CFB 25 Simulation: Can Utah Avenge Last Season's Loss to Arizona

With EA Sports' highly anticipated College Football 25 video game bringing college football back to the virtual world, the Deseret News is running a season-long simulation of Utah's matchups. This week, the Utes face Arizona, hoping to settle the score after a disappointing 42-18 loss to the Wildcats last season. As Utah rides high after a road win against Oklahoma State, this simulated showdown presents an opportunity for revenge.

Utah's Season So Far

The Utes are coming off a gritty 22-19 victory over Oklahoma State. Despite being short-handed due to injuries, Utah maintained control for most of the game, building a 19-point lead by the fourth quarter. Their defense was pivotal, especially with the absence of key starters. This resilience will be critical as they take on Arizona in the upcoming simulation.

Setting Up the Simulation

For the simulation, several ground rules were established to ensure realistic gameplay. The game featured 10-minute quarters, with the CPU controlling both teams without any user interference. To reflect real-life challenges, ratings for pass accuracy and pass defense were tweaked, dropping passing accuracy from 50 to 35 and increasing pass defense to 80. These changes allowed for more lifelike results in the passing game.

With quarterback Cam Rising still a game-time decision, Isaac Wilson was given the nod for his third consecutive simulated start. Star players like Karene Reid and Connor O'Toole were kept out due to ongoing injuries, and for Arizona, running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was left off the field, as his eligibility status remains in limbo.

Utah's new Dark Mode throwback jerseys weren't available in College Football 25, so the Utes suited up in their alternate black uniforms from head to toe, while Arizona appeared in an all-white kit.

Comparing Reality to Simulation

Last week's simulation saw Utah fall to Oklahoma State 12-6 in a low-scoring affair. In reality, however, Utah emerged victorious 22-19. While the simulation underestimated the impact of key offensive players like Micah Bernard and Dorian Singer, it did correctly predict a tough defensive battle. Ultimately, the virtual game didn't capture the full dynamics of Utah's offensive resurgence in the fourth quarter.

This week's simulation between Utah and Arizona promised to be just as unpredictable, with both teams looking for crucial momentum.

Utah vs. Arizona: The Simulation

Final score: Utah 31, Arizona 17

The game started slow, with neither team finding the end zone early. Five consecutive punts opened the contest, but Utah controlled the second quarter and sealed the game in the fourth.

Key sequence: The turning point came with the score tied at 17 in the fourth quarter. Utah's Mycah Pittman delivered a game-changing 65-yard punt return for a touchdown, giving the Utes a 24-17 lead with just over six minutes remaining. From there, Utah added a final touchdown to secure the win.

First-half action: Arizona capitalized on a Utah turnover to take an early lead. After a Wilson interception deep in Wildcats' territory, Arizona's Treydan Stukes intercepted Wilson's pass and returned it to the Utah 39-yard line. 

Stout defensive stand by the Utes held Arizona to a field goal, putting them behind 3-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Utah's defense answered quickly in the second quarter, with Zemaiah Vaughn returning an interception 46 yards for a pick-six to give the Utes a 7-3 lead. Later, after stalling offensively, Utah managed to add a long 59-yard field goal from Cole Becker to end the half up 10-3.

Second-half battle: Arizona struck back in the third quarter, tying the game with a Quali Conley 1-yard touchdown run, capping off an 88-yard drive. Wilson's struggles continued as he threw a third interception, setting up another Conley touchdown to give Arizona a 17-10 lead.

The Utes' offense woke up in response. A 90-yard drive led to a 26-yard touchdown catch and run by Brant Kuithe, evening the score at 17 with nine minutes left in the game.

That's when Pittman's electric punt return gave Utah a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Arizona failed to convert a critical fourth-and-1 on their own 40, leading to a Utah touchdown by Bernard, sealing the game at 31-17. Nate Ritchie capped off the game with an interception, ensuring no Arizona comeback.

Star Performers

Defensively, Vaughn was a standout, tallying five tackles and a pick-six. Tao Johnson led with seven tackles, while Logan Fano recorded 1.5 sacks. Offensively, Bernard led the charge with 129 rushing yards and a touchdown. Wilson had a tough outing, throwing for 162 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions, though he connected with Kuithe six times for 45 yards and a score.

Arizona's standout was wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who collected 124 receiving yards, though he couldn't find the end zone. Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita was limited to 214 yards passing and was intercepted twice.

Key Statistics

The Utes outgained the Wildcats 316 to 231 yards, with Utah's defense sacking Fifita six times and limiting Arizona to 4-of-16 on third-down conversions. Utah also shut down two critical fourth-down attempts, which helped balance the fact they lost the turnover battle, 3-2.

How Realistic Was the Simulation

The simulation's final result of a 31-17 Utah victory seems plausible, especially considering Utah's strong defense and ability to capitalize on big plays. While Wilson's turnover struggles could be concerning, Utah's defensive prowess and special teams play made up for those mistakes. Ultimately, a two-touchdown victory appears realistic, though fans will hope the real offense shows more consistency.

In the end, this simulation offers hope that Utah can indeed get their revenge on Arizona in real life—ideally with fewer turnovers and a more balanced offensive performance. No matter what, support your favorite team with College Football 25 Coins to make your gaming experience even better.