Celebration Bowl 2016: N.C. Central vs. Grambling Live Score and Highlights

Grambling 10, NC Central 9—Final

North Carolina Central wide receiver Quentin Atkinson made a 39-yard touchdown reception with 2:14 left to play to bring the Eagles within an extra point from tying the game. But Atkinson was called for unsportsmanlike conduct for taking his helmet off on the field, and Brandon McLaren's PAT was blocked.

Grambling State ran out the remainder of the clock. Its 10-9 victory in the 2016 Celebration Bowl gave the Tigers their 14th black college national championship. Running back Martez Carter was the catalyst for the Grambling offense, rushing for 109 yards and one touchdown on 12 carries. He also added a 30-yard punt return in which he showed off his speed and athleticism.

NC Central led 3-0 at halftime, but poor starting field position was the storyline in the second half for the Eagles offense. The defense made a valiant effort, though, coming up with stop after stop despite three turnovers by the offense.

Grambling improved to 12-1, while NC Central dropped to 9-3.