Alright boyz, here we go!!! NCAA 2006 First impressions

[TroyF]

Thanks for the response, I'll look for it when I get to that then.

If you are in season, the easiest way is to simply flick through each state. (left d-pad on the PS2) Right beside the players location, it'll have pipeline written in ()

[Eaglesfan27]

Am I the only one throwing massive amounts of INTs? It seems like the defense is always playing zone and there is one guy I never see.

I've only thrown 3 with Leinart in 9 games, but I rarely throw into coverage.

[PSUColonel]

Does anyone have some realistic sliders at this point?

[Greyroofoo]

I've just spent half an hour reading th entire 10 pages of this thread, and it sounds like a typical EA release - initial wow factor, follwed by exasperation as serious flaws are gradually exposed in the game, which leads to a never ending quest to find a set of sliders that set the game as it should be...

Hopefully Madden will be different, but history suggests otherwise :(

the game has been rather disappointing, there's a good chance my copy will be on ebay before the night is over

[jbmagic]

pancakes also makes it easier to recruit all the good offensive line players too in dynasty. because with pancakes your offensive line will be all american and recruits wants to come and play for you.

also all american awards you will get most of them from your offensive line because of pancakes.

[HerRealName]

I've been getting some good results today with the following settings. They are based off of Jistic's set over on Operation Sports but with Knockdowns at a higher level. I haven't been keeping stats since I've mostly just been playing halves with random team but I'm comfortable enough with how it is playing to start my dynasty. I'm really enjoying 2006 after the debacle of 2005 last year.


Offense (Human Listed First)
ACC 80/85
PB 99/65
CAT 99/99
RB ABL 45/45
RUN BLK 20/50

Defense (Human Listed First)
AWR 50/50
KD 25/35
INT 5/10
BRK 55/30
TAK 50/60

S/T (Forgot the Category, Human listed first)
35/30
30/30
45/45
45/45
45/45

Penalties
99
99
50
99
90
50
90
90
90

[dubb93]

CAT 99/99

Are we not looking for open men? Geez, I'm having good stats for myself on AA with it set at 60

[HerRealName]

Are we not looking for open men? Geez, I'm having good stats for myself on AA with it set at 60

I know what you mean - I thought that was odd when I saw it as well. I have had some drops even with that 99 setting, once with Ted Ginn when he was open in the end zone and in the zone.

On default AA, I beat Miami (Oh) with Ohio State 87-14 in my first game on '06. With the sliders I beat them like 45-7 (I took the starters out in the 4th quarter both games). I was blowing out Texas at halftime on default AA, I was down 10-7 with the sliders at halftime when I was testing the sliders.

I also thought it strange to have Pass Block so high but Texas is able to get plenty of pressure even with that 99.

[TroyF]

OK, just simming games week by week I got thrown on probation. Where am I supposed to look for the jack asses so I can suspend them? :) (PS2)

My copy won't be on EBay anytime soon FWIW.

[Eaglesfan27]

Well I just had a great game against Cal which was ranked 7th in the nation going into the game. I threw 2 intercepetions early which spotted them a 10 point lead (I knew I shouldn't have jinxed myself by mentioning I had only thrown 3 all year.) There impact LB and SS totally shut down my running game. Perhaps, I lowered run blocking too low (I have it down at 30%) as they were constantly busting into my backfield. Reggie Bush only had 71 yards on 23 carries and that included one 32 yard run that he broke off. In any case, it was a fun game, but my heart fluttered when they threw 3 deep balls at the end. However, my defensive backs stopped them every time. In the end, I won 35-31 :)

[Bearcat729]

i sim a season and i check season stats for all teams the highest anybody player got for pancake is 41.

it seems like pancake is high still no matter what you put for the run blk slider. your going to end up with way way more than 41 pancake for one player for a dynasty season.

this is going to cause problems with offensive line players for human progressing faster than cpu teams. its a problem if you play a dynasty.


I don't know how high they have to be to have a significant impact then. Going into my second season the only 2 returning players from my All American OL both improved 4 points max, and there wasn't very much improvement during the season so the high pancake numbers don't appear to have much effect at all.

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

Well I just had a great game against Cal which was ranked 7th in the nation going into the game. I threw 2 intercepetions early which spotted them a 10 point lead (I knew I shouldn't have jinxed myself by mentioning I had only thrown 3 all year.) There impact LB and SS totally shut down my running game. Perhaps, I lowered run blocking too low (I have it down at 30%) as they were constantly busting into my backfield. Reggie Bush only had 71 yards on 23 carries and that included one 32 yard run that he broke off. In any case, it was a fun game, but my heart fluttered when they threw 3 deep balls at the end. However, my defensive backs stopped them every time. In the end, I won 35-31 :)
It's pretty crazy! Sometimes Im blowing teams away and other times Im praying I dont make a mistake.

[Cards4ever]

If you are in season, the easiest way is to simply flick through each state. (left d-pad on the PS2) Right beside the players location, it'll have pipeline written in ()


Thanks for the tip. Why didn't they just put that on your coaching screen too? I'm betting that none of the guys I'm inseason recruiting have the pipeline.

[NoMyths]

There impact LB and SS totally shut down my running game.THEIR!!! THEIR!!! You're a board-certified psychiatrist, for God's sake!!!

[Pumpy Tudors]

My Memphis Tigers visited Houston for a matchup against the Cougars.

http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston-open.jpg

That jackhole Lee Corso has picked Houston to win the game.

http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston-corso.jpg

My Tigers have other ideas, though. We plan for today to be the DeAngelo Williams show (1.6mb) (http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston1.avi)! Unfortunately, Houston doesn't agree as the Cougs strike early with a 69-yard touchdown bomb (7.0mb) (http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston2.avi). Later, with the score 7-3, DeAngelo Williams comes through with an outside scamper (5.1mb) (http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston3.avi) to give the Tigers their first lead of the game. The Cougars answer with under two minutes to go in the first half with another touchdown strike (2.9mb) (http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston4.avi). It looks like the teams will head to the locker room with Houston nursing a small 4-point lead until Memphis WR Taz Knockum catches a laser (7.9mb) (http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston5.avi) that finds it way over several bodies. Two plays later, DeAngelo finds the end zone for the second time (3.3mb) (http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston6.avi) as he zips around the left side.

The Tigers and Cougars go to halftime with Memphis leading, 17-14. Eat THAT, Corso!

I've already finished the game and have the highlights cut for the second half. I'll post those in a little while.

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

Im concerned that AA difficulty is almost too easy, I guess I'll switch to Heisman in another year or twon (in game years).

[Eaglesfan27]

THEIR!!! THEIR!!! You're a board-certified psychiatrist, for God's sake!!!
:o

Oops. I used to make that mistake many times. I had been watching it closely the last few months, but it still creeps back occasionally.



In regards to game impressions, I'm back to using almost no sliders. I've noticed that a 99 rating is vastly different than a 89 rating. For example, Lendell White has 89 stamina (I think.) On the other hand, Reggie Bush has a 99 stamina. Bush almost never tires, but after a few big runs or 8 or 9 shorter runs, White does become tired. I suspect that the large gradient between a 89 and a 99 is true for many other attributes as well.

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

My Memphis Tigers visited Houston for a matchup against the Cougars.

http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston-open.jpg

That jackhole Lee Corso has picked Houston to win the game.

http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston-corso.jpg

My Tigers have other ideas, though. We plan for today to be the DeAngelo Williams show (1.6mb) (http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston1.avi)! Unfortunately, Houston doesn't agree as the Cougs strike early with a 69-yard touchdown bomb (7.0mb) (http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston2.avi). Later, with the score 7-3, DeAngelo Williams comes through with an outside scamper (5.1mb) (http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston3.avi) to give the Tigers their first lead of the game. The Cougars answer with under two minutes to go in the first half with another touchdown strike (2.9mb) (http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston4.avi). It looks like the teams will head to the locker room with Houston nursing a small 4-point lead until Memphis WR Taz Knockum catches a laser (7.9mb) (http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston5.avi) that finds it way over several bodies. Two plays later, DeAngelo finds the end zone for the second time (3.3mb) (http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston6.avi) as he zips around the left side.

The Tigers and Cougars go to halftime with Memphis leading, 17-14. Eat THAT, Corso!

I've already finished the game and have the highlights cut for the second half. I'll post those in a little while.


Dola: It seems that they cut down the pre game stuff (almost important pre game scouting report) to see Corso put a Helmet, mask et ala on his head. I really didnt like the pre game stuff this year. gameplay wise I cant complain though. :)

[Pumpy Tudors]

Im concerned that AA difficulty is almost too easy, I guess I'll switch to Heisman in another year or twon (in game years).
I had started to think the same thing, but now I'm getting challenges on AA. Honestly, if the kick meter didn't go so damn fast on Heisman, I'd probably play it, but that's not the case.

