NCAA 2010 initial thoughts

Yeah, ok I didn't buy the game. But I downloaded the demo yesterday, just to make sure it was worth eventually (like, tomorrow?!) buying. Well, it is worth the money, for once. Let me run down a few things I noticed, good and bad.

The Good

• Drive summaries: This might seem minor, but in '09, after kicking a field goal, the drive summary would include the distance of the field goal in the total drive length. So if my guys drive 34 yards to the 17 yard line, and my kicker boots a 34-yard score, the drive summary would say Yards: 68! That pissed me off so bad, it almost made the game unplayable. Those are the things that make me wonder just who play-tests these games.

In 2010, that problem is fixed.

• Passing motion: In '09, quarterbacks looked more like they were competing in the shot put whenever they'd launch a throw. It was terrible.

In 2010, the quarterbacks drop back and release much more like the real players do.

• Tackles/player movements: One thing I must say EA does well is animate tackles each edition. But this season is very, very good. Shoestring tackles, all-out pops over the middle, and ball carriers running through traffic are all much smoother this season.

Not that this was a problem before, but in 2010, the fluidity of player movements is much improved.

• Game strategy: I haven't been able to fully utilize this feature, but from what I've done so far, it makes the game a bit more interesting. From telling your guys to play really aggressive (strip the ball more, super-tight coverage, but more risks), to just keeping the other team in front of you (sure tackling, playing softer coverage, but not giving up big plays), it's a very nice addition.

The Bad

• There are always problems, but this year's aren't too bad. Like the commentators: Lee Corso, Herbie and Brad Nessler. First of all, they don't even do games together anymore!!! Not only that, but only Herbie works with Erin Andrews (new to the game). Not only this, but their comments HAVE NOT CHANGED since I first got the game in 2004. Sorry, but that's pathetic.

If EA really wants to 'wow' its audiences, have multiple broadcast teams. Honestly, if EA is going to suck up to ESPN so much, why not just go all out and have Brent Musberger, Herbie for the big night games, Nessler, Todd Blackledge for the big afternoon games, and Pam Ward... JUST KIDDING... someone like Mike Patrick, Sean McDonough or Ron Franklin for the day games? I also think it would be a hoot to hear Craig James on there (even if he's a douche sometimes).

• The fans/sidelines: From what I've seen, the crowds are still pretty poor. I liked the 2004 version, where if a player started our a short run, but broke it big, the crowd would actually "get up" from their seats and act more wild. In the last few versions, on XBOX at least, the crowds are in a constant state of gyration.

Also, would it kill EA to make more than four or five different movements for the fans?

In terms of sidelines, the players' shoes are still a sticking point for me. Of course, because Penn State wears BLACK shoes. I'm not sure, and would love it if someone came forward to give us a heads up, but do the Penn Staters on the sidelines still have white shoes?

When I played the demo, I picked (depends on the team) black shoes for Oklahoma, but their sidelines were clad in white shoes. Terrible.

Overall

Not bad this season. I'm 99 percent sure I'm going to buy it by this weekend. The graphics, animations, and overall game play is markedly improved from even last year's edition, which actually begs the question: why are there so few improvements each season?

But otherwise, it's a great game, and worth the money.

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I'm Back

Surgery went great. I feel better than I have in years. Now it's time to get back to work.

What is this world coming to? If you could jump in the Delorean with Doc Brown and look at the Big Ten in 2027, just how many teams would be in the conference, 12? 15? 18? I actually don't know, but what has been going around lately, it seems that any number of teams other than ten will make up the "Big Some-Number-of-Teams-Not-Really-Ten."

In 1999 - we all know the story - Notre Dame pulled off one of the biggest cock-teases in college football when the the whole world thought the Irish would finally get off their four high horses and join a conference. Well, they didn't. Backing out at the last minute.

Big Ten commish Jim Delany told the Des Moines Register Wednesday the conference would look into adding a 12th team to help out the soon-to-be-launched Big Ten Network.

I don't think there can be much more conglomoration of college football. Just you watch, soon you'll see the Pac-10 Network, the Big East Channel, and the Sun B... OK, maybe not that one. But I think my point is made. College football is a sport of tradition, and moves like this - contrary to CFB higher-ups' beliefs - does not help the sport. In fact, just by creating an exclusive network for the Big Ten only prevents the continuation of how CFB fans traditionally get their games, like local TV stations piping in the game, and dare I say it, the radio! Honestly, sometimes I'll turn down the TV clowns just to hear the radio broadcasts with Steve Jones and Jack Ham - two guys who actually know what they're talking about and did their homework before the game. Let me give you a prime example...

The setting: 2005. No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes at No. 16 Penn State Nittany Lions. PSU is leading 17-10 with just over a minute left in the final stanza.

The play: OSU quarterback, and future Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith is leading the Buckeyes down the field from deep within PSU territory. Near mid-field, Smith drops back. PSU defensive end, and future first-rounder Tamba Hali flies around the Buckeye right tackle and slams into Smith, upending him and jarring the ball loose. PSU tackle Scott Paxon falls on the ball, and after a lengthy official review the ball is ruled Penn State's.

The broadcast screw up of massive porportions: "And it's recovered by OHIO STATE!" shouts Ron Franklin, obviously caught up in the emotional moment.

My take: OK, I understand that it was one of the biggest games of the year, and it was a great, great game from start to finish. I actually like Ron Franklin. But come on, it wasn't like Ohio State was playing Wisconsin (both teams in red and white). Penn State's dark blue is very different from Ohio State's gray. For me, honestly, that game will always be my favorite. There will, however, linger that thorn in my side every time I go back to watch the tape. Recovered by Ohio State??? Jesus freaking Christ man! You're supposed to be the professional announcing the Game of the Week, with ESPN College Gameday on site, and ESPN's Cold Pizza the Friday before, and easily the loudest crowd in the history of college football.

Hey ESPN, can I get a job? Well, I'm off to play NCAA Football 08 for the first time.

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