Introduction

As the Big 12 season kicks off, BYU finds itself in an exciting yet daunting matchup against the No. 13 Kansas State Wildcats. Fresh off a resounding victory over then-rated Arizona, Kansas State looks formidable. But does BYU have what it takes to turn the tables at LaVell Edwards Stadium?

Setting the Ground Rules

In preparation, the Deseret News ran a simulation of this game using the new EA Sports College Football 25, where the Cougars surprisingly held their ground against a highly-rated opponent, hinting at a thrilling contest.

How Accurate Was the Last Simulation?

In their last outing, BYU defeated Wyoming 34-14, while the simulation projected a slightly higher score of 41-20 for BYU, showcasing how closely matched these simulations can be.

The Simulation Showdown: BYU vs. Kansas State

Ultimately, the simulated game concluded with Kansas State edging out BYU 24-17 in overtime. The simulation set the stage for nail-biting moments such as BYU forcing the game into overtime with a late fourth-quarter touchdown. Kansas State, with its versatile quarterback Avery Johnson, struck first in the extra period, showcasing a dramatic 22-yard scramble that set up the game-winning touchdown.

BYU's quarterback Jake Retzlaff had his shot at glory but saw his potential game-tying drive thwarted by an interception in the end zone. This heartbreaking moment highlighted the volatility and excitement of college football, where fortunes can change in an instant.

Game Highlights

- The Wildcats took an early lead, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive but faltered in crucial moments, opting not to call timeouts when needed.

- BYU’s running back Miles Davis proved crucial in sustaining drives, contributing significantly both on the ground and through the air.

- Despite their efforts, BYU lost the turnover battle, which proved detrimental in such a tightly contested matchup.

Key Player Performances

Kansas State’s Avery Johnson shone brightly with an impressive completion rate of 85%, amassing 292 passing yards and contributing a touchdown on the ground. For BYU, Retzlaff had a solid outing with 282 yards and two touchdowns, despite the turnovers coming at inopportune moments.

A Closer Look at Team Stats

Statistically, the game stood relatively even with Kansas State racking up 385 yards of total offense against BYU's 349. Critical to BYU's competitiveness was their efficiency on third downs, converting 12 out of 18 attempts.

Final Thoughts

This simulation indicates that while Kansas State comes in as the favorite, the Cougars are far from being counted out. Given BYU's historically strong performances in home games, particularly at night, there's a glimmer of hope that this matchup could yield unexpected surprises.

As BYU fans gear up for this high-stakes game, one question looms: Could this powerhouse matchup result in the biggest upset of the season? Keep your eyes peeled—this weekend is shaping up to be a nail-biter!