"NCAA Football 12" Simulation: Alabama at Penn State in Week 2

Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide head up to visit Joe Paterno and the Penn State Nittany Lions in a crucial Week 2 matchup.

The two traditional schools will collide for the second straight season, and it will be Alabama's first trip to Beaver Stadium since 1989.

Can the Tide handle the "Whiteout?"

See what happens in an "NCAA 12" simulation between the two storied programs.

1st Quarter: Penn State 6, Alabama 0

Alabama struggles to get anything going on offense in the opening quarter against Penn State. A.J. McCarron is sacked twice and also throws an interception.

Penn State's offense gets great field position on two of their opening drives, but can only muster six points on Alabama's stingy defense.

At the end of the first quarter it's Penn State 6, Alabama 0. 

2nd Quarter: Alabama 14, Penn State 13

Penn State's Matt McGloin opens the second quarter with a 52-yard touchdown pass to the speedster, Devon Smith. The touchdown puts Penn State up early, 13 to 0, on the visiting Crimson Tide.

Alabama answers on their next possession with a 37-yard touchdown pass from  A.J. McCarron to Marquis Maze. Late in the second quarter, Trent Richardson snags a screen pass from A.J. McCarron and takes it all the way for a 45-yard score to put the Tide up, 14-13.

At the end of the second quarter it's Alabama 14, Penn State 13.     

3rd Quarter: Alabama 21, Penn State 13

Penn State's offense slows down quite a bit in the third quarter as the Tide defense sacks Matt McGloin three times. Trent Richardson adds another touchdown on the ground to put Alabama up 21-13.

The Nittany Lions attempt a  48-yard field goal with 11 seconds to go in the quarter, but the attempt goes wide left.

At the end of the third quarter it's Alabama 21, Penn State 13.  

4th Quarter: Alabama 28, Penn State 20

Penn State has a great opening fourth-quarter drive that gives them a 1st-and-10 on the Alabama 12-yard line.

The next play dashes Penn State's hopes of a touchdown when DeMarcus Milliner picks off Matt McGloin in the end zone.

Alabama then gives Penn State a heavy dose of Trent Richardson, who eats up a big chunk of time in the fourth quarter. The Alabama running back piles up 42 yards and a touchdown on the drive.

Alabama leads 28-13 in the final minutes. With only eight seconds to go, Penn State adds a last-gasp touchdown on a Matt McGloin pass to Derek Moye.

The Nittany Lions then try an onside kick, but Alabama recovers and ends the game. 

At the end of the fourth quarter it's Alabama 28, Penn State 20. 

Key Stats and Observations

Top Performers

Alabama

QB, A.J. McCarron: 14-of-22, 196 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT

RB, Trent Richardson: 78 yards rushing, 2 TDs, 52 yards receiving, 1 TD

MLB, C.J. Mosley: 2 sacks

 

Penn State

QB, Matt McGloin: 22-of-31, 288 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs

WR, Devon Smith: 5 receptions, 123 yards, 1 TD

MLB, Michael Mauti: 1 sack, 1 INT

 

Game Observations

The running game could have been better for Alabama. They struggled to establish an effective running attack until the fourth quarter.

A.J. McCarron proved to be the right choice at quarterback for Nick Saban's offense, as he threw for two crucial touchdowns.

Matt McGloin was very effective for Penn State, and the Crimson Tide had a hard time tracking down wide receiver Devon Smith throughout the game.

But in the end, the Alabama defense gave Nick Saban enough sacks and interceptions to slow down the Penn State passing attack and win the ball game.