Each summer, I get excited for the newest version of EA Sports’ college football video game series. I look forward to taking control of a new school and trying to win it a national championship.

I succeeded in NCAA09 with Kent State, just a few months before NCAA10 came out. So I sat patiently and waited for the new game to arrive in stores. While I waited, I checked out message boards and other web sites to see if the game had anything new to offer.

I read reports of more realistic game play and additional features to enhance the experience. I felt more excited than ever. Even though the NCAA engine pales in comparison to what EA offers for the Madden series, I have a greater affinity to playing the college game. I don’t know why, I just do. I had considered dropping the NCAA game  and switching my allegiance to Madden, but figured these improvements would make me change my mind.

Boy, was I wrong.

I still like NCAA10 – I am playing with SMU and have moved them from a ranking in the 100s to the top 50 in less than a season – but it hasn’t changed a damn bit.

There are the same lame post-play reactions from players. You know, the one where the quarterback magically appears 60 yards downfield to comfort a receiver who dropped the ball. The computer-controlled quarterback still has a freakish ability to avoid tackles in the pocket. The cheerleaders and mascots still have the same animations.

I think I have learned my lesson. I might wait til next year to buy Madden or I might finish a season or three with SMU, then make the switch. I really like the recruiting aspect of NCAA10 – and maybe they have improved that so much that I will be blown away, but I doubt it – so getting used to the pro game will take a little getting used to.

But at least I’ll enjoy the actual games more. I know that much from playing previous versions of Madden. The one wild card in all this is the fact that I haven’t bought a FIFA video game in ages. That might just be the tonic I need to escape this funk.