North Carolina Central’s downfall was taking the Celebration Bowl to heart.

The officially titled Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl was decided Saturday on a late-game penalty for excessive celebrating.

The unbelievable and ironic finish of the de-facto historically black-college football championship featured Quentin Atkinson catching a 39-yard touchdown pass with 2:14 remaining in the game, closing the Grambling State lead to 10-9 in a game that looked destined for overtime.

Yet Atkinson’s helmet came off in the touchdown celebration, as the wide receiver sprinted up his own sideline. Out came an official’s penalty flag, costing North Carolina State 15 yards on the extra-point attempt — which was then blocked.

After a failed onside-kick attempt, Grambling State was the champ.