Projecting Nick Montana’s First Start: NCAA 12

Coach Steve Sarkisian officially announced, over twitter, that Nick Montana would start at QB on Saturday at Oregon State.

Since then, I have been thinking of how Montana’s first start would project and what exactly it would look like based off the limited exposure I have had with the red-shirt freshman.

I decided what better way to unrealistically approach his first start than through a video game. It will probably project him just as good if not better than my own personal bias and opinion on Montana. Therefore, I sat down and simmed through the Oregon State vs. Washington game with Nick Montana at the helm.

As any good researcher would do, I made sure that the starting lineups were accurate and the injured guys were not playing.

Disclaimer(s): 

This is a comical way to approach Nick Montana’s first start. It does not reflect any actual evidence, opinion, or belief. It is not meant to be a professional voice nor a highly informative or insightful piece on his first start. It is merely a fun way to look at things. 

Therefore, if you are inclined to be grumpy about the “unprofessionalism” of  using video games in journalistic pieces, please ignore this post and move on with your life. The serious stuff will come back. However, if you like me find these things enjoyable and interesting click on, to read about Nick Montana’s first start through the eyes of NCAA Football 12 by EA Sports. 

Game Notes:

• The game was played in rainy conditions.
• While it is Senior Day on Saturday for the Beavers, there was no way to input this setting into the game.
• Huskies lose coin toss and Oregon State elects to kick.

Key Moments in the First Half: 

• Washington’s first play was a Montana to Jermaine Kearse completion for 35 yards.
• He finished the drive by finding Chris Polk out of backfield for a 9 yard touchdown.
• The next series the Huskies went 3 and out. Montana was sacked on 3rd down.
• The Beavers were able to get on the board after their first drive led to a missed field goal.
• Both teams then added field goals and Chris Polk was able to add a rushing touchdown.

Half-time 17-10 Washington.

Key Moments in the Second Half:

• 4th quarter Nick Montana throws a costly interception with the Huskies only up by 1 touchdown. 4 minutes to go in the game.
• However, the Beavers went 3 and out and were forced to punt.
• The Huskies returned the favor with another quick 3 and out and gave the ball back with about 3 minutes to go in the game.
• Oregon State ties it up with just 2 minutes to spare. Tied- 24-24
• Nick Montana leads them down the field for a Erik Folk field goal to win the game.

Final score 27-24 UW

Nick Montana Stats: 

• QB Rating – 148.7
• Completions – 15
• Yards – 284
• Touchdowns – 1
• Interceptions – 1
• Completion % – 55
• Longest Pass was 37 yards.
• Sacked – 2 times.

The player of the game was Chris Polk who had 22 rushing attempts for 86 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. He also had 3 receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown.

Nick Montana Notes:

• His favorite target was Jermaine Kearse who had 6 receptions for 122 yards.
• He found Austin Seferian-Jenkins at very crucial points in the game. However, ASJ only had those 2 receptions for 35 yards.
• Montana made a few poor decisions, but overall was able to execute the offense and win the game for the Huskies.
• Chris Polk carried this team and Montana just got him the ball as much as possible.

TEAM STATS: