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Jackson State running back Irv Mulligan runs the ball during the SWAC Championship game against Southern. We're backing the Tigers in our Jackson State vs. South Carolina State prediction.
Jackson State running back Irv Mulligan runs the ball during the SWAC Championship game against Southern. Photo by Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

As Jackson State prepares to take on South Carolina State in the Celebration Bowl for the second time in four years, questions at quarterback remain for both programs.

  • Our Jackson State vs. South Carolina State prediction expects the underdogs' star running back to be the difference
  • Four years ago, the Bulldogs beat a Tigers team led by Deion Sanders 31-10 in the Celebration Bowl
  • Jackson State is a 3-point underdog at our college football betting sites for Saturday's noon ET game from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta

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Jackson State vs. South Carolina State prediction & best pick: Celebration Bowl

College football picks based on the odds from our best college football betting sites. Odds subject to change.

  • Against the spread pick: Jackson State +3 () vs. South Carolina State ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • My best pick: Irv Mulligan anytime TD scorer (-163 via bet365) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jackson State vs. South Carolina State ATS prediction

Jackson State to cover the spread: +3 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best odds: -115 via bet365 | Implied probability: 53.49%

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At this point, it's unclear who will be under center for either team. South Carolina State star QB Eric Phoenix exited the Bulldogs' game against Morgan State and didn't play in the regular season finale against Norfolk State.

Jackson State got hit with a double whammy when QB Jacobian Morgan left the SWAC Championship game against Southern with an injury, only for backup Zy McDonald to also get banged up.

While the Bulldogs are in the better situation with a healthy and competent backup QB in Ryan Stubblefield, it's clear which team has the best playmaker.

South Carolina State may need a Mulligan

Jackson State running back Irv Mulligan is one of the best in the FCS and he's going to be a game-changer in this matchup for the Tigers. Mulligan has rushed for 1,168 yards this season - more than South Carolina State's top three backs combined.

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With Phoenix potentially playing hurt, the Bulldogs won't be nearly as dynamic on offense as they have been at times this season, while Jackson State's QB situation shouldn't hinder Mulligan much.

Even if the Bulldogs key in on stopping him, he's proven he can do a lot with a little - he's top 10 in the country in rushing yards after contact per attempt (4.22) and 15-plus-yard runs (20), per .

Given that both defenses are among the best in the FCS and both teams are dealing with precarious quarterback situations, I think Mulligan can carry the Tigers to a cover. If he does, a $10 bet pays a $8.70 profit.

Celebration Bowl picks

Jackson State vs. South Carolina State best pick

Our NEW college football player prop odds tool can help you find the best odds on any market across legal sportsbooks in your area!

Irv Mulligan anytime TD scorer ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best odds: -163 via bet365 | Implied probability: 61.91%

Are these odds a little short? Absolutely, but since Mulligan became Jackson State's workhorse back against Alabama A&M on Oct. 5, he's scored at least one touchdown in seven of eight games.

So, while these odds imply a 61.91% probability he'll score, he's actually scoring in 87.5% of his games since becoming the clear RB1 for the Tigers. In those eight games, he's scored 10 touchdowns.

Plus, Mulligan is one of the best tackle breakers in the country, which should help in the red zone. He's 17th in the FCS in rushing yards after contact (747) and 20th in missed tackles forced (51).

If he finds the end zone, a $10 bet pays a $6.14 profit.

Jackson State vs. South Carolina State odds

See all of this week's college football odds and NCAAF scores.

Jackson State vs. South Carolina State live odds

Jackson State vs. South Carolina State opening odds:

  • Jackson State: -1.5 (-110)
  • South Carolina State: +1.5 (-110)

Jackson State vs. South Carolina State injuries

Celebration Bowl game info

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 14
  • Kickoff: Noon ET
  • Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
  • How to watch: ABC
  • Weather: Indoors
  • Favorite: South Carolina State -2.5 (-110 via Caesars)

College football betting odds pages

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