[Eaglesfan27]

Im concerned that AA difficulty is almost too easy, I guess I'll switch to Heisman in another year or twon (in game years).
Have you used any sliders yet? I've been fooling around with them some, and you can make the game very challenging on AA with some CPU slanted sliders, if you wish to do so.

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

I had started to think the same thing, but now I'm getting challenges on AA. Honestly, if the kick meter didn't go so damn fast on Heisman, I'd probably play it, but that's not the case.
I'll probably schedule an additional non MWC team the next few years to get a real fight. So far my UNLV dynasty has only had to fight off UNM 34-28 IN OT. The rest of the MWC, to my surprise are push overs.

[MizzouRah]

Dola: It seems that they cut down the pre game stuff (almost important pre game scouting report) to see Corso put a Helmet, mask et ala on his head. I really didnt like the pre game stuff this year. gameplay wise I cant complain though. :)
Yeah, I liked the players coming out of the tunnel much better than Corso putting on mascot helmets.

[MizzouRah]

:o

Oops. I used to make that mistake many times. I had been watching it closely the last few months, but it still creeps back occasionally.



In regards to game impressions, I'm back to using almost no sliders. I've noticed that a 99 rating is vastly different than a 89 rating. For example, Lendell White has 89 stamina (I think.) On the other hand, Reggie Bush has a 99 stamina. Bush almost never tires, but after a few big runs or 8 or 9 shorter runs, White does become tired. I suspect that the large gradient between a 89 and a 99 is true for many other attributes as well.
I've noticed that if you have an "impact" player, he won't tire much at all... and if he's "in the zone", he won't tire at all during that time.

[MizzouRah]

I'm going to play on default AA until I go undefeated, then I'll move up to Heisman defaults. That could be awhile. :)

[Pumpy Tudors]

Less than a minute into the second half, the Tigers roar out of the gate with a 50-yard touchdown pass (3.1mb) (http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston7.avi). Memphis leads, 24-14. Later, with the Memphis lead cut to 3, Houston tailback Anthony Evans takes over. He survives this big hit (2.2mb) (http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston8.avi), converts a pivotal third-and-short (1.8mb) (http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston9.avi), and then ignites his home crowd with a beautiful run (8.3mb) (http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston10.avi) to give Houston a 31-24 lead. Things look bleak for the Tigers until the defense comes up big with a third-and-1 stop to get the ball back (4.1mb) (http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston11.avi). Unfortunately, the wheels finally come off for Memphis as an ill-advised throw from QB Patrick Byrne gets picked off (3.4mb) (http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston12.avi) and returned for the game-sealing touchdown. Houston wins, 38-24. Up yours, Corso. :(

http://www.twyst.org/~pumpy/highlights/NCAA06/houston-final.jpg

[Eaglesfan27]

I've noticed that if you have an "impact" player, he won't tire much at all... and if he's "in the zone", he won't tire at all during that time.

Ahh, that could be it.

In regards to your second post, I'm probably going to go undefeated, but I don't want to move up quite yet ;) However, I'll probably try Heisman in 1 to 2 game years.

[MizzouRah]

Ahh, that could be it.

In regards to your second post, I'm probably going to go undefeated, but I don't want to move up quite yet ;) However, I'll probably try Heisman in 1 to 2 game years.
Well, to your defense, you are playing with USC. ;)

I'm up 17-14 at half vs #20 Iowa St. I knocked out their impact HB in the first quarter so now the game takes a great turn for us. This would be a huge win, especially since my future QB hopeful is watching the game at home.

GO TIGERS!!! MIZZOURAH!!!!

[TroyF]

Where can you find the NCAA's interest in your program and conduct your disciplinary action?

[Pumpy Tudors]

Where can you find the NCAA's interest in your program and conduct your disciplinary action?
Rosters/Playbooks > Rosters > Program Standards

[Cards4ever]

Where can you find the NCAA's interest in your program and conduct your disciplinary action?

Troy, you can find that when they ask if you want to take action with a player. You'll see it in the upper right of your screen.


On the whole, not a bad game, though to me it seems as though there too many returns for TDs on kickoff and punt returns. I say that not being a expert gamer, but I still do ok, I have Wyoming 8-2. I'll play it some more and see if it tops ESPN 2K5 for entertainment value.

[Bearcat729]

Where can you find the NCAA's interest in your program and conduct your disciplinary action?


Under rosters it should have a program standards section that should be it.

[Cards4ever]

They are correct, that is a much easier way to check it out.

[TroyF]

Under rosters it should have a program standards section that should be it.


Thanks!! That was driving me nuts. I knew it was there somewhere. As CU I have enough attention on me already, I can't afford to sim a week through with a player who's breaking the rules. I'll be dead meat. :)

[MizzouRah]

Troy, you can find that when they ask if you want to take action with a player. You'll see it in the upper right of your screen.


On the whole, not a bad game, though to me it seems as though there too many returns for TDs on kickoff and punt returns. I say that not being a expert gamer, but I still do ok, I have Wyoming 8-2. I'll play it some more and see if it tops ESPN 2K5 for entertainment value.
Weird. I'm 6 games into my franchise and I've never seen one.

Just beat #20 Iowa St. and home 27-17. I needed this game so bad. The one thing I've learned is by hitting "X" (ps2) on a roll out with my QB really helps me get some room to pass when needed. There were two long passes completed, one by me and one by the CPU... the rest were batted down or intercepted. I'm glad scores are lower when playing a similar team.

[MizzouRah]

dola,

The CPU also pulled off a fake punt TD on me last game. Damn them!!

[Eaglesfan27]

dola,

The CPU also pulled off a fake punt TD on me last game. Damn them!!
Sweet :)

As far as the TD on return issue, I think it is a bit high, but not too bad. I have 1 kickoff return with Reed and 4 punt return TD's with Reggie Bush but all except 1 of them came against vastly inferior teams in my non-conference schedule.

[Karlifornia]

Sweet :)

As far as the TD on return issue, I think it is a bit high, but not too bad. I have 1 kickoff return with Reed and 4 punt return TD's with Reggie Bush but all except 1 of them came against vastly inferior teams in my non-conference schedule.

Well, if it were anyone but Bush I'd be slightly concerned. I went to the Stanford/USC game last year (damn Teevens and his conservative second half play-calling..good riddance), and watching Bush return punts was a very harrowing experience.

[jbmagic]

I don't know how high they have to be to have a significant impact then. Going into my second season the only 2 returning players from my All American OL both improved 4 points max, and there wasn't very much improvement during the season so the high pancake numbers don't appear to have much effect at all.

thats great news.

in the past pancakes wil make players progress fast.

it doesnt seem that bad from what your saying.



but did your offensive line players, all grab the All American Awards?

does that make recruiting easier to get all the great offensive line players to come to your team?

[jbmagic]

Eaglefan, Todd and others:


are you playing with recruiting and discipline assistant on or off in coach options?

do you feel like this version of NCAA, the recruiting is more challenging then previous NCAA versions?


this game is so fun. i am very happy with it. i thinking of just getting sports games for the xbox instead of the pc. it great playing it on a 50" big screen tv with surround sound.

good luck Eaglefan when you play UCLA. UCLA's running back Drew is awesome.

[VPI97]

This game is a piece of shit compared to last year's version. Passing is impossible and rushing is far to easy. A typical game for me is 50 yards passing and 300 yrds rushing. Horrible balance. There's no point in even trying a pass in either single player or online.

[Flasch186]

This game is a piece of shit compared to last year's version. Passing is impossible and rushing is far to easy. A typical game for me is 50 yards passing and 300 yrds rushing. Horrible balance. There's no point in even trying a pass in either single player or online.

wow....

[VPI97]

It's like they wanted to beef up running so bad they screwed up everything else. Open field running is so powerful that there's a 50% chance your punts will be returned for TD, so you might as well put every kick out of bounds.

[Bearcat729]

thats great news.

in the past pancakes wil make players progress fast.

it doesnt seem that bad from what your saying.



but did your offensive line players, all grab the All American Awards?

does that make recruiting easier to get all the great offensive line players to come to your team?

Yes last season I had 5 first team All American players all of them were my offensive line, but I haven't seen where it has helped my recruiting at all.

[Philliesfan980]

This game is a piece of shit compared to last year's version. Passing is impossible and rushing is far to easy. A typical game for me is 50 yards passing and 300 yrds rushing. Horrible balance. There's no point in even trying a pass in either single player or online.

I'm not so sure if I feel as strongly as you do, but I'm beginning to question the point in throwing the ball at all as well. With this game, if you run the ball 3 times, you should have a first down.

