There once was a time were teams in the Southwestern Athletic Conference would just play for the conference championship, but now there’s a new destination in sights after claiming the SWAC title.

Alcorn State has traveled to Atlanta to meet up with the co-champion of the Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference North Carolina A&T in the inaugural Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl game to crown a Historically Black College and University national football champion.

In his Celebration Bowl press conference, Alcorn coach Jay Hopson agreed to the notion of Atlanta being the new destination for teams in the SWAC to play for.

“You have to play in the SWAC title to get to Atlanta. Your first goal is Houston; your second goal is Atlanta,” Hopson said. “Every football team wants to go as far as they can go and we know this is far as we can go. Certainly it’s a great opportunity for our program and both conferences and I imagine North Carolina A&T feels the same way.”

The game will be televised today at 11 a.m. on ABC and the national attention will provide exposure for both the Braves and Aggies on a platform they might not have received otherwise, which could have a positive impact on recruiting.

“Millions of people will tune in and be alert and aware of what Alcorn State University is doing. We represent our university, that’s certainly a great honor and privilege for all of us as players and coaches,” Hopson said.

Quarterback John Gibbs Jr. will dress for the game against A&T and be available if needed; Lenorris Footman will remain the starter.

Gibbs has been out with an ankle injury since the Southern University game on Halloween.

Hopson spoke on Gibbs status and said he has been getting healthier, but he “would by lying if I said [Gibbs] was completely healthy.”

Having two high-performing quarterbacks has been a benefit for Hopson this season and he’s always acknowledged the athletic talents of Footman. Footman has rushed for 961 yards and has completed 60 of his 134 passes for 12 touchdowns and only three interceptions.

“Both of them have started six games for us. Both have done a tremendous job, and I say that as a football coach, very seldom do you have the opportunity to have two great quarterbacks,” Hopson said. “The reality is we’ve got two outstanding football players at that position. It just so happens one is 100 percent completely healthy and the other is in that 90 percent range.”

Hopson and A&T coach Rod Broadway have worked with each other in the past. He commended the Aggies for being well coached and getting through a tough schedule in the MEAC.

In a game with a national title on the line, Hopson expects nothing but the best from the Aggies.

“You got a huge bowl game with big implications so you know both teams are going to be excited to play. There a football team with our utmost respect. We know we have to be ready to play.