, it represents‍ a broader trend of increased visibility ⁢and ⁤investment ⁣in these institutions.Looking ahead, ​expect continued growth in viewership ⁢and economic impact as the Celebration Bowl solidifies its ⁣position as a premier college football event. furthermore,the strategic importance ⁢of bowl games in bolstering recruiting pipelines is undeniable.​

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Q1: ‌What is the current‌ betting⁤ line for ⁢the Celebration Bowl?
    A1: As of December 13, 2025, Prairie View A&M is favored by⁣ 4.5⁣ points at -120 ‍moneyline, with an⁣ over/under of 79.5.
  • Q2: Who ⁤are the ⁣MVP candidates for the game?
    A2: Jalen Walker (Prairie View A&M QB) and jalen Morris (South Carolina State RB) are the top contenders.
  • Q3: How can I watch the Celebration Bowl live?
    A3: Stream via ESPN’s website/app or ESPN+.
  • Q4: Are there ⁤any notable injuries affecting the game?
    A4: Derrick ‍Gaines (South Carolina State OT) is listed as questionable with⁤ an ankle injury.
  • Q5:⁤ What ⁢is the history of the Celebration Bowl?
    A5: The celebration Bowl was founded in 2003 and has quickly⁣ grown to become the largest HBCU​ football championship game.
  • Q6: What‍ impact does ⁤winning the Celebration Bowl have on recruiting?
    A6: A successful outcome significantly boosts recruiting rankings for both participating schools.
  • Q7: Where is the Celebration Bowl being ‌played this year?
    A7: The game is taking place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium ‍in Atlanta,⁤ Georgia.

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2025 Celebration Bowl Preview: South Carolina State vs. Prairie View A&M – Expert picks, Odds & Forecast


Game Overview & Key Details

Detail Information
Date & time Saturday, December 19, 2025 – 12:00 PM EST
Venue Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
match‑up South⁢ Carolina State Bulldogs (MEAC Champs) vs. Prairie View A&M Panthers (SWAC Champs)
Broadcast ESPN2‍ (live)
Attendance Projection 45,000-50,000 fans (based on 2024 Celebration Bowl trends)
Streaming ESPN+ (U.S.) & ‌international partners

Team Profiles

South Carolina State Bulldogs

  • Season Record: 10‑2 (MEAC‍ 7‑1)
  • Offensive Rank: 4th in FCS ⁢total yards per⁤ game (487 ypg) ‌
  • Defensive Rank: 7th in points allowed (17.3 ppa)
  • Key Strength: Balanced attack – 310 rushing ‍yards ⁤&​ 177 passing yards per game.
  • Notable Wins: vs. Howard (42‑14), vs. North Carolina A&T (31‑27).

Prairie ⁣View A&M Panthers

  • Season Record: 11‑1 (SWAC ⁢8‑0)
  • Offensive Rank: 3rd in FCS scoring offense (38.2 ppg)
  • Defensive Rank: 9th in total defense (384 ypg)
  • Key Strength: Explosive passing game – 258 passing yards per game, 2.6 TD passes per contest.
  • Notable‍ wins: vs. Grambling State ⁣(45‑21), vs. ‍Jackson State (38‑34). ‌


Recent Form & Momentum

  1. South Carolina State (Last 3 games)
  • Win @ Howard – 42‑14 (dominant ‌ground game, 5 rushing TDs)
  • Win vs. North Carolina A&T – 31‑27 (late fourth‑quarter drive)
  • Loss @ Bethune‑Cookman – 24‑27 (defensive lapse on special teams)
  1. prairie View A&M (Last 3 games)
  • Win vs. Grambling​ State – 45‑21 (quarterback ​320 ypg, 3 TDs) ‌
  • Win vs.Jackson State – ⁢38‑34 (comeback ​after 14‑point halftime deficit)
  • Win @ ⁤Southern – 31‑10 (shutout defense, 2 forced turnovers)

Momentum Indicator: Prairie View A&M enters the bowl on a three‑game winning streak, while South Carolina State follows a loss but has ‌a strong home‑field ⁤advantage⁤ in the Southeast.


Head‑to‑Head⁢ History⁢

Year Winner Score
2022 Prairie ‍View A&M 31‑24
2023 South Carolina State 27‑20
2024 Prairie View A&M 34‑28
Overall (4 meetings) 2‑2

Average Points⁣ scored: 30.0 (both teams)

  • Total Yards per Game: 765 (combined) ⁣


Key Players to Watch ​

  • South Carolina State QB Jalen Miller – 3,212 passing yards,28 TDs,7 INTs. Dual‑threat: 650 rushing yards.
  • SCS RB Malik Thomas – ‍1,145 rushing yards, 13 TDs; average 6.1 YPC.
  • Prairie View A&M QB DeAndre Harris – 3,698 passing yards, 34 TDs, 9 INTs; 12.5 YPC.
  • PV A&M WR Elijah Johnson – ⁣1,112 receiving yards, 12 TDs; 18.0 YPR.‌
  • SCS LB Jamal Brown – 96 total ​tackles, 12 TFLs, 3 forced fumbles.
  • PV A&M DE Rashad Coleman ⁤ – 9.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 18⁤ QB pressures.

