For those who can’t suit up and run out in the Horseshoe wearing the Scarlet and Gray, hope remains in the form of a small, plastic box featuring Larry Fitzgerald on the cover.

EA Sports’ “NCAA Football 2005” has hit the shelves for all three systems. Featuring all-new features and rosters, the series’ latest innovation is to try to capture the advantage teams earn from playing in their home stadiums.

EA Sports has ranked the top 25 stadiums where homefield advantage is important. When you play a game at one of these stadiums, the homefield advantage starts to kick in almost immediately. Ohio Stadium is ranked No. 3.

As play begins, the screen starts to shake. Wideouts cannot hear the signals being called as the roar of the crowd continues to grow.

This feature is groundbreaking but also slightly annoying. If your team is playing on the road – for example, in the Big House in Ann Arbor – then the screen shakes and the vistor’s controller vibrates.

The same problems affect the home team, however. As the defense is lined up, ready to pounce on a key third down play, the screen is still shaking. After a while this begins to wear on the players’ eyes.

All things considered, however, this is an exciting, fresh addition that brings a new dimension to what could otherwise soon become a tired football video game series.

Another thing players will notice is the game has advertisements built directly into the game. Inside the 20-yard line is now called the “Old Spice Red Zone.” After scoring a touchdown, the announcers check out the “Pontiac Drive Summary,” displaying the scoring drive. Player’s earn Nike gear to boost player ratings after accomplishing certain tasks.

Shameless advertising aside, this game is thoroughly enjoyable to play. The game control is solid and does not majorly deviate from past EA football games.

But what about the one question that all hardcore Ohio State fans want to know: How do the Buckeye team look?

OSU boasts a stifling defense – which comes as no surprise – and also a powerful running attack. Between Branden Joe and Lydell Ross, OSU has two powerful offensive weapons. The arm of Justin Zwick is questionable, as are the hands of the Buckeye wideouts. This will inevitably result in a few curse words when Santonio Holmes drops a wide open pass.

The bottom line is: This game is a must-have for any college football fan. The average gamer can amuse themselves for days simply by going from stadium to stadium and playing every random team in the country. For those who want more in-depth gaming, check out the Dynasty mode, where the user can play entire seasons as their favorite team and control recruiting from season to season.

Almost any person can enjoy this game, and even Lee Corso can’t disagree on that.