Simulated game play results in USM win over Florida

Editor's Note: The following is based on simulated results from "EA Sports' NCAA Football 2007". All settings were copied with the best accuracy available.

The results are in from the first simulation of the season, and while the odds stand against the Eagles in their first game this Saturday, (Florida favored by 19.5 points in some polls), the gaming gods have smiled favorably down on Southern Miss.

In two recent simulations run by the staff of the Printz using the video game "NCAA Football 2007" of Saturday's upcoming game, the Golden Eagles pulled out a close match and beat the Florida Gators 51-44 in one game and 28-23 in the other. Both games were simulated in the Swamp of Gainesville with all weather conditions accounted for.

In the offense, Jeremy Young performed very well in both simulations. He looks to start on Saturday and many doubt his game experience. But, in the virtual game, Young finished with high quarterback ratings and a high passing percentage.

On the ground, Saturday's starting tailback Larry Thomas also performed well. He and backup Cody Hull together rushed for over 100 yards in both simulations. The games show the ground game to remain consistent this year.

Through the air, Freshman All-American tight end Shawn Nelson had a big performance. In the first simulation, Nelson had three touchdowns and eight receptions for 150 yards. A similar performance in the second game shows Nelson may be the man.

Other big performances came from seniors Josh Barnes and Anthony Perine. They both finished with big games including over 100 yards receiving in one of the games.

Defensively, Southern Miss' defensive backs had career performances. Eddie Willingham finished the day with nine tackles, including one tackle for loss. LeVance Richmond finished with seven tackles and an interception. Both games showed similar results.

Southern Miss finished the simulations with several interceptions. In one game, starting middle linebacker Gerald McRath had three pickoffs in a game where the defense had seven, which, if real, would tie the Golden Eagles' single game record.

Finally, on special teams, senior All-American place kicker Darren McCaleb performed extraordinarily with a long field goal of 49 yards. He has been talked about all preseason as the anchor of the Eagles' special teams this year.

Based on these simulations, one could predict good things for the Golden Eagles. The games are manufactured to include real players from the team, and both show that an upset could definitely be possible for Saturday's game.