Happy Tuesday Cougs, as we're back with another Rise 'n Grind for a new week. Yes, we missed getting back in the swing of things yesterday but today we're back at it (too tired from a LOOONNNGG holiday weekend??).
And speaking of today, it's a day that many college football/video game nerds like me look forward to every year. For today, NCAA Football '14 is released across the country as the gaming world will gobble up this year's edition…and quickly spit out all that's wrong with the game later tonight on message boards and blogs across the USA. Hooray gamer cynicism!
But in all seriousness, have y'all played this year's game? I know that if you are part of the EA "Season Ticket" program you could download the game a few days early, something like that. But I downloaded the demo and gave it a good look a few weeks ago and I have to say I was extremely impressed with what I've seen so far. The graphics are the best yet for the franchise, and the game has a realistic "feel" to it with EA's new infinity engine 2.0 for this series. Running the read option is fun as hell with a team like Oregon, and the offensive line blocking seems much more improved and realistic.
That said, just based on the demo it's not a completely perfect game. So far the reviews are good, but still not GREAT. And by now, well, I think it's pretty clear that it will never be a gamer's dream with this generation of XBox360/PS3 machines, but there is hope that they are on their way with XBox One and the PS4 next year.
And hey, they even got the new Martin Stadium press box in the game, so we've got that going for us??
(Hat tip to Joe Doyle on Twitter for the pic). As you can see, they don't have the Football OPS building in yet, and the scoreboard is in the wrong place for 2013. But I bet next year they'll get it right. One thing I have read about is that EA Sports usually does a full blown scan of the different NCAA stadiums, as they travel around the country and basically map the stadiums out with their own cameras and software. So that usually means that anything brand new for the upcoming season may not be in the game (and sorry UW'ers – the "new" Husky Stadium is reportedly not in this year's game).
Anyway, the game should show up on my doorstep later today and I'm sure we'll get some time in on it later this week.
On to today's links…
Athlon's took a look at what they believe to be the Top 10 most improved teams for 2013. YES, WSU is on the list! Check it out:
Why the Cougars Will Be Better: As with any coach entering his second season, you expect to see some type of uptick in production with more familiarity when it comes to schemes. That should hold true for Washington State, especially with Leach calling the plays. The Cougars have one of the nation’s worst rushing attacks, but having another offseason to allow quarterback Connor Halliday to work as the No. 1 passer should help this offense. Halliday will also have plenty of options to choose from a stocked receiving corps. With eight starters back on defense, Washington State should be able push for a finish in the top six of the Pac-12 in total and scoring defense. Although the Cougars lost nine games last year, three of those – including matchups against Stanford and UCLA – came by eight points or less.
Interesting that Auburn is also on the list, our opening opponent for 2013. But Auburn was, well, not very good last year so they have nowhere to go but up with a new coaching staff? Still it's hard to know what to expect right now for that opener, I mean I think I could be talked into almost anything for that one. There is no doubt in my pea brain anyway that Auburn has the bigger/stronger/faster SEC athletes, but, they are also opening with brand new coaches and coordinators across the board and with the game one YIPS, you just never know. I doubt they are sweating little 'ol WAZZU coming down south in Auburn-ville, but we'll see!
Next up, the Cougs have a verbal commitment from a kicker, Tristan Vizcaino. He sounds like a good one, but who knows how things will go at the next level? I know that kickers/punters don't get people real fired up and all that, but, we all know too well how vital they are when the game is on the line (see Furney, Andrew, 2012 Apple Cup).
Finally, Kevin Gemmell at the Pac-12 blog took a look at the Cougs' 2013 non-conference schedule. Like many others, he's got 'em pegged at 2-1 more than likely among the 3 OOC games…but about that Auburn game, hmmm. Anyway, it's a good read so check it out.
All for now. Enjoy your Tuesday and of course, GO COUGS!
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