[VPI97]

Ugh...both NCAA 2004 & 2005 were games I could play for 7 months...this one lasted 3 days.

[Philliesfan980]

Ugh...both NCAA 2004 & 2005 were games I could play for 7 months...this one lasted 3 days.


Have you tried messing around with different slider configs?

[VPI97]

Have you tried messing around with different slider configs?There are no sliders in online play and that's the main reason I get the game. Over the last two years, I've played approx. 850 games online compared to about 50 single player.

Right now in online, the only options there are to have a successful offense is to either run it every play (if you have an 'impact player' as RB or scrambling QB, you should get 8 yards a run unless you're really bad), throw quick outs to get the ball to a reciever in the open field, or lob it 50 yards downfield with every pass. For whatever reason, it's virtually impossible to complete a mid range pass, but 50 yard lobs? 60-70% completion rate. At least that's what all the kids online seem to connect on those. At least in past versions, you could run a realistic offense and be successful...to win with this game, your gameplan shouldn't resemble real life in any way.

[CraigSca]

I've read the best way to stop that 50-yard lob is to use half MtM and half Zone on the same play. Unfortunately, I've never seen that in my playbook, so I usually go with a nickel defense and double cover the wideouts. I've seen pretty good success with that - then again, I'm not playing online against a population that's 99% cheese.

[Balldog]

This game is a piece of shit compared to last year's version. Passing is impossible and rushing is far to easy. A typical game for me is 50 yards passing and 300 yrds rushing. Horrible balance. There's no point in even trying a pass in either single player or online.

The other day I was 13/13 until I threw a pick with Tennessee, on mostly short passes. That was with sliders though.

[Cards4ever]

Open field running is so powerful that there's a 50% chance your punts will be returned for TD, so you might as well put every kick out of bounds.

Yes, that is what I have found. I had 3 kicks returned for TD's in one game, it was impossible to track the guy down and tackle him. I don't think the game is too bad overall, just would like to tone down the kick returns.

[TroyF]

Yes, that is what I have found. I had 3 kicks returned for TD's in one game, it was impossible to track the guy down and tackle him. I don't think the game is too bad overall, just would like to tone down the kick returns.


That's strange. I've played about 15 or so games and have never had a punt or KO returned for a TD. (and for 12 of those I didn't use any slider alteration)

I returned one myself, but it was probably the best move I've ever made in a football game. A sweet spin followed by a well timed juke and I took one 78 yards.

[MizzouRah]

Eaglefan, Todd and others:


are you playing with recruiting and discipline assistant on or off in coach options?
Off
do you feel like this version of NCAA, the recruiting is more challenging then previous NCAA versions?
Not sure yet, I'm only 7 games into my first season and right now I like how recruiting is handled.

this game is so fun. i am very happy with it. i thinking of just getting sports games for the xbox instead of the pc. it great playing it on a 50" big screen tv with surround sound.
I feel the same way.
good luck Eaglefan when you play UCLA. UCLA's running back Drew is awesome.

[CraigSca]

After yet another travesty against Notre Dame on AA, I've backed down to JV and just improved the oppoenent via sliders. Will see how this goes...still trying to find where the game suits me and my "skills". :)

[TroyF]

Just curious if there is anyone else like me here. . . when I start my first "serious" dynasty, I'll spend the first four years simming and recruiting. Then I have a fully fictional universe to work with.

Anyone else play it that way or am I the odd ball?

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

I like the game but do hate that most AI kick returns are almost returned to the 35-40 yd line, but still a good game.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Just curious if there is anyone else like me here. . . when I start my first "serious" dynasty, I'll spend the first four years simming and recruiting. Then I have a fully fictional universe to work with.

Anyone else play it that way or am I the odd ball?
I haven't done that. I know a lot of people used to do it to clear out the "QB #10" names, but that's not necessary anymore. Perhaps you are the only odd ball. :)

[jbmagic]

Ugh...both NCAA 2004 & 2005 were games I could play for 7 months...this one lasted 3 days.


i tought NCAA 2005 had problems with drop passes. how was it playable?

[TroyF]

I haven't done that. I know a lot of people used to do it to clear out the "QB #10" names, but that's not necessary anymore. Perhaps you are the only odd ball. :)


I used to do it for that reason, but now it's just to get the real guys out of there and the fake ones in.

Not sure why other people haven't gotten into this game. It has a couple of flaws, but nothing even close to a game killer for me. I struggled passing because I'm horrible, adjusted a couple of slider settings and I'm doing fine now.

I'm getting ready to start up my first dynasty. To each their own I guess.

[Eaglesfan27]

Eaglefan, Todd and others:


are you playing with recruiting and discipline assistant on or off in coach options?
Off
do you feel like this version of NCAA, the recruiting is more challenging then previous NCAA versions?
Not sure yet, I'm only 7 games into my first season and right now I like how recruiting is handled.

this game is so fun. i am very happy with it. i thinking of just getting sports games for the xbox instead of the pc. it great playing it on a 50" big screen tv with surround sound.
I feel the same way.
good luck Eaglefan when you play UCLA. UCLA's running back Drew is awesome.

I'm playing with whatever the default is. I'll have to check. I also like how recruiting is handled. I did obtain 3 of my top 12 guys, but I'm USC and I don't think that is unrealistic. I obtained the top FB, MLB, and top SS which were all need positions. I like how the recruiting is handled so far.

I can't wait to get a big screen TV. Right now we have a 27 inch regular TV. Once, we get a house in the next year, the TV will follow....

Thanks, UCLA is my next and final regular season game. They are surprisingly ranked 12th, in a large part due to their RB. It will be a tough game :)

[Eaglesfan27]

I used to do it for that reason, but now it's just to get the real guys out of there and the fake ones in.

Not sure why other people haven't gotten into this game. It has a couple of flaws, but nothing even close to a game killer for me. I struggled passing because I'm horrible, adjusted a couple of slider settings and I'm doing fine now.

I'm getting ready to start up my first dynasty. To each their own I guess.
I used to do it to clear out all of the #10's etc, but now I like playing with real players.

I've decided that the passing numbers were too low, and I upped the WR catch a bit, and lowered knockdowns a bit, and I'm getting great passing numbers now. I also lowered my O'line's run blocking rating a bit, and I find that rushing is reasonably difficult if I face a good defense, and that passing is a reasonable challenge level with 60-70% passing possible if I pass smartly. I'm enjoying this game :)

[VPI97]

i tought NCAA 2005 had problems with drop passes. how was it playable?Even with some drops, you could easily complete 60% of your passes if you threw slants and crosses (although from what I heard, the drop problem was more prevalent on XBOX than PS2, which I have). Now I find slants and crosses are subject to tips galore and you're left with bombs or flat passes.

I'm going to play the game because I'm an NCAA whore, but I fear every game will be like th eone I just played. I had Iowa and my first 8 passes were:

1 - 7 yard slant = tip + interception
2 - 10 yard comeback = interception
3 - fly pattern = 80 yard touchdown
4 - fly pattern = 75 yard touchdown
5 - 12 yard cross = tip + interception
6 - 25 yard flag = 60 yard touchdown
7 - 15 yard post = tip + interception
8 - fly pattern = 80 yard touchdown

[Cards4ever]

That's strange. I've played about 15 or so games and have never had a punt or KO returned for a TD. (and for 12 of those I didn't use any slider alteration)

I returned one myself, but it was probably the best move I've ever made in a football game. A sweet spin followed by a well timed juke and I took one 78 yards.

Maybe I'm just not that good of a player! ;)

[jbmagic]

I'm playing with whatever the default is. I'll have to check. I also like how recruiting is handled. I did obtain 3 of my top 12 guys, but I'm USC and I don't think that is unrealistic. I obtained the top FB, MLB, and top SS which were all need positions. I like how the recruiting is handled so far.

I can't wait to get a big screen TV. Right now we have a 27 inch regular TV. Once, we get a house in the next year, the TV will follow....

Thanks, UCLA is my next and final regular season game. They are surprisingly ranked 12th, in a large part due to their RB. It will be a tough game :)



your going to love it on a big screen tv with surrond sound, once you get one.

my default the recruiting and discipline assistant is on in coach options. you might want to turn it off, so you have complete control.

[General Mike]

I've read the best way to stop that 50-yard lob is to use half MtM and half Zone on the same play. Unfortunately, I've never seen that in my playbook, so I usually go with a nickel defense and double cover the wideouts. I've seen pretty good success with that - then again, I'm not playing online against a population that's 99% cheese.

I think that would be cover 2, man under. Or maybe the coverage audibles where you can switch to 1, 2, 3 or 4 deep zone would work with giving you half and half.

