The latest version of EA Sports' “NCAA Football” video game that I own is the “NCAA 2010” edition with Texas' Brian Orakpo on the cover.
Games continued to be released until “NCAA 14,'' but my current gaming console remains a PlayStation 2. The last few versions of the game were banned on my old system.
I have no choice. I just like “Tecmo Super Bowl”.
EA's popular college football game is back this year.
Should I buy a new console? There are two questions. And who will be on the cover of the game?
The answer to the first question: Probably not, considering the PlayStation 5 costs around $500. Too thick for my blood. I'm particular about Nintendo's “Tecmo Super Bowl.”
Regarding your other question, here are my suggestions for who should grace the cover of the game:
Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Case: Milroe's talent is perhaps best known for almost single-handedly reinforcing Alabama's offense against Michigan in the Rose Bowl, nearly leading to an overtime victory. His combination of Alabama's power and Milroe's dual-threat highlight ability makes him one of the most exciting players in the sport.
I object: Milroe will have to adapt to a new coach and a new system. With that change, it's hard to tell if he's trending up or down.
Shedur Sanders, QB, Colorado State
Case: If you're choosing based on star power and name recognition, Sanders is the likely candidate. You don't have to follow the ins and outs of college football to know that Sanders is the talented son of Deion Sanders.
I object: Colorado's fan base pales in comparison to the other players on this list, and while Sanders is coming off a strong season, he doesn't have the same track record as the other players mentioned here.
Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
Case: Georgia State will likely be No. 1 in the preseason. Beck is leading the way in pursuit of his third national championship in the past four seasons. As a returning starter and proven performer, he would be a safe choice.
I object: While Beck is known to SEC fans and college football enthusiasts, he is not a household name to more casual observers.
Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
Case: Ewers rose to prominence last season after helping Texas win at Alabama and then leading the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff. He's an aspiring NFL quarterback.
I object: Despite his success, Ewers isn't even the most famous quarterback on the team. That would be backup Arch Manning.
Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon State
Case: Gabriel joins Beck and Ewers as one of the players most likely to win the 2024 Heisman Trophy. Gabriel will get a lot of attention as the Ducks weather their first season in the Big Ten and contend for the playoffs.
I object: Is EA Sports ready to embark on the transfer era? Gabriel is on his third team. He hasn't played at Oregon yet, but will his cover role be that important to Ducks fans or within the Big Ten?
Nico Iamareaba, QB, Tennessee
Case: Imareaba showed off his five-star ability in the University of Tennessee's bowl win. Throw-in Samoan stands out among the talented quarterbacks. How many of you know Niko who threw a touchdown? From his name to his signature pajama pants, Imaleaba leaves an impression about him. He's the kind of person who would suit video games from the NIL era.
I object: Of all the players I have proposed, Imareaba would be the biggest risk. Because despite his many abilities, he has only made one start in his career.
Deion Sanders and Lane Kiffin, Colorado and Ole Miss coaches
Case: Go to your local pub in Anytown USA and ask the patrons if they know one of the quarterbacks I listed. Then ask if they know Mr. Sanders and Mr. Kiffin. You'll get to know the coach more. College coaches are more famous than most players, and now that Nick Saban has retired, Sanders and Kiffin are arguably the two most famous people in college football.
I object: These coaches enjoy more prestige than the players, but will they sell more copies of the game? People who buy the game will enjoy playing as their favorite players, including Milroe, Ewers, Beck, and Imaleaba. I can. For Aflac, having Coach Prime as their frontman makes more sense than it does in modern video games.
Blake Topmeyer is the SEC columnist for the USA TODAY Network. Email BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow us on Twitter @btoppmeyer.
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