HBCU Legends

CELEBRATION BOWL - HALFTIME REPORT

A halftime report for the 2024 Cricket Celebration Bowl.

Kyle T. Mosley

2024 Celebration Bowl
2024 Celebration Bowl / Credit: Kyle T. Mosley, HBCU Legends
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ATLANTA -- The first quarter of the 2024 Cricket Celebration Bowl for Jackson State and South Carolina State was 0-0 stalemate.

The Bulldogs' defense forced several third downs and one fourth down, but the Tigers were able to keeping converting to extend their second drive.

Midway through the first stanza, Jackson State found its rhythm.

The Tigers began to wear down the South Carolina State defensive line using a good mix of rushing and passing plays to get into scoring position.

On a second and goal play, Morgan lobbed a pass to the left, where Joanes Fortilien snagged the football for the game's first touchdown.

The Jackson State touchdown drive consumed 19 plays for 78 yards in 9:39 minutes. Placekicker Gerardo Baeza booted the extra point to capture the lead, 7-0, with 11:26 in the 2nd quarter.

SCORE: JSU 7, SCS 0

The drive marked the longest in Celebration Bowl history, eclipsing the 15-play record by North Carolina Central.

Jackson State turned over the football after an unsuccessful fourth down rushing attempt by Jacobian Morgan.

An explosive 67-yard strike to Spencer placed Jackson State on the goal line. Irv Mulligan cashed in on the next play, and the Tigers would lead 14-0 with 5:39 before halftime. Offensive lineman Kirk Ford Jr. sustained an injury during the scoring play.

HALFTIME SCORE: JSU 14, SCS 0

SUMMARY: South Carolina State cannot find continuity. Phoenix and his receivers are out of sync in the first half. Could the Bulldogs give backup quarterback Ryan Stubblefield an opportunity to lead a few possessions? The 2024 MEAC Offensive Player of the Year is not seeing the field well. He could still be dealing with the leg injury.

Jackson State is bigger, stronger, and faster. TC Taylor's offense is having its way against the Bulldogs defense. Why? The Tigers are leading the time of possession - 13 to 8 minutes.

Defensively, the Bulldogs cannot get a breather.

STANDOUT PLAYERS

Jackson State

Jacobian Morgan completed 9 of 12 passes for 139 yards, and a touchdown.

  • Irv Mulligan - 13 rushes, 29 yards, 1 TD
  • Joanes Fortilien - 3 receptions, 20 yards, 1 TD
  • Isaiah Spencer - 1 reception, 67 yards

South Carolina State

  • Eric Phoenix - 5 of 11 completions, 34 yards
  • KZ Adams - 3 rushes for 12 yards.
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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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