[jbmagic]

try these AA sliders out at operation sports by Playmaker.

http://forums.operationsports.com/vBulletin/showpost.php?p=1742592&postcount=2

[Eaglesfan27]

your going to love it on a big screen tv with surrond sound, once you get one.

my default the recruiting and discipline assistant is on in coach options. you might want to turn it off, so you have complete control.
Thanks, I will be turning it off when I play later today :)

[Eaglesfan27]

try these AA sliders out at operation sports by Playmaker.

http://forums.operationsports.com/vBulletin/showpost.php?p=1742592&postcount=2

Those sliders might be good for the long game, but they look like they will make the short passing game almost non-existent.

[illinifan999]

Has anyone had any CPU punts bounce backwords yet? Everytime I let them fall they always bounce forwards.

[Eaglesfan27]

Has anyone had any CPU punts bounce backwords yet? Everytime I let them fall they always bounce forwards.

Nope, and I just saw Bill mentioning that on the sportsblog. However, if I pick sky punt, I can get it to barely bounce forward.

[korme]

Just curious if there is anyone else like me here. . . when I start my first "serious" dynasty, I'll spend the first four years simming and recruiting. Then I have a fully fictional universe to work with.

Anyone else play it that way or am I the odd ball?
Every year previously until this one. Auto-generate makes me fine with the current players.

[Emiliano]

I've decided that the passing numbers were too low, and I upped the WR catch a bit, and lowered knockdowns a bit, and I'm getting great passing numbers now. I also lowered my O'line's run blocking rating a bit, and I find that rushing is reasonably difficult if I face a good defense, and that passing is a reasonable challenge level with 60-70% passing possible if I pass smartly. I'm enjoying this game :)

Ditto for me. I'm loving this game :D

[Noop]

For those Dynasty players out there... is it me or is it damn near impossible to get a decent cornerback thru recruiting? I mean I am real thin at the db spot with 4 players(89,84,84,76) all are Seniors or Juniors... it is very annoying... weird thing is I have stud safeties(sp?)

- However one thing I do like about dynasty mode is the fact juco players can step in and make things happen. I thought at first it was a fluke but after having a juco wr, olb, ilb, ss, fs I found that althought they werent rated higher then the freshman they played alot better and would improve so much during the season. I have one OLB by the name of Jefferson who started at 72 end up leaving my school as a 92. Kid was a playmaker from the first time he stepped on the field. Damn I love this game...

[Airhog]

There are no sliders in online play and that's the main reason I get the game. Over the last two years, I've played approx. 850 games online compared to about 50 single player.

Right now in online, the only options there are to have a successful offense is to either run it every play (if you have an 'impact player' as RB or scrambling QB, you should get 8 yards a run unless you're really bad), throw quick outs to get the ball to a reciever in the open field, or lob it 50 yards downfield with every pass. For whatever reason, it's virtually impossible to complete a mid range pass, but 50 yard lobs? 60-70% completion rate. At least that's what all the kids online seem to connect on those. At least in past versions, you could run a realistic offense and be successful...to win with this game, your gameplan shouldn't resemble real life in any way.


Wasnt there a ton of cheese in 2k5 with people throwing the ball deep every play? Wasnt there also alot of cheese with people using a scrambling QB, dropping back 15-20 yards, then running for a first since no-one is left but DL's? It seems just like different problems, but the same overall problem. People will find a few plays that work, and the run them until you beat them at it.

[VPI97]

Wasnt there a ton of cheese in 2k5 with people throwing the ball deep every play? Wasnt there also alot of cheese with people using a scrambling QB, dropping back 15-20 yards, then running for a first since no-one is left but DL's? It seems just like different problems, but the same overall problem. People will find a few plays that work, and the run them until you beat them at it.Yeah, but you can learn to stop those types of things after seeing them a few times. In this case, four out of five mid range passes result in tipped balls. I was playing a straight game with a guy and there were 9 interceptions between the two of us. If you try to throw it anywhere in the 7 to 15 yard range, odds are that it'll get tipped and an interception is the result.

I hope they start noticing these types of things and apply a slider set to the online game...that's the only thing that would make it worthwhile.

[korme]

What team do you use Noop? FSU or Miami?

[korme]

Yeah, but you can learn to stop those types of things after seeing them a few times. In this case, four out of five mid range passes result in tipped balls. I was playing a straight game with a guy and there were 9 interceptions between the two of us. If you try to throw it anywhere in the 7 to 15 yard range, odds are that it'll get tipped and an interception is the result.

I hope they start noticing these types of things and apply a slider set to the online game...that's the only thing that would make it worthwhile. VPI, I disagree. On default sliders AA, against West Virginia, my 78 OVR QB is 15 of 17 right now with 3 minutes to play in the game, and I am throwing lots of short routes. It's all about how you throw it, lob, on a line, etc.

[jbmagic]

damn this game is fun.

have you notice all the teams have a different style of play.

i play against Kentucky and they love to pass and throw deep.

they only got one deep pass on me.

i did a lot of cover 2, cover 3 zone on them and it help.

[korme]

BTW, most of the songs on the game are a disappointment, only a few ones I like. Some of the guys singing have no vocal skills whatsoever.

[Eaglesfan27]

I just finished my first regular season. I'll be playing Iowa in the National Championship Game. They were the only 1 loss team. We were the only undefeated team. Reggie Bush won the Heisman and I thought the ceremony was cool but a bit brief. He ended up with 2039 rushing yards, 1251 receiving yards, and 1055 return yards. He also won the best running back award, best returner award.

The All-American selection is messed up a bit. Desmond Reed, my 4th string RB, was selected as a 1st team All-American! He had a nice return season with 750 yards and perhaps he was selected for his return abilities? However, I think it should have listed him among the returners and not HB's. The other 2 HB's were legit with Bush and Marhshawn Lynch getting the other 2 first team HB slots. However, this Pushed Adrian Peterson to 2nd team.

Oh yeah, UCLA's RB didn't hurt me as much as hurt his own team. For the first time that I've seen, a RB had fumblitis. In this case, UCLA's RB fumbled on his first three carries of the game spotting us 21 points. We blew them out 70-14, which felt quite good.

[MrBug708]

WEll, now I know the game is unrealistic. Lose Norm Chow and you guys learn to score? heh...;)

[korme]

Just finished season 2 with Cincinnati, I'm sure I'll get a bowl bid:

vs. #6 Florida L 28-41 (0-1)
at #3 Miami L 17-56 (0-2)
at Boston College W 56-49 (1-2)
at Navy W 70-28 (2-2)
vs. Arizona W 45-42 (3-2)
vs. Pittsburgh W 52-45 (4-2)
at Connecticut L 14-40 (4-3)
at Louisville W 35-31 (5-3)
vs. Syracuse W 31-21 (6-3)
at West Virginia W 42-14 (7-3)
vs. South Florida W 44-23 (8-3)
vs. Rutgers W 31-21 (9-3)

It's cool because at the start of the season we were coming off a losing season so barely anyone was at like the Arizona game. Final game of the season though, Rutgers faced a standing room only crowd. :)

Combined opponents record was 64-62, so this was no breeze (as evidenced by a ton of close victories.) My WR turned QB just got healthy in the last 3 games so I have been rolling well. My RB *is* my team however. So much so that he went from nowhere on the map to being #1 on the heisman watch right now.

His season: 316 carries, 2597 yards, 8.2 YPC, 27 TD

He might not win though because he only has 14 catches (4 TD).

[korme]

Big East Champs
TE wins Tight End of the Year
HB wins Doak Walker Running Back Award
HB wins Maxwell Award


WOW - Florida was #1 at 11-0 until FSU upset them. Then they win their last game to finish 12-1, and.. 9-3 unranked Cincy gets to play #5 Florida in the Sugar Bowl.


OOh I'm a heisman finalist. This is neato

[korme]

Bullshit Harvey Ford (Chris Leak really) steals the Heisman from my man Darius Miller.

I'm terribly upset at this news.

Close race though, his total 'points' in the voting beat my guy's, 1569 to 1442.

My dude is only a JR so hopefully he will stay and win it next year.

[korme]

I just realized I'm playing Florida for the 2nd time in a season, kinda weird. I'm going to break Ford's (Leak's) legs though. Damn Heisman stealer.

[TroyF]

Noop,

I'm recruiting CB's just fine. In fact a CB was my best ever recruit. A 99 in speed and an 85 in awareness by his SO year. A complete stud.

Shorty,

There is an option to turn the menu music into college bands instead of the EA Trax. It's in the music options.

