On Thursday, EA Sports dropped its top-rated offenses and defenses for its upcoming video game, College Football 25.
The game, which releases on July 19, might be the most-anticipated sports video game that we’ve ever seen, as it’s the first licensed college football video game to be released since NCAA 14 was released 11 years ago.
Fans of college football and video games alike are counting the seconds until the game hits shelves, which is just over three weeks from today.
However, Thursday’s info dump was met with all kinds of criticism as EA appears to have completely fumbled the team ratings for offense.
So, as the contributing citizen that I am, I’m offering my help to fix the biggest mess that EA has had to this point in the game’s build-up.
Colorado (89 OVR)
Look, I like Deion as much as the next guy. But are we joking here? Colorado ranked 133rd in rushing yards (68.9 YPG), 132nd in sacks allowed (56), 57th in scoring (28.2 PPG), and 99th in yards per play (5.24) last season. I get that it’s good for business if Coach Prime and the Buffs are improved this year—for the record, I believe they will be—but there is no logical reason to believe one of the worst offenses in football a season ago is now among the nation’s best units. This one is terrible.
Adjustment: 81 OVR (No. 30-40)
Ohio State (89 OVR)
If I’m a Buckeyes’ fan, I’m wondering what is keeping me from having the highest-rated offense in the game? The O-line is experienced, Will Howard brings experience and championship success to the table, and my running back tandem of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson is tops in the country. Oh, and they’ve got Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, and Jeremiah Smith at wide receiver. What gives?
Adjustment: 94 OVR (T-1st)
Clemson (87 OVR)
Cad Klubnik and Garrett Riley didn’t mesh well in Year 1, scoring just 29.8 PPG (50th) and averaging 402.7 YPG (50th). Sure, Year 2 could prove more fruitful and things should definitely be on the upswing for the Tigers offensively. But am I ready to crown them the 10th-best offense in the country? Heck no.
Adjustment: 83 OVR (No. 22-25)
NC State (87 OVR)
This is another one of the rankings on this list where I just scratch my head and wonder what the folks at EA are seeing that I don’t. Sure, Grayson McCall is an excellent quarterback. I’ll give you that. But are we expecting his addition to suddenly boost the No. 91 total offense (350.4 YPG) and 74th-ranked scoring offense (26.1 PPG) to a unit that ties for 10th-best in the country? Nuh uh. Slash!
Adjustment: 82 OVR (No. 26-30)
Oklahoma (83 OVR)
The national consensus is that OU has offensive line problems, but a deeper look suggests that might be more bark than bite. The Sooners’ OL has a combined 125 starts under its belt, and when comparted to a team like Georgia (80) or Ohio State (79), it’s a substancial experience advantage. Add to that a gunslinger in Jackson Arnold, a Top 10 WR room, and Gavin Sawchuk back at RB and you’re cooking with peanut oil.
Adjustment: 88 OVR (10th)
Other Adjustments Needed
Miami (89 OVR) – Overrated
I like Cam Ward, too, but let’s cool the jets a bit.
Adjustment: 86 OVR
Ole Miss (87 OVR) – Underrated
Did I miss the memo, or is Lane Kiffin still in charge here?
Adjustment: 90 OVR
USC (83 OVR) – Underrated
Ditto, but Lincoln Riley.
Adjustment: 87 OVR
Notable Snubs
Oklahoma State
The Pokes return the Doak Walker Award Winner and nearly every offensive starter around him from a season ago. Plus, this is Mike Gundy’s team we are talking about. There’s no way this team shouldn’t be safely inside the Top 25.
Adjustment: 84 OVR
Tennessee
This omission might be even worse than the one above. Sure, Nic Iamaleava is young, but he just hung a 35-burger on Iowa , and this is still Josh Heupel’s offense. Do you people watch football? I’m kidding…kind of.
Adjustment: 86 OVR
