My view is that reviews should be based on the merits of the game being reviewed, not in comparison to other entries in the series.

For example, this review assumes that I already own NCAA12 and it's telling me if I should upgrade to NCAA13. What it should be doing is assuming that I've never purchased NCAA Football ever, and telling me if this entry is worth buying or not given that I have nothing to start with.

From that perspective, I believe this game is likely closer to a 8-8.5... Based on his review and my playing it. It's not phenominal, but it still really good.