Expert Picks & Predictions

Source Pick Reasoning
ESPN College Football Analyst Panel Prairie View A&M Superior passing offense, balanced defense; higher win probability on neutral site.
CBS Sports FCS Experts South Carolina State +3 Strong rushing attack could control tempo; home‑region familiarity.
Winsport Betting Insights push (Bet on both teams) Oddsmakers list⁢ the⁤ game at a 3‑point spread; low⁢ variance suggests a tight contest.
College Football Podcast – “Bowl Bound” Over 68.5 points Both teams average over 34 ppg; defensive lapses‍ in recent games imply a high‑scoring affair.

Consensus ⁢Forecast: 56% of analysts favor Prairie View A&M, 44% favor SCS. The spread ‌remains at Prairie View A&M -3, with an over/under of 68.5 points.


Betting odds (as of 13 Dec 2025, 17:52 EST)

  • Moneyline:
  • Prairie View A&M -150
  • south Carolina State +130
  • Point Spread:
  • Prairie⁢ View A&M -3.0 (payout -110)
  • South Carolina State +3.0 (payout ‍-110)
  • Over/Under:
  • Over 68.5 (payout -115)
  • Under 68.5 (payout -105) ​
  • Prop Bets worth Watching:
  1. Jalen Miller total passing ​yards – Over 280.5 ⁢(+120)
  2. DeAndre Harris total⁢ passing TDs – Over 2.5 (-130)
  3. First ‍team to score – Prairie view A&M (-140)

Tactical Matchup Analysis ⁤

Offensive Schemes

  • SCS: Pro‑style attack emphasizing⁤ zone‑run concepts; ‌frequent play‑action passes targeting tight ends.
  • PV A&M: Spread offense with hurry‑up tempo, exploiting mismatches in the secondary; deep routes for Elijah Johnson. ⁤

defensive Strategies

  • SCS 4‑3 base: Aggressive blitz packages aimed at ​disrupting ‍Harris’s rythm; strong interior line pressure.
  • PV A&M 3‑4 hybrid: Emphasizes pass rush from the edge (Coleman) and coverage versatility from nickel backs.

Key Tactical ⁣Battles

  1. Miller vs.Coleman – Coleman’s edge rush vs.⁣ Miller’s mobility will dictate SCS’s passing efficiency.
  2. Harris vs. Brown – brown’s tackling⁢ and gap control are critical to ⁣limiting Harris’s scramble yards.
  3. Thomas vs. PV A&M linebackers – Success on the ​ground could force Harris into uncomfortable short⁢ passes.


Betting Tips & Value Plays

  1. Play the Spread on‍ Prairie View A&M -3
  • Defensive stats suggest SCS may struggle ⁤to contain the Panthers’ passing ⁣attack, especially in the second half.
  1. Take the Over 68.5
  • Both teams average over 34 ppg; recent games show defensive lapses (SCS allowed 27, PV A&M allowed 31).
  1. Prop: Elijah Johnson Over 75.5 Receiving Yards (+115)
  • Johnson has logged a 100‑yard game in 4 of his last 5 outings; favorable matchup against SCS’s secondary.
  1. Parlay: Prairie View A&M -3 + Over 68.5 (Payout ~ +250)
  • Combines the two strongest market expectations for a higher‑risk, higher‑reward ticket. ‍

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the past Celebration Bowl win rate for MEAC vs. ‍SWAC ​champions?

A: since inception (2015), the SWAC has a 7‑4 edge over the MEAC, winning 63% of the matchups. ​

Q: How does weather typically affect the Celebration Bowl?

A: Atlanta’s December average temperature is 55°F with​ low precipitation. ⁢Weather rarely impacts play, making “over” ⁢totals more reliable.

Q: Are there any injury concerns heading into ‍the game?

A: As of the latest injury report (12 Dec 2025), SCS’s starting left tackle is listed as “questionable” (rib strain).PV A&M reports no major starters out. ⁢

Q: Where can I watch live stats during the Celebration bowl?

A: ESPN’s “Stats Central” app, College Football Live, and ⁣the NCAA’s official website provide real‑time play‑by‑play and advanced metrics.

Q: What time should⁢ I place my bets for the best odds?

A: Odds typically tighten 24‑36 hours before⁣ kickoff. Placing ⁤wagers early (now) frequently enough secures the most favorable lines.


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