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

I've noticed that my receivers still drop a considerable amount of mid range passes.
I just barely edged the Badgers 21-20, but really dominated the game if it werent for my receivers dropping 12 passes. Thats right 12.
My Qb Marcus Corbett went 11-36 for 202 yds 2-1
It just irritated me that wide open passes/ nearly wide open were being dropped. I think it has soething to do with my receivers composure (due to big game and a defensive fight in the 2nd-3rd quarters) but am not so sure.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I'm trying to work up the courage to play against Tennessee in Knoxville. It's my next game, and they're coming off their first loss of the season (to Notre Dame!). They're going to be angry, and my poor guys are going to let the crowd get to them. DeAngelo, save me! :eek:

[Emiliano]

Ok, first season thoughts.

I finished 9-2 in the regular season, I won the ACC Championship vs. FSU and I played in the Orange vs. Michigan, won.
USC vs. Texas for the title, USC wins and Leinart won the Heisman.
Finished the year ranked #2.

Awards:
Best TE (Greg Olsen)
Best OL (Eric Winston)
Best RET (Devin Hester)
Tyrone Moss (RB) was 6th in the NCAA in rushing, with over 1500 yds. He got an All-American mention.

Gameplay: I developed my personal sliders and the game is playing great, I'm having a lot of fun. I recommend you guys in search of better sliders to do the same. Start with default, and modify as you need. It's the best thing for me.
This game played great out of the box, except for the too high pancake numbers that you can tone down lowering the human run blocking.
Anyway, these are just my personal opinions.

Off-season: a couple of guys transferred, Hester and Moss left for the NFL. I let them go. I managed to get the #1 class in the nation (25 players total) with five 5-stars and fifteen 4-stars!!! Texas had the 2nd class with three 5-stars players. Easy to recruit when you're Miami huh?!?
It appears that, compared to last year's version, there are less 5-stars players in the recruiting pool. Is it me or this is happening also in your dynasty?
After recruiting, I had to cut down the roster to 70 because we were 75. I had like 9 running-backs!!!
BTW, no problem recruting CBs for me. I had one 4-stars from Florida (80 as a freshman) that was interested, so that was easy, and then I got other 2, but they're 3-stars players in the mid-70s.

First game of 2006, I destroyed Cincinnati (sorry Shorty ;) ) 55-0 in my first shutout ever.

I love college football.

[korme]

It's cool, I'll schedule Texas next season and try to beat them then ;).

[Balldog]

Are the incoming freshman rated really high like in previous versions?

[CraigSca]

Good luck against the Gators, Shorty! Get some revenge :)

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

Are the incoming freshman rated really high like in previous versions?

My high is a 4 star wr rated 77 ovr. It seems you can win with players avg. 75-80 ovr rating. I havent seen a 91 rated freshman but they could be out there.

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

Dola: right now Im trying to bait 6 4 star dts and des. Those 2 positions are my weakest link and would want a big improvement. So far its looking good. I might just stal the top de in the nation. I think Ive got a shot at 4 of the 6 but we will see.

[Ironhead]

Ouch. Finished my first season with Kentucky and went 4-7. My wins were over a 1AA team, Ole Miss, Mississippi State & Vanderbilt. We remained a 2 star program and dropped to a 3 star academic prestige.

We only managed to pull in 13 recruits which ranked us for the 110th best class in the country.

I am very worried about losing my job this season. My three contract goals are:
* Beat Louisville
* Make a bowl game
* Beat Georgia

Job Security: About 25-30%
Our Strength of Schedule this season: A

2006 Schedule:
Wk 2: at #20 Louisville
Wk 3: Texas State
Wk 4: Ole Miss
Wk 5: Arizona
Wk 6: #7 Georgia
Wk 7: #16 South Carolina
Wk 8: at #9 LSU
Wk 9: at Mississippi State
Wk 10: at #8 Florida
Wk 12: Vanderbilt
Wk 13: at #6 Tennessee

I think I may have a chance to put up a few points but my defense is leaky as all hell. It is only rated a C-. The way I see it I have a very good chance to go at least 5-6 if I really play my best during the winable games. If I can pull off one upset I might have a chance at a bowl game.

[Balldog]

I am very worried about losing my job this season. My three contract goals are:
* Beat Louisville
* Make a bowl game
* Beat Georgia

Job Security: About 25-30%
Our Strength of Schedule this season: A

2006 Schedule:
Wk 2: at #20 Louisville
Wk 3: Texas State
Wk 4: Ole Miss
Wk 5: Arizona
Wk 6: #7 Georgia
Wk 7: #16 South Carolina
Wk 8: at #9 LSU
Wk 9: at Mississippi State
Wk 10: at #8 Florida
Wk 12: Vanderbilt
Wk 13: at #6 Tennessee


Better get your resume ready...

[ageofquarrel]

I had my best game yet. I was georgia playing auburn. I was up 17-14. And of course Auburn was inside my 10 with a minute to go. On first down auburn qb threw an incompletion and i managed to injure him. then the backup came in and threw another incompletion and on 3rd down he threw an interception in the end zone.

[Booj]

I can't wait for my game to get here... I wish they sold this game north of the border.

Should be here by the end of the week (shipped yesterday)....

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

Ouch. Finished my first season with Kentucky and went 4-7. My wins were over a 1AA team, Ole Miss, Mississippi State & Vanderbilt. We remained a 2 star program and dropped to a 3 star academic prestige.

We only managed to pull in 13 recruits which ranked us for the 110th best class in the country.


Recruiting is usually like that after season one but you should have the 45th best by season 2 and be in the top 25 in recruiting by the end of season 3.

[Galaril]

Guys, lower the human run blocking slider to 0%. The numbers of pancakes will decrease. They're still a bit high, especially if you have great O-line and run a lot like me, but they're not out of proportion anymore. In my last game (destroyed UNC 55-21), I got 8 pancakes from Winston which is my most talented lineman (96 ovr.). One lineman had 5, others 2/3. I ran like 30/35 times. It doesn't affect the running game, indeed it becomes more challenging, but absolutely not impossible.

I also modified all the other sliders, and now my completion % are increased.
I'll probably post them later. I'm getting good games (even lost with Ga.Tech at home, damn!!!) and enough realistic results .


I would love to get the codes for your sliders and see how they work out.Please.

[Suicane75]

Ughhh, I pre ordered from DVDPlanet. Same as with Jeeber when it came time they said they were backordered, so I responded to my ORDER CONFIRMATION EMAIL with a msg asking them to cancel my order. They responded by saying I had no order on file, but they still list my order on the website. I havn't been charged yet and they better not send me the damn game. So Saturday I went to Amazon and ordered the game thru EB, I clicked 2 day shipping as my method, I get an email telling me It will ship within 5-7 buisness days, wtf!? 2007's gonna be out before i get this damn thing.

[Eaglesfan27]

Well, I just finished winning the national championship :) Drew Tate was tough for the first quarter and a half, however he threw a pick on a bomb to my impact SS. That was the beginning of the end. He threw a second interception 2 minutes later, and then a third right before the half ended. We returned that third one for a touchdown as time ran out and that gave us a 35-7 lead.

Interestingly, they were the first team to totally shut down our running game in the 1st half, but Matt Leinart was especially effective. He was 14 of 18 passing for 200 yards in the first half, including a 80 yard screen pass to Bush where he spinned past one tackler and stiff armed the strong safety before pulling away from his pursuers.

In the 3rd quarter, Tate threw two more picks and was finally yanked. I thought it was crazy pulling an impact QB, but his backup was mobile. In fact, he was the first fairly mobile QB I've faced all year. I'm glad to say that the CPU really uses mobile QB's! He was rushing for 5 yards here, 8 yards there. He also used roll-outs to buy time and managed to actually pass for more yards and put up more points for Iowa. However, we finally got Reggie on track with the rushing game after he busted one 85 yard run where he just ran away from the defense after juking the MLB and the SS. His 99 acceleration, agility, and speed are just hard to stop. Final score was 56-21. Not too different from the real life score when they won this past year.

I thought the extra commentary for the National Championship game was cool. I don't remember that being in past versions.

Now, time to see if we can somehow convince Bush to stay (I won't try it if he is mostly leaning towards leaving.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

Nice. After winning the National Championship, USC offered a 4 year extension. Texas and Oklahoma also offered my a job.

[Eaglesfan27]

Ouch. I have 18 players that want to leave early. 2 that want to transfer to other schools, and 16 that want to enter into the draft early. Basically, my entire offensive line is determined to go into the draft! Even odder, is that my backup LT who is only rated 78 is determined to go pro early. Interestingly, Bush was heavily leaning towards staying and I only had to spend 12 points to convince him to stay. I also convinced my all star SS to stay, but everyone else was heavily leaning towards going, so I'm not wasting points on trying to convince them to stay.

