Jackson State Tigers Score Historic 28-7 Celebration Bowl Win: Senate Resolution Honors 2024 National Title Victory

This resolution officially recognizes the Jackson State University (JSU) Tigers for their 28–7 victory over South Carolina State University, marking the program’s first-ever win in the Celebration Bowl. Often called the national championship for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the game capped off a dominant 12–2 season for the Tigers. The resolution formalizes the state’s appreciation for the team’s performance and its role in representing the State of Mississippi on a national stage.

A Season for the Record Books

The Tigers didn't just win; they dominated their conference. The resolution highlights that the team averaged 36.43 points per game and finished as the top-ranked team in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). For a student-athlete or a local business owner in Jackson, this isn't just about a trophy—it’s about the economic and social energy that a 12–2 season brings to the community. The resolution specifically calls out the team’s postseason run, which saw them outlast 17 other universities in the SWAC and MEAC to claim the title.

Individual Excellence and Leadership

While football is a team sport, the legislation puts a spotlight on the specific people who drove this success. It recognizes Running back Travis Terrell Jr. as both the SWAC Freshman and Special Teams Player of the Year, and Irv Mulligan as the Offensive Player of the Year. It also credits Head Coach T. C. Taylor, who has built a 19–6 record over just two seasons. By documenting these individual achievements in an official resolution, the state creates a permanent record of the leadership and talent currently coming out of JSU’s athletic program.

Beyond the Gridiron

The resolution connects the team’s success to a broader sense of civic pride, noting that their home games at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium serve as a tribute to military veterans. It concludes by directing the Secretary of the Senate to send official enrolled copies of the resolution to JSU President Dr. Marcus L. Thompson, Athletic Director Ashley Robinson, and Coach Taylor. While this resolution doesn't change laws or taxes, it serves as a formal acknowledgment of the university’s excellence in higher education and its impact on the cultural fabric of the state.