Last week, the NCAA Football 12 video game (please read those last two words before you continue, they're important) projected a 4-3 week for the Big East. That actually happened, but with different teams winning and losing.
Here's how things shook out in virtual Week Four of the season for the Big East:
Connecticut 14, Buffalo 12: After a 14-0 halftime lead, the Huskies hold off a furious comeback attempt by the Bulls in the second have. The total yardage stats were pretty embarrassing for both teams. In all honesty, four Buffalo turnovers killed what should have been a win.
Cincinnati 28, NC State 26: The Bearcats had this in hand through three quarters with a 28-14 lead, but let off the gas and the Wolfpack got back into it. Cincinnati was outgained by NC State but the Bearcats scored four touchdowns in the redzone while NC State got conservative and kicked two field goals in the redzone to go with their two touchdowns.
Syracuse 28, Toledo 24: The Orange were caught looking ahead to ACC play and were down 21-13 at halftime. The defense showed up in the second half for Syracuse and shutdown Rocket quarterbacks Austin Dantin and Terrence Owens. The running game wasn't working at all for the Orange but Ryan Nassib threw for 2 TDs and 341 yards in the victory.
UTEP 35, USF 30: Upset of the week. This was about as ridiculous a simulation as you could find. UTEP led at halftime 28-0. LOLWUT? After doing nothing for most of the game, South Florida scores 30 points in the final 24 minutes of the game and comes up short.
Pittsburgh 38, Notre Dame 27: Notre Dame outgains an opponent in total yards and loses. You've heard that before this season. However, this time the Irish had zero turnovers. So what made the difference? Two more redzone trips (and touchdowns during those trips) for Pittsburgh.
LSU 25, West Virginia 24: West Virginia had the upset well in hand, or so it seemed. The Mountaineers blew a 24-6 halftime lead at home to the Tigers. Here's how heartbreaking a loss this was: LSU was 6/6 on field goals and was 5/17 on third down for the game. On second down with 1:11 remaining, Jarrett Lee hit Rueben Randle on a pass play that went 75 yards for the game-winning score and LSU's only touchdown. It was the most Les Miles simulation ever.
Rutgers 35, Ohio 32: The Scarlet Knights got a late scare from the Bobcats. Rutgers jumped out to a 21-11 lead at halftime. Early turnovers killed Ohio, but they were mistake free in the second half. Ohio scored a touchdown to cut the Rutgers lead to three points with 3:39 remaining. Rutgers recovered the onside kick attempt and was able to run out the clock.