The Celebration Bowl didn’t formally kick off till 2015, however the rivalry between the MEAC and SWAC runs deep in fashionable HBCU soccer historical past. This text is the primary in a collection that may discover a compelling hypothetical: what if the champions of the MEAC and SWAC had performed one another yearly from 2000 by 2014, simply as they do now in Atlanta every December? We start with the 12 months 2000—instantly following the top of the Heritage Bowl, the final official postseason assembly between the 2 conferences, which ceased after the 1999 season.
In 2000, the MEAC was gained by Florida A&M College. Underneath head coach Billy Joe, the Rattlers completed with a 9–3 general file and a 7–1 convention mark. Their season included a dramatic 31–28 win over rival Bethune-Cookman to safe the MEAC title. FAMU’s potent offense helped them earn an NCAA Division I-AA playoff berth, though they had been shut out by Western Kentucky within the opening spherical. Quarterback Quinn Grey was a seasoned vet who put up spectacular stats for a lot of the season.
Grambling State, in the meantime, emerged because the SWAC champion in Doug Williams’ third season on the helm. The Tigers went 10–2 general and 6–1 in convention play, capped by a 14–6 win over Alabama A&M within the SWAC Championship Recreation. That victory earned Grambling State the HBCU nationwide championship recognition from a number of shops.
What makes the hypothetical Celebration Bowl for 2000 much more intriguing is that Grambling State and Florida A&M truly performed that 12 months—in a daily season matchup. Grambling narrowly defeated FAMU 12–10, a gritty win that provides us a uncommon information level on this fictional collection.
Contemplating Grambling’s win within the head-to-head matchup, stronger file, and standing because the consensus HBCU nationwide champion, the sting goes to the Tigers on this alternate universe.
Hypothetical 2000 Celebration Bowl Winner: Grambling State
As we proceed this collection, we’ll revisit every season from 2001 to 2014 to challenge who might need lifted the Celebration Bowl trophy had the sport existed. Every matchup reveals one thing distinctive about HBCU soccer historical past—and the championship-caliber groups that helped form it.
Keep tuned as we dive into the 2001 season subsequent, the place one other powerhouse Grambling crew faces FAMU as soon as once more for HBCU bragging rights.