[Suicane75]

Ouch. I have 18 players that want to leave early. 2 that want to transfer to other schools, and 16 that want to enter into the draft early. Basically, my entire offensive line is determined to go into the draft! Even odder, is that my backup LT who is only rated 78 is determined to go pro early. Interestingly, Bush was heavily leaning towards staying and I only had to spend 12 points to convince him to stay. I also convinced my all star SS to stay, but everyone else was heavily leaning towards going, so I'm not wasting points on trying to convince them to stay.
Time to rebuild http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[MizzouRah]

Ouch. I have 18 players that want to leave early. 2 that want to transfer to other schools, and 16 that want to enter into the draft early. Basically, my entire offensive line is determined to go into the draft! Even odder, is that my backup LT who is only rated 78 is determined to go pro early. Interestingly, Bush was heavily leaning towards staying and I only had to spend 12 points to convince him to stay. I also convinced my all star SS to stay, but everyone else was heavily leaning towards going, so I'm not wasting points on trying to convince them to stay.
Congrats! ..and I find it cool at the choices a top program has to make.. after reading your FM dynasty, I think you'll do fine, although it will be neat to see if you can repeat.

[CraigSca]

I thought the extra commentary for the National Championship game was cool. I don't remember that being in past versions.
Don't know what you're talking about, and probably never will :).

Congrats on the national title - hope you can quickly find a new offensive line :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Well, I got the 4th best class in the nation. I decided to just focus on the top guys, perhaps at the cost of depth. I've noticed that recruiting points go down quickly from week to week in this version of the game. I think it will make recruiting more challenging than in the past.

I did manage to get the #1 HB in the nation (he'll redshirt this year, and I'll pray that he doesn't decide to transfer.) I also got the #1, #2, and #3 Tackles in the nation. I also got the #3 C, #2 G, and #4 G. So, we'll be young along the offensive line, but we should be good in a year or two.

In any case, I'm thinking about starting at least a mini-dynasty on the dynasty board since I've been posting so much about my career rather than actual impressions.


Edit: The top 10 Classes:

1. Oklahoma: 3 - 5 stars, 12 4-stars, and 9 3-stars.
2. Iowa State: 3 - 5 stars, 13 4-stars, 4 3-stars, 3 2-stars, and 1 1-star.
3. Texas: 2 5-stars, 11 4-stars, 11 3-stars, and 1 1-star.
4. USC: 4 5-stars, 11 4-stars.
5. Georgia: 1 5-star, 10 4-stars, 13 3-stars.
6. Iowa: 3 5-stars, 9 4-stars, 4 3-stars, 5 2-stars, and 3 1-stars.
7. Purdue: 1 5-star, 11 4-stars, 11 3-stars.
8. Tennessee: 2 5-stars, 8 4-stars, 10 3-stars, and 4 2-stars.
9. Ole Miss: 0 5-stars, 13 4-stars, 9 3-stars, 2 2-stars, and 1 1-star.
10. Ohio State: 1 5-star, 11 4-stars, 9 3-stars, 2 2-stars, and 1 1-star.

There definitely appears to be less 5 star recruits in this year's version.

[CraigSca]

Hurray, the first NCAA dynasty! Go for it, Eagles!

[TroyF]

Well, I got the 4th best class in the nation. I decided to just focus on the top guys, perhaps at the cost of depth. I've noticed that recruiting points go down quickly from week to week in this version of the game. I think it will make recruiting more challenging than in the past.

I did manage to get the #1 HB in the nation (he'll redshirt this year, and I'll pray that he doesn't decide to transfer.) I also got the #1, #2, and #3 Tackles in the nation. I also got the #3 C, #2 G, and #4 G. So, we'll be young along the offensive line, but we should be good in a year or two.

In any case, I'm thinking about starting at least a mini-dynasty on the dynasty board since I've been posting so much about my career rather than actual impressions.


Edit: The top 10 Classes:

1. Oklahoma: 3 - 5 stars, 12 4-stars, and 9 3-stars.
2. Iowa State: 3 - 5 stars, 13 4-stars, 4 3-stars, 3 2-stars, and 1 1-star.
3. Texas: 2 5-stars, 11 4-stars, 11 3-stars, and 1 1-star.
4. USC: 4 5-stars, 11 4-stars.
5. Georgia: 1 5-star, 10 4-stars, 13 3-stars.
6. Iowa: 3 5-stars, 9 4-stars, 4 3-stars, 5 2-stars, and 3 1-stars.
7. Purdue: 1 5-star, 11 4-stars, 11 3-stars.
8. Tennessee: 2 5-stars, 8 4-stars, 10 3-stars, and 4 2-stars.
9. Ole Miss: 0 5-stars, 13 4-stars, 9 3-stars, 2 2-stars, and 1 1-star.
10. Ohio State: 1 5-star, 11 4-stars, 9 3-stars, 2 2-stars, and 1 1-star.

There definitely appears to be less 5 star recruits in this year's version.


Didn't Rivals limit the number of 5 star players this year? I think EA just followed the trend there.

How many players are you allowed to keep before you have to start cutting them? I remember it being 60 or 65, but I want to make sure. I know the game does a horrible job if it has to make cuts for you.

[Cards4ever]

After going 9-2 during the regular season I took Wyoming to the Las Vegas Bowl and crushed Eastern Michigan and was offered both the Notre Dame job and the Florida State job. I found it odd that those were the only 2 programs that offered me job, you would think a Big 10 or SEC program in the middle would have offered. I took the Notre Dame job and we'll see what happens with that.

[Bearcat729]

Didn't Rivals limit the number of 5 star players this year? I think EA just followed the trend there.

How many players are you allowed to keep before you have to start cutting them? I remember it being 60 or 65, but I want to make sure. I know the game does a horrible job if it has to make cuts for you.


I've got 68 players on my roster now so I believe the limit is 70

[Ironhead]

Ugh...it's just as bad as I had feared. Louisville shredded my C- defense to the tune of 68 points. Now, I do have to say that we probably would have held them under 50 but it was pouring and we had about 5 fumbles (all lost). So there is hope.

In positive news the three star wide receiver I picked up is freaking amazing. He is 6'4", 178 lbs with 92 spd, 86 agi, 92 acc, 78 cth and 99 jumping! He tore up the Louisville secondary with 5 catches for 183 yards. I just need to survive into the third season of my contract and I think I might be able to pull out a winning record and get at least a 1 year extension.

[korme]

Good luck against the Gators, Shorty! Get some revenge :)
Lost 42-14. Chris Leak really knew how to kick me while I was down.

[korme]

Dammit. I only signed 8 new recruits (1 ****, 5 ***, and 2 **) in the offseason.

This is tough.

[TroyF]

I've got 68 players on my roster now so I believe the limit is 70


Thanks Bearcat. I remember last year I forgot to cut someone and the AI cut the top ranked player in the country. I hadn't saved. . . I really thought about breaking the disc at that point. :)

[jbmagic]

for all that completed there first season in there dynasty.


did all your offensive line players win the All Amercian Award because of pancakes?

Did high pancakes by your offensive line players make recruiting easier to get all the top recruits for the offensive line?


the good news,from the previous post is this year version, high pancakes doesnt make all your offensive line progress fast in ratings. Are you seeing that?

[Eaglesfan27]

for all that completed there first season in there dynasty.


did all your offensive line players win the All Amercian Award because of pancakes?

Did high pancakes by your offensive line players make recruiting easier to get all the top recruits for the offensive line?


the good news,from the previous post is this year version, high pancakes doesnt make all your offensive line progress fast in ratings. Are you seeing that?

Yes, most of my linemen were selected to the All American Team because of high pancakes.

I did get many top OL recruits, but that could be because I won the national championship. More likely, I suspect it is because I had the leading rusher in the nation. I suspect it is a high number of rushing yards that makes OL want to come to your school.

My returning OL didn't progress much, but the guys with the most pancakes all went to the NFL.

[korme]

I think I'm hyper enough as it is

Did you stand by me

Oh you're such a ladykiller

I want you to know

Come out and play

Mirror mirror on the wall

[Noop]

Shorty I use Florida State.... and make that another recruiting season that I did not get a CB. I have alot of walks although one did turn out to be a 80 but still the rest are not good at all. I am loaded at OL seems like every year the #1 T or G wants to come to Florida State. Since I started playing i have gotten a Top 3 player at each OL position...but CB seems to be almost impossible. Oh well this season I will target only CB during inseason recruiting and one QB.

[korme]

Switch a WR to CB, he'll lose only like 6 points

[Ironhead]

for all that completed there first season in there dynasty.


did all your offensive line players win the All Amercian Award because of pancakes?

Did high pancakes by your offensive line players make recruiting easier to get all the top recruits for the offensive line?


the good news,from the previous post is this year version, high pancakes doesnt make all your offensive line progress fast in ratings. Are you seeing that?

I don't think any of my linemen ended up as All Americans. Then again the most pancakes any of them had was about 20.

