Virtual Simulation Stimulation: Week 2

And we’re back.

For those of you who might be along for your first rodeo, here’s the gist. Each week we use NCAA 11 to play out all the games. We focus on the top 5 and tell you just how EA believes the big matchups will shake out versus the point spread and in general.

In week 1, NCAA 11 went a solid 2-2-1. Astoundingly, it was spot on when predicting the Pitt/Utah game. NCAA predicted Utah would win 25-22 in OT. Utah won 27-24 in OT. (slow clap).

The game it really spit the bit on was Washington/BYU. NCAA was Locker-fied predicting Washington would crush BYU 38-7. Not so much. BYU took the game 23-17.

Week 2 brings us some early season gems, and it wasn’t easy rounding out the top 5 games. The number one, two, and three games, however, you can pretty much figure out.

Without further adieu, we go full nerd and get our simulation on.

5. Georgia at South Carolina (-3)

Aaron Murray chucks it 52 times for 340 yards and a touchdown securing plenty of visor throws for the ol’ ball coach. Stephen Garcia adds 342 yards of his own but also tosses 3 interceptions. While I love you NCAA, he would’ve been benched after 2. #justsayin

Predicted Final Score: Georgia 30 South Carolina 17

4. Michigan at Notre Dame (-4)

Tied heading into the 4^th quarter, Notre Dame scores two defensive touchdowns and adds another on offense. The Denard Robinson show throws for 2 touchdowns but ends with only 20 yards rushing. Tate Forcier grabs virtual bench, Rich Rod goes on the virtual hot seat.

Predicted Final Score: Notre Dame 37 Michigan 17

3. Penn State at Alabama (-11.5)

UPSET SPECIAL: Julio Jones hauls in 11 balls and a touchdown, but that’s about it for the Crimson Tide. Evan Royster averages only 3 YPC but scores on two short touchdown runs. Holy Paterno, Batman. NCAA likes Penn State’s D in a big way…

Predicted Final Score: Penn State 17 Alabama 7

2. Florida State at Oklahoma (-8.5)

The battle of marquee QBs goes the way of the Seminoles. Christian Ponder throws for 350 yards and 3 touchdowns and Florida State goes into Norman and edges out Oklahoma. DeMarco Murray goes for 119 in the loss. Lose big game with Bob Stoops ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED.

Predicted Final Score: Florida State 27 Oklahoma 24

1. Miami at Ohio State (-8.5)

Terrelle Pryor throws the ball 39 times and racks up 299 yards and 3 touchdowns. Jacory Harris nearly matches up with 245 yards and 3 touchdowns, but it doesn’t help avoid a blowout. Apparently the 8.5-point spread is warranted as the Buckeyes cruise.

Predicted Final Score: Ohio State 40 Miami 26

Biggest Upset

Iowa State takes out Iowa in Iowa City (that’s a lot of Iowas) 18-12 in OT. There goes my Big 10 prediction.

Other Notable Scores

Oregon 42 Tennessee 21

Florida 20 USF 17

USC 40 Virginia 10

LSU 26 Vanderbilt 21

Player of the Week (Again): Ryan Mallett.