Media members who are interested in covering the game can apply for credentials on the event's website, www.MEACSWACChallenge.com. The deadline to submit credential requests is Friday, Aug. 18 at 5 p.m.

First-year head coach T.C. Taylor will lead the Jackson State Tigers into Atlanta to face coach Buddy Pough, now in his 22nd season, and the South Carolina State Bulldogs, Aug. 26 at 7:30 p.m. on ABC, live from Center Parc Stadium. 

The Bulldogs are making their fifth appearance in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, compiling a 3-1 record, including a 27-14 win in the inaugural game over Alabama State in Birmingham, Ala. SCSU, who has played in more MSC games than any other team between the two conferences, was scheduled to play in 2016 (no contest due to inclement weather) and 2020 (canceled due to Covid-19 pandemic). Jackson State is 0-2 in MSC games, falling to Bethune-Cookman 36-15 in their last appearance in 2019.

Last year, Alabama State defeated Howard, 23-13 to give the SWAC its' first MEAC/SWAC Challenge victory since 2018. The MEAC leads the series 11-5

Questions concerning credentials should be directed to the Celebration Bowl media coordinator, Michelle Jinks via email at thesportsjinks@gmail.com or (704) 856-9320