Back when I was in college, I absolutely loved going to football games. Even though I went to a small school, there was nothing better than tailgating with my friends and then screaming until I was hoarse, trying to goad our team to victory. After the game was over, or on weekends when the team was traveling, I’d head back to my dorm room and catch all the biggest and best Division I action, reveling in all the pride and traditions of programs from around the nation.

The first time I played a NCAA Football game, I was hooked. All the pomp and pageantry was there, and hearing the fight song after every touchdown would get my adrenaline pumping. It was everything that was great about college football, and I filled those annoying days between games leading my own collegiate dynasty to success.

Times have changed however, and like the dark shadow cast over the sport in light of bribery and gift-giving scandals (I’m looking at you Reggie Bush), college football isn’t the same pristine landscape it once was. It’s the same way with the NCAA Football games, which have fallen into a bit of the "Madden Syndrome" of pumping out what is essentially the same game year after year.

This year, though, you get to try before you buy, as Xbox Live’s Major Nelson has announced that the demo for NCAA Football ’09 is now up and ready for downloading. This year’s game is promising "groundbreaking gameplay controls," and "unique college-style animations," as well as an online Dynasty mode and the new "Quick Call Recruiting System."

For some reason the whole thing rings hollow to me, sort of like the way the Charlie Weiss hiring at Notre Dame now seems like a huge mistake. I’ve almost given up hope on annual football games offering anything to make them worth the yearly upgrade, but I’m always hoping to be wrong. So here’s the deal EA, I’m giving you one more try to wow me, and if the demo doesn’t impress then you won’t be seeing my money again until NCAA Football 2014.

Update: The demo is now also available on the Playstation Network for download.