We have officially reached the point of the offseason where we begin missing the NCAA Football video game. I know in years past there was always the question, could the game make a return? To this day, that answer has been a resounding ‘no’. However, with the NCAA announcing that it would create a group to examine the issue of likeness in college athletics, in addition to EA Sports being open to releasing the once popular game, there is a chance.
College football fans have been playing NCAA Football 14 for over five years now and even still update the rosters online to play with current collegiate stars. Since the last game, there has been a number of suggestions that have been discussed that would make the game even better. Also, who would be the best players on this year’s edition of the game?
Ratings Superlatives
One of the bigger discussions when the game releases is what a player’s ratings are. We all can agree that Trevor Lawrence‘s arm strength should be rated at 99. Jerry Jeudy‘s juke moves should translate into his agility and elusiveness being rated as the highest in the game. The highest rated player in the game is another heated topic but Tua Tagovailoa is deserving of that accolade.
At the running back position, Travis Etienne, would likely be the top overall. However, Jonathan Taylor would have the highest rating in breaking tackles. Clemson and Alabama fans will argue every day as to who should have the higher rated receiving group.
Home Field Advantage
Traditionally within the NCAA Football video game, home-field advantage has always been a huge emphasis. The ability to make the crowd louder by hyping them up on defense was a signature feature in the past. Imagine what the game would look like in modern day playing with Miami and the Turnover Chain makes the crowd extra loud. On the offensive side, breaking big runs with D’Andre Swift become much easier at Sanford Stadium because Georgia is undefeated at home for consecutive years. With the difficulty on Heisman level, night games against Clemson at Memorial Stadium would be almost impossible to win.
New Features
Of course, we all love the old NCAA games but in terms of new features, what could make this game the best ever? How about bringing back the feature that allowed game users to replay notable college football moments? More recently one of those moments should be the Georgia defense in overtime versus Tua Tagovailoa in the National Championship. Another moment should be Alabama’s defense in the final drive against Deshaun Watson in the Championship.
In some of the earlier NCAA Football games, FCS schools and HBCU’s were also featured. Bringing those back to the game would be a welcomed addition and encourage more to buy the game.
Road To Glory
Other features that many fans would welcome are some more realistic additions to the Road To Glory mode. Allow users to earn invites into national all-star games and choose between the Army All-American game or the Under Armour game. At the all-star game of their choice, make a college commitment live on national television.
The Road To Glory mode is the transition point from high school to college. Like many kids though, you may decide that you don’t like the overall fit at your school. A brand new feature many wouldn’t mind is the addition of the transfer portal, throw your name in the portal and see what schools come calling.
Bring Back Baker
NCAA football missed some really good years of college football players. Fans should be allowed to go back and play with some of those players. All-Americans and Heisman winners such as Baker Mayfield, Lamar Jackson, and Saquon Barkley all should be featured on the game.
All-time team rosters should be another addition. So many different college football eras get compared against one another. Of course, it’ll never happen realistically which is even more reason to add it to the gameplay.
Main Photo Credit:
