Back at the beginning of the year, we got some disheartening news that Upper Deck had lost their NFL license due to money issues. True to their form, UD did not lay down and die, but instead vowed to continue making football cards using their new NCAA exclusive. Sweet Spot was announced shortly after, and we got the first glimpse at what Upper Deck would be hanging their hat on. Sweet Spot went live earlier this week, and so far the results have been interesting.

First off, I have always liked the signed helmet cards in place of sticker autos. Its a unique concept that has lent itself well to football autographs, and this year’s Sweet Spot is a nice twist on a few parts of those past sets. Because there are never many college autos of current and former players, many collectors have jumped all over some of these cards. The only problem I see is that even though the cards are very nicely put together, you really have to be a college football fan to appreciate the checklist. However, most of that is offset by the fact that Upper Deck has gone through a lot to get NCAA gamers of some of the bigger named guys in the league.

Secondly, due to a number of reasons, this set was drastically delayed, something that hasnt sat well with people who were already concerned with UD’s ability to produce a viable set. Usually at this point, Upper Deck has put out two or three sets, and to see them struggle to meet deadlines on their first ever release under the CLC license isnt a good sign. Hopefully, more important releases like SPX and Ultimate wont have the same fate, even though it seems as though they might.

Lastly, prices seem to be holding well for the bigger hits out of the product. Check out some of the nice ending prices and current prices on these. Even I was surprised on some of them:

Tim Tebow Gators Auto Helmet – I can understand why this one ended so high. He is probably the most accomplished Gator of all time. Although I dont think it will transfer one bit to the NFL, this makes sense.

Ryan Mathews Auto Helmet – This seems to be right on par with how much his other normal autos are going for, that has to be a victory for UD.

Eric Berry Helmet Auto – I am literally shocked by the ending price on this one as well as a similar one that sold. Tennessee must have a huge following of collectors that want cards of their guys. Still, this price is ridiculous for a DB.

Sam Bradford Auto Helmet – I expect this one to go for a lot because the throwback helmet is cool, and the Sooner fans are almost as proud as the Gator fans. This is why the signed helmet concept is cool, because it gives an opportunity to bring old logos into the mix.

Colt McCoy Auto Helmet – Colt McCoy hasnt really impressed many in Cleveland, but he is like God around Texas. To have him with a signed Longhorns logo is going to bring big bucks.

Steve Young Auto Helmet – Steve Young is a nice sig to pull, mainly because of his popularity among Niners fans and HOF collectors, and to see a BYU auto going for 100 bucks is pretty interesting. I didnt even know he went to BYU.

Dexter McCluster Auto Helmet – Its amazing what a TD can do for a non-first rounder. To think that this card is already at this price is crazy.

Rocket Ishmail Helmet Auto – How cool is it that Rocket’s cards are going for this much, still. Interesting indeed.

Its easy to see that Upper Deck has a good looking and simple set to make college collectors want to jump out of their shoes, but I have a feeling that initial prices are not going to hold long term on a set like this. When SPX, Ultimate, and eventually the big boys in SPA and Exquisite come out, things are going to be different. This is a nice showing for their first set though. The problem will remain that it has no appeal to non-NCAA collectors like me, and that is where long term success may be hindered. As long as they keep churning out good looking cards, they will have my attention, which should be no suprise.