Can EA College Football 26 Predict the Mississippi State vs. Southern Miss Game?

As far as game settings, we set the difficulty to Heisman, five minute quarters, matched the start time and gave the game clear weather conditions. We did not adjust any rosters or move players around on the depth chart and neither team had a player controlling it.

Here’s a quick summary:

Mississippi State jumped out to a 21-0 lead behind a pair of passing touchdowns by Blake Shapen, including a 51-yard strike to Jordan Mosley for the game’s first points.

The Bulldogs’ defense kept the Golden Eagles’ offense at bay until late in the first half when Southern Miss drove to the Bulldogs’ 40-yard line.

Late in the first half, Southern Miss was able to drive down the field, but a quarterback fumble was picked up by Tyler Woodard and returned 50 yards for a touchdown with 12 seconds left to play in the first half.

In the second half, Southern Miss continued to move the ball on offense and the defense held Mississippi State to just three points in the second half. A pair of fourth quarter touchdowns by the Golden Eagles made things somewhat interesting, but Mississippi State’s lead was never truly in danger and the Bulldogs start the season 1-0.

Final Score: Mississippi State 24, Southern Miss 14

Real-life conclusions?

Honestly, this feels like a very realistic way this game plays out. Mississippi State comes out strong, builds a multi-possession lead, forces a turnover or two and Southern Miss cuts into late in the game.

There were some unrealistic things in the game, like Davon Booth not getting a single carry, but for the most part, I wouldn’t be surprised if by about 3 p.m. Saturday this proves to be way more accurate than we thought.