In case you aren’t up-to-date, EA Sports is doing their video game covers a bit differently this year. The 360, Wii, and PS3 versions of NCAA Football 09 will each have their own covers, while the PS2 and PSP versions will feature the same athlete. EA is staggering the announcements; the first cover to be revealed was that of the 360 version of the game — so Darren McFadden’s fans are already satisfied.

The Wii version’s cover was put up to a vote, and after 700,000 votes were tallied, the winner was announced today. The man who will grace the cover is ... (pause for effect) ... Sparty the Spartan!

If you’re scratching your head as to who (or what) “Sparty” is, he’s the mascot for the Michigan State Spartans. EA has included an in-game rendering of Sparty (check the gallery) along with the official press release (check the jump) for your viewing pleasure.

In addition to a brief bio, the press spiel includes some Wii-specific details: the game “will focus on a more stylized gameplay” and “will feature EA SPORTS Family Play controls”. I can’t wait. All five versions of NCAA Football 09 are set for release this July. You can head over to the official website for the Wii version to see the actual Wii box art.

SPARTY THE SPARTAN FROM MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SELECTED AS NCAA FOOTBALL 09 COVER MASCOT FOR THE WII

March 18, 2008 – The people have spoken! EA SPORTS asked college football fans to vote and determine which college mascot would have the honor of being on the cover of NCAA Football 09 for the Nintendo Wii. Although it was a tightly contested race, Sparty the Spartan from Michigan State University came out victorious.

Sparty the Spartan is Michigan State University's fearless and loveable mascot and a figure known throughout the state of Michigan across the nation. Sparty, the heart of Michigan State, is a National Mascot Champion and has participated in the Universal Cheer Association's National Championships.

Through the NCAA Football 09 Wii Cover Mascot Challenge, fans went online and cast more than 700,000 votes for their favorite mascots. Mascots from Central Florida, Washington State, Auburn, LSU, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa State, Alabama and Penn State rounded out the top ten.

NCAA Football 09 for the Nintendo Wii will focus on a more stylized gameplay that is quick and easy for fans to jump in and out of great head-to-head action, or manage their favorite college team through the "Dynasty Mode". New to the Nintendo Wii platform, NCAA Football 09 will feature EA SPORTS Family Play controls, a multiplayer social experience that allows novice users to compete against advanced players and still enjoy success. The Easy Play controls are designed for the more novice fans, but also feature a traditional default setting for the more seasoned veterans. NCAA Football 09 will feature close to 200 schools from both the FBS and FCS divisions, making it the most authentic college sports gaming experience available for the Nintendo Wii.

For more information, please visit www.ncaafootball09.com.