And even with the inclusion of such features as defensive hot routes, precision passing, and being able to jump the snap to get yourself wide open, there's still trouble, like trying to line up defensemen or other AI-powered players that sometimes run themselves into the wrong position when all you want to do is pull off a specific play. Sometimes jumbles of players just hit at the most inopportune spots. There's also some strange fouls called on you, and next thing you know, the opposing team's got a first down that didn't seem possible. Kind of like that miracle "fifth down" CU got years ago.

The gameplay also takes a brutal hit when it comes to being online. I jumped online for a few hours through a buddy's account the other day just to see how the experience fares, and it seems like there are times when the game moves a bit slower when you're using Xbox Live. The kicking game becomes even that much more frustrating as a result, and your passing can be thrown off a bit because of this. Furthermore, the game is lacking in online options as well (like the missing drills).

One other thing, too- the ESPN license. In some aspects, the license is used, like with the TV-style presentation that makes it feel like a telecast, but then there's the somewhat personalized ESPN Radio broadcasts which are present in the current-gen versions, but aren't here. You have access to a sports ticker that keeps track of fantasy and reality scores (decent to have if you're online often), but that's mainly it. Again, more corners getting cut when they didn't need to be.

The game's presentation also has a little trouble with something as simple as a menu system. While trying to maintain the spirit of old college football, it's hard to navigate at times, just trying to get from one mode to another. I liked Madden 06's system more, when it was just about accessing a quick pick-up game without having to work your way through multiple flags. It's like with that Willy Wonka movie, trying to ride the Wonkavator and wanting it to go through the roof, but you have a struggle just trying to find the damn button to get it going.

The graphics are improved over last year's football model. The players are animated wonderfully, especially in up-close replays, and a lot of the stadiums look very true to the real thing, complete with crowds cheering in favor of the home team and some great camera angles. However, I couldn't help but be bothered by lacking graphic details here and there. There's some hints of slowdown, some glitches that pop up when they shouldn't be (like the linesmen issue I mentioned earlier), and collision detection that can be off at times. The engine remains comprehensive and great-looking for the most part, but when you hit a glitch, you can actually be affected and watch your game topple just a little bit as a result. Online, the break-ups are just as existent, and with the slow gameplay, almost a complete turn-off for some dedicated players. I've talked to a few people who aren't too bothered by them, but it bugs me. Especially for next-gen glory that's $60 out of my wallet.

The only thing that really seems to come through unscathed is the audio, which is just about right. The crowds can really get into the football games played here, even with individual chants and cheers custom-set to certain home teams. There's also some lively school music thrown into the game, and some on-the-dot commentary by the three-man team of Bill Nessler, Lee Corso, and Kirk Herbstreit. This is how a smooth commentary should work, with the three providing insightful details, even on the building of momentum. They sound natural and relaxed, instead of mechanical.

I find myself frustrated by the Xbox 360 version of NCAA Football 07. It's a blown opportunity, due to all the corners that have been cut and the presentation issues that mar the excitement the sport's supposed to maintain. Some college football fans won't give a damn and will be happy with what's here. but it bugs me, just like Madden did last year in its rushed form. This Hofstra-esque beast just doesn't look as appealing to me on the next-gen format as I expected, leaving me to turn to the current-gen version for my college football jones. Oh, well, there's always next year...hopefully.