How did the MWC fair this Bowl Season?
Thanks to the NCAA 14 Football Game- We have all the Bowl Insights!
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Earlier this fall, we covered how the NCAA Football Game Dynasty by EA Sports was still alive and well, even after production of the game stopped in 2014. If you missed it, take a look here.
Using the newly updated rosters for every team on the game, we were able to create real simulation results based on these 2019 teams. We matched-up every team in the Mountain West with their 2019/2020 Bowl Opponent, using the actual locations and players. The games were completely simulated with no user interaction.
Let’s go Bowl by Bowl and see how things shook out!
FRISCO BOWL, DEC. 20: UTAH STATE VS. KENT STATE
If the simulation is any indicator, folks who take in the Frisco Bowl are in for a treat. Jordan Love pulls a George Costanza, and leaves the Aggies on a high note (both puns intended) racking up over 300 yards passing to edge Kent State by three, with a 31-28 victory.
The Utah State defense also came up big holding the Golden Flash to 40% in the Red Zone and forcing two turnovers.
NEW MEXICO BOWL, DEC. 21: SAN DIEGO STATE VS. CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Next up is the New Mexico Bowl which every Aztec fan would be thrilled to have the simulated results. The folks from Mt. Pleasant, Michigan may take umbrage with the notion of San Diego State racking up 41 points though.
I don’t question the Aztecs ability to pound the ball on the ground like the results reflect, behind a strong performance from Juwan Washington. But I do have to wonder what happened to ignite a 41 – 10 drubbing.
LAS VEGAS BOWL, DEC. 21: BOISE STATE VS. WASHINGTON
The kings of the (Mountain) West got reacquainted with their old coach, in most inhospitable fashion. Despite featuring the games most highly rated player in the MWC, Curtis Weaver, it wasn’t enough to knock off the Huskies.
I’m sure Jacob Eason of Washington would be very happy to showcase a near 400 yard passing performance in front of the scouts to increase his draft stock. Mountain West Wire’s resident Bronco, Raj may want to protest the results of this 13 point defeat.
HAWAII BOWL, DEC. 24: HAWAII VS. BYU
In a bout featuring two programs that know each other well, coach Rolo’s bunch dropped the hammer on the Coug’s, winning 40-13. I would say that this result is somewhat surprising by win margin, but Mountain West Wire aficionado Jeremy Mauss hinted at this result if you tuned into the Bowl Podcast.
Much less surprising was the numbers that the Hawi’i receiving corp put up in the win. JoJo Ward and Cedric Byrd in particular had standout performances. Still questioning the legitimacy of the simulations?
CHEEZE-IT BOWL, DEC. 27: AIR FORCE VS. WASHINGTON STATE
If ever there were a time I was going to run a second simulation, here it is. But alas, in the interest of integrity, the results stand and Air Force takes an L in the Cheez-it Bowl by the score of 31 – 24 at the hands of Wazzu.
Kadin Remsberg toted the rock for the Falcons to the tune of 101 yards, with two trips to pay-dirt. I don’t find those results surprising, and unfortunately nor would it surprise me to see Anthony Gordon throw spin the bean to the tune of 361 yards as he did in the sim.
ARIZONA BOWL, DEC. 31: WYOMING VS. GEORGIA STATE
The folks in Laramie can rest easy knowing their Pokes took care of business against Georgia State. Behind a surprisingly productive passing game to compliment their running attack, Wyoming won 35 – 25.
Of more notable interest to my brothers in the ‘Armor Up’ Dynasty League, Granny U reared her head in the Bowl season, something they will undoubtedly be glad to hear.
IDAHO POTATO BOWL, JAN. 3: OHIO VS. NEVADA
Off to Boise for the Famous Idaho Potatoes Bowl! They often say that “defense travels”. That was certainly true in this match-up that saw a combined total of only 27 points.
Unfortunately for Nevada, a crafty Nathan Rourke made just enough plays for Ohio to earn the victory. Bobcats win 17 – 10 against the Wolfpack. Lets make sure to give a tip of the hat to Dom Peterson though, as he racked up 14 tackles and five TFL’s!
