So far this season, EA has the Rebels undefeated and projected a 19 point victory over Missouri last weekend. While it was an even more impressive showing by the real life Rebs, the video game simulated season hasn’t been all that off.
Now the biggest test of the season lies ahead of the Rebels. On the road, against a desperate Texas team. It’s a similar situation in the video game as Ole Miss heads to a two-loss Texas.
1st Quarter
Opening scripts seem to be a weakness of the staff, but it sure didn’t translate to this virtual contest. Ok maybe it wasn’t the script, but more Trinidad being a super hero as he broke off a 69 yard run to begin the game. That run set up a quick Kewan Lacy touchdown. The Longhorns went three and out and Chambliss drove the Rebs down the field again. This time, former Longhorn Johntay Cook snagged a 15 yard touchdown pass. On the final drive of the first quarter, Texas was able to sustain a long drive, leading to a Raleek Brown 9 yard touchdown run.
End 1st: 14-7 Ole Miss
2nd Quarter
The Ole Miss offense stayed hot to open the second quarter as Kewan Lacy scored from 28 yards out, putting the Rebs up 21-7. Raleek Brown fumbled on the next Texas possession, leading to a Lucas Carneiro 38 yard field goal. Arch Manning was able to break loose on a 65 yard run to answer back and that was it for first half action.
End of 2nd: 24-14 Ole Miss
3rd Quarter
Arch Manning wasn’t done running. It’s as if the Ole Miss defense was focused on stopping the running backs, they were unsure who was to take Manning. Arch ran another one in to draw Texas within a field goal. The next Rebel drive ended as quickly as it began with Texas sacking Chambliss for a safety, pulling within one point. Ole Miss had to punt it back to Texas, only for Hollywood Smothers to break off a 43 yard run, ending the scoring for the quarter.
End of 3rd: 30-24 Texas
4th Quarter
Chambliss was able to answer, as he often does. After driving down the field, Trinidad connected with Horatio Fields for a 19 yard score. Trailing in the fourth quarter with Arch Manning as their quarterback has been a rollercoaster ride for Texas fans. Down by one in this game, Manning was able to find Cam Coleman for a 42 yard score. Texas missed the extra point, bringing the score to 36-31 Texas. For perhaps the first time ever, Chambliss wasn’t clutch. He was intercepted, which led to another Longhorn touchdown, slamming the door shut and leading to the first virtual loss on the season.
Final: 43-31 Texas
Story of the Stats
Trinidad Chambliss finished with 299 passing yards and 100 rushing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Arch Manning threw for 218, but ran for 165 for a total of three scores himself. Hollywood Smothers added 120 yards on 16 carries.
Deuce Alexander was the leading receiver in the game, finishing with 136 yards on nine receptions, but was unable to break off one his patented explosive plays.
Will Echoles had two more sacks in this game.
Texas had 300 yards rushing, contributing to 571 total yards. They converted 61% of their third downs, won the turnover battle and had 10 more minutes than Ole Miss in time of possession.
