Ole Miss vs LSU: A CFB27 simulation

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Forgive me for allowing the first two games of the season to slip through the cracks. If it makes you feel any better, EA Sports did simulate a 2-0 start to the season!

But, just like last season, we will simulate each game and see how accurate CFB27 is to the real world. Last year it was just wrong because they did not add Trinidad Chambliss to the game until end of season and kept Kewan Lacy buried on the depth chart rated in the 70’s.

This year, our stars are properly rated and the simulations should be more realistic, so let’s see how they see this weekend playing out.

First Quarter

Emotions are obviously going to be high in this one. This could come down to whichever team comes out the gate and executes early. LSU got the ball first in this one (Lane trying to make a statement perhaps). Sam Leavitt was sacked by Will Echoles on second down of the first drive. On the next play, Antonio Kite picked off Leavitt and took it to the house for a 7-0 lead.

On the ensuing drive, LSU was able to drive right down the field as Leavitt scrambled for a 56 yard touchdown. Ole Miss quickly answered as Trinidad Chambliss broke off a 63 yard touchdown run of his own.

End of 1: 14-7 Rebels

Second Quarter

LSU went three and out on their next drive, forcing a punt back to the Rebels. The Heisman duo was on full display as they drove Ole Miss down the field, Lacy broke a 36 yard run which led to a 15 yard touchdown pass to Luke Hasz, putting the Rebs up 21-7.

Game flow obviously forced the Tigers to abandon the run, which is the real life formula for success on Saturday. Leavitt was certainly serviceable in this one, moving the ball down the field through the air before scrambling in for his second score.

For the first time in the game, Ole Miss had to settle for a field goal for their next points, putting them up 24-14. As the first half ticked down, the Leavitt to Jayce Brown connection began to heat up. The Tigers were able to cut it to a three point deficit with Brown’s first TD reception of the night from 24 yards out.

End of 2: 24-21 Rebels

Third Quarter

The Rebels received the ball to start the half but had a quick three-and-out. Momentum began to swing towards LSU as they quickly responded with another Leavitt-to-Brown touchdown pass. Ole Miss now trailed for the first time all game.

Fear not. The best quarterback in college football lives in Oxford, MS. Chambliss connected with Horatio Fields on a 29 yard pass to immediately retake the lead, 31-28. That duo wasn’t done as they connected for the only other score in the quarter.

End of 3: 38-28 Rebels

Fourth Quarter

If Ole Miss can make Sam Leavitt beat them with his arm, they will live with that result. On the next drive, LSU was able to drive down the field and get a rushing touchdown from Caleb Durham, bringing the game to a 38-35 score.

The Rebels responded with a Lucas Carneiro 52 yard field goal before LSU got one of their own, making the score 41-38 with time winding down.

For most quarterbacks, this would be the biggest drive of their career. But this was just another day for Trinidad who had legendary drives in the CFP last season. Johntay Cook got his second touchdown catch of the season from 15 yards out, putting the Rebs up 48-38.

This ended up being a situation where the game just ran out of time. Leavitt connected with Brown for the third time, drawing the Tigers within three. But after a failed onside attempt, Ole Miss was able to run the clock out and secure a statement victory.

Final score: 48-45 Rebels

The story of the stats

Kewan Lacy toted the rock 13 times for 145 yards while Chambliss carried it 21 times for 111 yards. He was sacked 4 times and was essentially running for his life. Despite that, he still threw for 407 yards and four touchdowns on 43 attempts.

Horatio Fields led the way with nine catches for 147 yards and two scores. Deuce Alexander also hauled in nine balls for 131. LSU limited the explosive plays, but Chambliss had no problems taking what was presented.

The secondary was busy as the top three tacklers were Kite, Aguero and Crawford. Linebackers Luke Ferrelli and Keaton Thomas were four and five which tells me LSU had no problems getting to the second level. Echoles, Ferrelli and Franklin each had a sack.

Sam Leavitt played well with 422 passing yards and three touchdowns, but the lone turnover of the game ultimately cost them dearly. He also led the team with 72 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Jayce Brown was the top pass catcher, bringing in nine receptions for 130 yards and three touchdowns. Winnie Watkins had seven for 101. The Rebels were able to bottle up Trey’Dez Green, limiting him to three catches for 16 yards.

Defensively Whit Weeks was all over the field, ended with a game high 13 tackles. Dominick McKinley had three of the four sacks for LSU while Princewell Umanmielen must’ve been in court as he didn’t register a stat in this one.

Ole Miss outgained the Tigers 683-563 in total offense. In fact, the only categories the Rebels did not win were penalties, passing yards and kick return yards. It was a barn burner, but we would take this result every time.

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