PS3 Capital One Bowl

The LSU/PSU hating in my house is ratcheting up this week.  My kids got LSU sleeping bags from their Baton Rouge based aunt & uncle.  I've hidden all the purple and gold clothing my poor children could be tricked into wearing and I've also confiscated enough Penn State stuff so that they'll be properly attired when my wife tries the same trick. 

I've got my last case of imported Yuengling from the summer in the fridge and I"m going to get some ribeyes shaved down for cheesesteaks.

But the most important tradition of preparing for a big game like this for me is the official PS3 game simulation.  Went through it last night and it played out strangely enough just like I had the game in my mind:

PSU gives up TD on opening kickoff to superhuman lsu ESSS EEEE SEEE SPEEEEED and poor special teams of course.

PSU responds with a long TD pass to Zug but only after DC gets demolished by LSU DLine twice in a row off play action.

A couple of punts traded, then DC makes a bad decision at the goal line and LSU intercepts a pass intended for Royster which leads to LSU FG.

A big sack on DC and LSU gets one more FG before the half.  - PSU 7 LSU 13.

PSU switches gears for a more run balanced attack and cruises down the field for a TD to open the 2nd half.

Danton Lynn picks off a poorly thrown ball by JJ and PSU goes quick strike to Moye to bring the lead to 8.

PSU loses contain on a 70 yard screen pass which turns into a quick hitter to the back at the goal line and two missed tackles for a 5 yd TD.  The Mad Hatter goes for two and the tie (halfway through the 3rd qtr)  and is stuffed by Sean Lee & Lavarro.

PSU has time consuming drive for TD and gets the two pointer.

LSU down 10, and driving with about 2 minutes on the clock - Danton Lynn gets his second INT in the end zone and runs it back for a pick six.

Final Score - LSU 19, PSU 36

Players of the game Royster & Lynn

Key parallels to real life:

• PSU line had a difficult time when LSU brought more than three or used play action BEFORE setting up the pass with the run
• LSU fast wideouts on quick hitters or screens were the toughest to defend and got the majority of their yards
• Dug a deep special teams hole with poor coverage on kicks and minimal returns.
• Crazy coaching decision to go for two too early by LSU led to riskier play calls in 4th qtr that were capitalized on by BBDB defense

Overall, its just one game, but man it felt just like what I expect from the game.