I did have something happen to me very similar to what happened to Eaglesfan though. I had a 5th or 6th string corner that got a 2nd team All Conference selection when his entire stat line for the year was 1 tackle on defense and 1 punt returned for a touchdown.

[General Mike]

Yes, most of my linemen were selected to the All American Team because of high pancakes.

I did get many top OL recruits, but that could be because I won the national championship. More likely, I suspect it is because I had the leading rusher in the nation. I suspect it is a high number of rushing yards that makes OL want to come to your school.

My returning OL didn't progress much, but the guys with the most pancakes all went to the NFL.

Of the guys who left early, do you remember how many were OL? I could see guys wanting to come to USC, especially if playing time was available.

[Eaglesfan27]

Of the guys who left early, do you remember how many were OL? I could see guys wanting to come to USC, especially if playing time was available.

Every one of my starting 5 OL left. One or two were actually seniors. The rest were all juniors.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

At least one of my new freshman linemen is going to start the first game of the season. All of them will get PT soon enough.

[wade moore]

I wish I had this kind of time to put into the game...

I put William and Mary into the Big East last night (replaced UConn since they recently came from the A10 themselves).. I was playing Buffalo tight through the whole game, and then a slew of INTs for TDs killed me..

Does anyone else feel like there are too many 'deflection' interceptions? It seems I had 3 or 4 INTs in this game where the ball bounced off of one defender magically into the hands of another...

[CraigSca]

Played my best half yet - and I think it's confirmed for me that playing on varsity with sliders that are "against me" as the route to go. I tried to find a team with the same attributes as Maryland (according to the grades). Decided to play at South Carolina and went into the half with a 14-7 lead. Both my TDs were 60+ yard receptions, but they were short/medium passes that were broken for long plays. Other than that, my running game was held to about 50 yards. I felt like I could move the ball, but it wasn't too easy, nor was I 3 and out on every play. The TD they scored was on a prolonged 70 yard drive. They moved the ball well, but I stopped them when it really counted. Going into the half, I had about 200 yards total offense to their 160 - exactly as two even strength teams should be.

Now I'll "patiently" wait for my rosters, knowing that I have the game playing exactly as I want it :).

BTW - anyone else finding that when you push up on the juke stick to cover up - an inordinate amount of fumbles occur? I don't hit the stick until people start hitting me, and I'm finding I fumble a lot when this happens. Maybe you need to do it before they hit you? Not sure...I think I'm just going to lay off the stick and see what happens.

[mhass]

Having not seen this thread all weekend, I'm going to try to answer some questions that came up:

1. I have NOT seen an abnormal amount of interceptions. I threw several that were just poor decisions on my part. I'd even say that it was hard to make a pick.

2. The pancake issue, once I realized I had it, is totally manageable with sliders. I had a starting guard go down mid-way through the season (the same time I adjusted the slider). He was the only to return and his stats are way down through the start of the second year.

3. Recruiting is more difficult now for sure. I played through one undefeated season with Iowa, beat Auburn for the title and had my HB win the Doak Walker. Six of the top seven OL's left (2 early) and my two starting WR's were seniors. Plus I had two impact LB's graduate. To simply replace starters I would have needed the #1 class in the country. There are far fewer 5-star freshmen and I saw no 5-star JUCO's. Of the five 5-star freshmen I signed, only one will start (83 OVR) and that's because I had no depth at LB. All the others are 78-81 OVR and redshirts or bench-sitter. Not at all out of line. Also, there are way fewer 5-star QB's. Only one in the entire class for me. You do lose points as the weeks go on, but I don't think it was enough to really hamper the effort. If you get a few commitments each week, the point loss is manageable. I ended up not scouting most of my recruits until the end.

4. I found that there were too many dropped passes for both computer and me. My slider for catching is also way high. I play on Xbox. May be why.

5. I think there are fewer 'pure speed' players. The way to win in 2k4 was to recruit the fasted players at each position (QB, WR, HB, MLB especially). I found one Speed style HB and he had no interest in my program. The vast majority of all players are 'Balanced' which is nice.

Also, I like the Athlete position for recruiting. That's new to me. Is it better to leave them with specific positions or do you guys assign them a position once they start?

[moriarty]

I'm trying to like this game, I really am ... but so far I'm disappointed. I'm hoping some slider magic will help, but I have a bad feeling that the gameplay might be unbalanced.

Pros:
+ CPU actually runs the ball (hated in previous versions where they'd be in the shotgun by second series). May run a bit too well though - lots of broken tackles. I had a RB for Washington get 200+ yards in the first half against me, only to get injured and his replacement get 150 in the second half. Should be correctable with sliders though.
+ Dropped passes much improved. I know some people still feel the verdict is out on this, but I'm no where near as frustrated with them as last year

Neutral:
Graphics seem the same as last year. I don't see any improvement.

Negatives:
- Running game seems too easy (for both sides) on AA, too difficult on Heisman. I'm hoping the perfect sliders will fix this.
- Way too much stupid stuff that shouldn't have gotten past testing: Crazy pancake stats, crazy CPU QB stats (sim games), questionable All American lists, etc..
- Deep ball still too effective (I doubt this will change anytime soon)
- Random 'player in the zone'. Seems like the impact players go 'zone' at random times. I had an impact receiver limited to 1 catch for 6 yards. All of a sudden on second and 8 in the second half he goes 'zone' and catches a 5 yard screen and spins his way for 65 yards. Seems like an impact player should make a couple of plays or something to get into the zone ... not just be random.
- Sub ratings dont' appear to work. I have my sub out a 85/80 and I've never had a substitute come in at 9 minute quarters (at least I've never noticed one).
- Special teams balance seems off. 50 yard field goals seem common (for CPU), I've returned 3 punts for TD's in a game and had 2 returned against me in a game (would be ok if it was rare, but seems to be happening alot).

I'm hoping that some slider settings will fix most/all of these issues. I may just set this aside for a while until some of the sliders over at OS are solidified. My fear is that this series may have become a bit too arcadey for my tastes. Maybe it's selective memory, but I wish I had kept my 2004 version.

[Pumpy Tudors]

My game at Tennessee was a heartbreaker. Ainge threw two early interceptions to help spot me a 14-0 lead, but my offense fell apart in the second half, and we couldn't stop Gerald Riggs on the other side of the ball. Riggs ran for almost 300 yards on me (on 46 carries!). Ainge only threw the ball 12 times, but after starting 0-5, he completed 5 of his last 7. Since the Vols hadn't been throwing the ball, when it got to a short-yardage third down at my 18, I stacked up against the run to stop Riggs. Instead, they do a play fake and hit the wide open tight end in the end zone. That made it 14-7. They continued to run Riggs right at me, and he scored a touchdown with under 3 minutes to go to tie the score. I got the ball back, but I couldn't go anywhere. I punted it away and downed it on their 8. A couple of plays later, Ainge threw a pass as he got hit and it floated right toward my dime cornerback. He dropped it at the Tennessee 25. :( The Vols then ran the clock out to force overtime.

Anyway, we went to overtime, and I lost the coin toss. Of course, Tennessee chose defense. My running game got completely stuffed, and I was afraid to throw the football. I end up making a 45-yard field goal in 20MPH winds to take the lead. Riggs was too much for me when Tennessee got their possession, though. On third down at the 7, he breaks a tackle in the backfield and dances into the end zone to win the game. I lose 20-17 after having a 14-0 first half lead. :( :(

Also, the only remaining undefeated team in my dynasty this season is UTEP. USC just got knocked off by Cal to leave the Miners alone at the top.

[MrBug708]

Great, that's a unrealistic showstopping bug...

[jbmagic]

Eaglefan, Todd and others

in controller settings:

what you have for auto sub out% and auto sub in % at?

do you have Man shift on auto or manual?

do you have auto strafe on or off?

[CraigSca]

I'm at 80/85 for sub-ins, and both man shift and auto strafe as auto.

Still, I am not seeing any kind of sub-ins, but I'm only seeing about 20 carries per game with my RBs, so maybe that's why.

[moriarty]

I'm at 80/85 for sub-ins, and both man shift and auto strafe as auto.

Still, I am not seeing any kind of sub-ins, but I'm only seeing about 20 carries per game with my RBs, so maybe that's why.

I maxed my sub in/out, played a game running my back carrying 38 times, and he never came out (9 minute quarters). Of course he is a playmaker, so maybe that had some effect (if that's the reason, that's kind of sillly IMO - why would a playmaker have infinite stamina?).

[CraigSca]

So you have your sub in and out at both 99?

[moriarty]

So you have your sub in and out at both 99?

I dont' think it allows you to go that high. I'm not home at the moment, or I'd check.

edit: I think it maxes at like 80/85 or 85/80 ... can't recall.

