Jackson State University received the most media attention, by far, but North Carolina Central scored the most points, thanks to some overtime drama.

Deion Sanders’well publicized coaching career at Jackson State lasted one game too long, as his Tigers were defeated, 41-34, in OT, in the Dec. 17 Celebration Bowl in Atlanta.

Televised by ABC, the contest billed as the HBCU National Championship Game drew 49,670 fans to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Sanders had announced earlier he was leaving JSU for the University of Colorado. In three seasons in Mississippi, Sanders went 27-6 (12-1 this season) with two SWAC titles.

“I miss these guys already; I love them,” Sanders said of the Tigers in an emotional presser.

Central, under Coach Trei Oliver, qualified for the Celebration Bowl by winning the MEAC crown.

Sanders’ Tigers were 23-3 over the past two seasons, but both campaigns ended in Celebration Bowl losses. Jackson fell to South Carolina State a year ago.

Coach Oliver was asked about how he felt about the media’s infatuation with Sanders, aka “Coach Prime.”

“We played with a chip on our shoulder,” Coach Oliver sad. “The disrespect was real ever since we’ve been down here.”

MEAC schools now have won five of the six Celebration Bowls. North Carolina A&T, now in the Colonial Athletic As- sociation, has won three times.

The SWAC’s only title was won by Grambling in 2016.

Sanders’ son, sophomore quarterback Shedeur Sanders, was brilliant in defeat, passing for 329 yards and four touchdowns.

Shedeur Sanders is likely leaving with his father for Colorado. Others likely to depart are dazzling freshman Travis Hunter, who plays both receiver and defensive back, and freshman receiver Kevin Coleman.

Hunter, who has been compared to “a young Deion,” caught two TD passes, including one to tie the game on the final play of regulation. Coleman caught seven passes for 137 yards and a TD.

T.C. Taylor, a Sanders assistant this sea- son, will move up to head coach in 2023. Central’s Eagles were led by MVP quarterback Davius Richard, who passed for 177 yards, caught a 21-yard TD pass and ran for 94 yards and two TDS, including the game clincher in OT.

Among the spectators was NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, whose nephew, Charlie Goodell, plays for Jackson State.

Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes will open their 2023 season Sept. 2 in Fort Worth against Texas Christian.