DALLAS – The anticipation builds as BYU prepares to face off against SMU at Gerald J. Ford Stadium this Friday night. While the real outcome remains unknown, fans can get an early look at how the game might unfold through a simulation on EA Sports College Football 25.
For the second week in a row, we've used this popular video game to predict the outcome of a BYU football game. Last week, the simulation predicted a nail-biting victory for BYU over Southern Illinois, with a score of 42-39. While the game correctly forecasted BYU's offensive prowess, predicting 41 actual points, it overestimated the challenge posed by Southern Illinois, which only managed to score 13.
Simulating BYU vs. SMU in College Football 25
This time, the simulation was run without any user interference, allowing the game's algorithms to dictate the outcome. However, certain adjustments were made to better reflect the actual conditions of the upcoming game. BYU's uniforms were edited to match their Friday night gear, featuring an all-white ensemble with a navy blue helmet and white facemask. SMU was dressed in their standard home jerseys, as the game does not include their new red uniform.
In terms of personnel, Jake Retzlaff was positioned as BYU's starting quarterback for the entire game, while Mata'ava Ta'ase was promoted to second-string tight end. SMU's quarterback situation was simplified by assigning Preston Stone as the sole quarterback, despite their real-life tendency to alternate between Stone and Kevin Jennings.
BYU entered the simulation with an overall rating of 80, while SMU held a higher rating of 87. Offensively, BYU was rated 75, and defensively, they were at 80. In contrast, SMU had an 85 rating on offense and an 82 on defense.
First Quarter: BYU Strikes First
The game kicked off with SMU dominating time of possession, but BYU's defense made a statement early on. With just under three minutes remaining in the first quarter, SMU decided to go for it on 4th & 3 at BYU's 41-yard line. That decision backfired when BYU's star cornerback, Jakob Robinson, intercepted the pass and returned it 69 yards for a touchdown.
Score: BYU 7, SMU 0
Second Quarter: Back-and-Forth Battle
SMU quickly responded at the start of the second quarter with a two-yard touchdown run to tie the game. The quarter then turned into a defensive struggle until BYU took advantage of a shanked SMU punt, gaining possession at midfield with just over three minutes remaining.
BYU's Retzlaff began to find his rhythm, connecting with Kody Epps on multiple passes before hitting Keanu Hill for a 17-yard touchdown. After a review confirmed the catch, BYU regained the lead.
SMU answered with a quick, 85-yard drive capped by a Jake Bailey touchdown reception, tying the game once again as the teams headed into halftime.
Halftime Score: BYU 14, SMU 14
Third Quarter: Momentum Shifts to SMU
The third quarter saw SMU building momentum, consistently reaching BYU territory but failing to capitalize fully. The game's turning point came midway through the quarter when SMU's Mike Lockhart blindsided Retzlaff, forcing a fumble that Lockhart recovered and returned to BYU's one-yard line. SMU quickly scored, taking their first lead of the game.
Retzlaff responded with a 50-yard touchdown pass to Epps, but SMU answered with another touchdown run by Jaylan Knighton to regain the lead. The Mustangs' defense then stepped up, with Jahari Rogers intercepting Retzlaff twice—both times returning the picks for touchdowns.
Score: SMU 42, BYU 21
Fourth Quarter: BYU Fights Back
Despite the daunting deficit, BYU didn't give up. Retzlaff led another scoring drive, connecting with Chase Roberts for a 39-yard touchdown. However, SMU's offense continued to dominate, with a 62-yard touchdown pass from Stone to Romello Brinson, putting the Mustangs up by 21 again.
BYU added one more score, a three-yard touchdown pass to Hinckley Ropati, but time was not on their side. After a failed onside kick attempt and a missed SMU field goal, BYU had one last chance but couldn't convert on 4th & 19, sealing their first simulated loss of the season.
Final Thoughts
In the end, SMU came out on top, winning 42-28, which is worth to support by College Football 25 Coins. Retzlaff finished with impressive numbers—357 yards on 24-of-37 passing and four touchdowns—but his two interceptions proved costly. SMU's Preston Stone also had a solid performance, throwing for 310 yards and two touchdowns.
BYU's running game struggled, with Hinckley Ropati leading the team with 55 yards on nine carries. Defensively, Micah Harper led with 10 tackles, but the Cougars failed to record a single sack, a factor that contributed to their defeat.
This EA Sports College Football 25 simulation may not reflect what happens on Friday night, but it highlights the challenges BYU will face against SMU.
MMOexp College Football 25 Team