In a simulated game of the EA Sports College Football 25 video game, Utah quarterback Dorian Singer caught a 22-yard touchdown pass during a matchup against Arizona State. The excitement around the Utes’ upcoming game increases as reports suggest that quarterback Cam Rising will return after missing several games due to an injury.
Both teams enter the contest with a solid 4-1 record, each holding a 1-1 standing in Big 12 play. The simulation was conducted with 10-minute quarters and no user interference, designed to reflect realistic performance through adjusted CPU ratings.
The biggest change in the lineup was Rising’s predicted return, after he missed 3.5 games due to a throwing hand injury. Meanwhile, Connor O’Toole and Karene Reid were sidelined due to ongoing injuries. Arizona State will be without linebacker Keyshaun Elliott and defensive lineman Clayton Smith for the first half due to targeting penalties from their previous game.
In the simulation, Utah struggled similar to their most recent real-life game against Arizona, where they lost 23-10. However, in the simulation, they fared better against Arizona State, ultimately falling 24-17. The Utes attempted a comeback but fell short in the fourth quarter after failing to convert on a critical fourth down deep in Sun Devils territory.
The simulation started with Arizona State taking an early lead after scoring on their opening drive. Utah responded with a touchdown, but Arizona State regained control in the second half with strong offensive plays, particularly a kickoff return for a touchdown. Although Utah managed to keep the game competitive, they were unable to secure a victory.
Key performances included Rising, who completed 18 of 26 passes for 203 yards and one touchdown, effectively leading the offense. Running back Micah Bernard had a notable game, rushing for 127 yards, while Parks and Singer contributed significantly in receiving yards.
The simulation highlighted that while Utah’s passing game managed to shine, it didn’t accurately reflect Arizona State’s ground-heavy offensive strategy. In reality, the Sun Devils typically prioritize running the ball, averaging over 218 yards per game. This discrepancy in offensive strategy marked a significant difference in the simulated outcome.