I was a huge fan of NCAA 2007... I don't understand why this game was even released though. There are ZERO improvements over '07. It is virtually the same game. I was willing to overlook some of the flaws of '07, but EA has apparently decided to make this series a cash cow and just keep cranking out the same game every year for more money with no actual development.

'08 suffers from the same randomness as '07. You can play this game for months and not get any better at it or see your win % increase. The problem stems from the utter randomness of the passing game. There is no way to defend against the pass and you are left to just mash buttons and pray. Sometimes that doesn't even work as your QB will take many sacks thanks to unresponsive controls that fail to pass when you press a button.

I didn't just shelve this game, I threw it out... it went out with my trash last week. I recommend the Madden series. You have more control over the outcome of the game, which is the whole point of playing the game vs. watching one on TV. If you insist on the thrill of gaming, at least save yourself 30 minutes and flip a coin instead. If it comes up tails, you lost. There.. I just saved you a half hour you would have spent screaming at this game as your #2 ranked team loses for the 5th straight time to Iowa...

If you own 2007, definately save your cash. Just skip to 2009 or just keep playing 2007.

Having played a few hundred games of NCAA Football 08, I feel qualified to write a review.
I love this game, and it is fun! I play it almost every day. I have been a college football fan since 1967 (O.J. Simpson was a junior at USC that year). Yes, I am old. These games sure beat what was available back then!
I agree with the other reviews, this game has its bugs and glitches, and the AI can be frustratingly stupid. But, it doesn't ruin the game that much. I lowered the scale on penalties down to 10%, and interceptions to zero for both sides (no adjust for fumbles). The complaint of to many penalties and turnovers can be fixed reasonably.
The game controls do have a much more positive feel than the Madden NFL games.
There is good attention to detail. The uniforms, helmet logos are well done. The stadiums pretty much look like the real stadiums. The computer keeps track of your stats for you. The ESPN crew is a good touch, if not for repeating the same phrases game to game, and Lee Corso's comments can get annoying (you can turn them off).
The game manual is just about worthless, it explains only basic game controls. You have to figure things out over time as you play the game.
It's also easy to cheat, by adjusting game settings or player ratings in your favor, and playing the bonus pennants, you can take a "rag bag" program like New Mexico State or Baylor in the DYNASTY mode, and have them playing for the national championship in a few seasons.
I have had a lot of fun in the CAMPUS LEGEND mode by making a DT 7 feet tall and 415 lbs. Actually, you can make any player you choose 7 feet tall and 415 lbs. (not very realistic). It doesn't mean they are harder to tackle or block though. Making them tall makes them better at going up for passes or knocking down the ball.
It also helps playing this game to have a good prior knowledge of formations and plays.
If you love college football this is a great game. I'd give it 5 stars if not for the annoying glitches and bugs that EA Sports doesn't seem to want to fix each year.

has done to date. The gameplay, stadium graphics and even the commentary by the ESPN crew are really really good. Dynasty mode has improved and the overall game is the best. Whether you are playing the computer or against a friend, it is competitive.

This was a birthday gift for a 9 year old boy. He and his 10.5 year old brother loved the game. They had played it at a friends and requested it by name. But having it at home to play with all the time did not reduce the thrill of it. They love being able to choose which team to be and sometimes play Texas A&M for both sides since they both are Aggie fans. The 9 year old has picked up playing strategies from this game that he uses in backyard games.

I bought this for my son who absolutely loves it. Game was in perfect shape and ordering was easy.