[mhass]

You're probably subbing back in right away if Sub-in is high.

[jbmagic]

I maxed my sub in/out, played a game running my back carrying 38 times, and he never came out (9 minute quarters). Of course he is a playmaker, so maybe that had some effect (if that's the reason, that's kind of sillly IMO - why would a playmaker have infinite stamina?).


i seen that too.

i wonder if sub out and in % is for dynasty only?

[moriarty]

i seen that too.

i wonder if sub out and in % is for dynasty only?

Could be, I wasn't playing in dynasty mode at the time.

[CraigSca]

Hmm...perhaps so - haven't started my dynasty yet - all my games have been played under "Play Now". If that's the case, I'm not sure how much sense it would make to force it that way, but unless others have seen subbing in non-exhibition games I'm willing to say you may be on to something.

[jbmagic]

yep because on play now games, i never notice my DE i control never goes out and my HB nevers goes out and i run him a lot too.

i havent started a dynasty yet. still practicing on my passing game.

[MizzouRah]

If your HB is a playmaker, I don't think his stamina goes down very much, especially when he's "in the zone" Mines at like 75% - 85% and my backup comes in around the 4th quarter.. but my RB is not a playmaker.

I think man shift and strafe is on manual.

[illinifan999]

Okay how do I offer someone a visit in in-season recruiting? Better yet, do I do anything besides just selecting the 12 guys and putting a % of points towards them? If so, how and what?

[Eaglesfan27]

Okay how do I offer someone a visit in in-season recruiting? Better yet, do I do anything besides just selecting the 12 guys and putting a % of points towards them? If so, how and what?
They have to have you on their final list of 3 to offer them a visit. Then you go to their screen and click the right stick (on X-box.) Before, they whittle their list down to the final 3, you are basically just re-assigning points and watching comments (including cool things like HS stats some times.)

[bronconick]

Okay, so is there any way of tinkering with the sliders to lower the number of fumbles per game? Both me and the computer turn the ball over 3-4 times on the ground, and it's really lame, especially after a safety by my defense and my kick returner drops the free kick. http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/mad.gif

[Eaglesfan27]

Okay, so is there any way of tinkering with the sliders to lower the number of fumbles per game? Both me and the computer turn the ball over 3-4 times on the ground, and it's really lame, especially after a safety by my defense and my kick returner drops the free kick. http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/mad.gif
Just curious, are you playing in a lot of rain games? Almost all of my games are perfectly sunny and usually we average about a fumble a game between both teams.

[bronconick]

Just curious, are you playing in a lot of rain games? Almost all of my games are perfectly sunny and usually we average about a fumble a game between both teams.
None of the last three games have been. There were 6 fumbles in Maryland-FSU, and 7 for Kent State-Western Michigan. I've got two in the first quarter vs. NC State right now.

[Eaglesfan27]

Wow. Reggie Bush and Lendale White only fumbled one time for me.. all season. We generally forced about a fumble a game. What is your back's carrying ability?

[bronconick]

It hasn't been the running back, really. It's been the quarterback a few times and the wide recievers, especially on punt/kicks. It's just sort of irritating after I fiddled with the sliders to the number of interceptions, especially by my defense per game down to 1-2 on average (my interceptions thrown depends on how stupid I am at reading the defense) only to turn around and get 6 turnovers a game from fumbles.

[jbmagic]

It hasn't been the running back, really. It's been the quarterback a few times and the wide recievers, especially on punt/kicks. It's just sort of irritating after I fiddled with the sliders to the number of interceptions, especially by my defense per game down to 1-2 on average (my interceptions thrown depends on how stupid I am at reading the defense) only to turn around and get 6 turnovers a game from fumbles.


for punts and kicks, do fair catch especially if there close to you when you catch it.

[jbmagic]

what does pipeline mean?

is there an advantage gettign pipeline recruits?

thanks

[dubb93]

Still looking for a good set of sliders. Playing on AA with sliders slightly set toward the computer I'm dominating as Clemson. I'm 9-1, with only an early season blimish to Miami on my record(my 3rd game ever playing this version.)

My last few games have been wins of:
42-14 over Wake
55-22 over NC State
60-14 over Notre Dame
53-24 over Georgia Tech
73-21 over Duke
44-12 over Florida State

I cannot find a set of sliders that allows the CPU to hold me under 6 ypc, can keep my team off their QB, or allow them to run at all.

[bronconick]

You've really got to push the sliders toward the computer to have the running game slowed or theirs improved. I think I have my run block at 20 and the computer's at 80.

[CraigSca]

When schools recruit from certain states, after a while they become "pipeline" states. It should be easier to get a good recruit from these states, because past recruits have gone to your school.

[jbmagic]

Historical roster is available for the xbox.

http://fkrosters.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=364

FAIRDALE KINGS is working on the 1-AA roster for xbox.

[illinifan999]

I'm in my first off-season in dynasty mode with Illinois. I got them to a respectable 8-4 finish with a loss to Kansas in the Alamo Bowl. Go to do recruiting, and I'm stunned. The #1 QB, #1 RB, #1 T, and #1 P all have me as their #1 choice. Now all of those guys are from my pipeline states, but still. So I'm trying to recruit them, but I can only select one type of recruiting method. Visits, phone calls. Or I can send the house. Did they change it so you can only pick one of each? Or am I missing something because everytime I click on another thing it takes my other chocie away.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm in my first off-season in dynasty mode with Illinois. I got them to a respectable 8-4 finish with a loss to Kansas in the Alamo Bowl. Go to do recruiting, and I'm stunned. The #1 QB, #1 RB, #1 T, and #1 P all have me as their #1 choice. Now all of those guys are from my pipeline states, but still. So I'm trying to recruit them, but I can only select one type of recruiting method. Visits, phone calls. Or I can send the house. Did they change it so you can only pick one of each? Or am I missing something because everytime I click on another thing it takes my other chocie away.

It seems you either have to send the house or just one choice. Makes it more challenging IMO.

[illinifan999]

Not that I'm complaining but the #3 recruiting class with UofI pulling in 5 5*, 8 4*, and 4 3* guys is kinda nuts. 8 came from pipeline states, 3 from non-pipeline but bordering states, and the rest from around the country.

[MrBug708]

Historical roster is available for the xbox.

http://fkrosters.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=364

FAIRDALE KINGS is working on the 1-AA roster for xbox.

You hafta register and I dont feel like register. Is it a memory card you buy?

[MrBug708]

what does pipeline mean?

is there an advantage gettign pipeline recruits?

thanks

Many schools recruit well in other states. IRL, UCLA has a pipeline in Louisana, of all places. Lots of schools have pipelines into Texas and California and Florida

[Raiders Army]

You hafta register and I dont feel like register. Is it a memory card you buy?
Get an Action Replay and download the roster (it's a zipped file). Don't unzip it and save it to your Action Replay memory card. Pop it into your Xbox controller. Start up the game. Bam.

[moriarty]

Still looking for a good set of sliders. Playing on AA with sliders slightly set toward the computer I'm dominating as Clemson. I'm 9-1, with only an early season blimish to Miami on my record(my 3rd game ever playing this version.)

I cannot find a set of sliders that allows the CPU to hold me under 6 ypc, can keep my team off their QB, or allow them to run at all.

I have a spreadsheet of AA sliders updated as of yesterday that I copped off of Operation Sports. You can either go over there and poke around or let me know and I'll PM you the spreadsheet.

Note: If you're looking for tougher defense, look for Playmakers sliders or MudTiger's over at OS. If you're looking for a more user friendly bunch, try Jistics.

[wade moore]

It does not say anywhere, but I think that perhaps the Pipeline has to do with how many players on your roster are from that state, at least that's my perception based on William and Mary, but I could be wrong.

[mhass]

That is the case. States become Pipelines when they have more than 4 or 5 players on your roster. The assumption is that you then have more luck recruiting in those states. I've seen some loose conneciton to interest in my school and Pipeline states but you can still get guys from other states pretty regularly.

[CraigSca]

Yay - just got my rosters in the mail - a Maryland dynasty starts tonight :)

[Butter]

I thought I'd throw in my extremely late and largely ignored 2 cents....

I'm enjoying the EA Trax... but then I like old school alternative music... even when it is edited a bit.

I started up a dynasty game with Ohio State (prior to starting up the traditional Clemson dynasty where my wife offensive play-calls and recruits along with me)... I didn't tweak a single slider, and quite enjoyed myself.

In the first game against Miami (OH), I got burned a couple of times by switching my man at the wrong time leading to big plays, and fell behind 28-7 midway through the 3rd quarter. But toward the end of the quarter, Ted Ginn ran a punt back 58 yards for a TD and got us going. The crowd got into it, the defense made some stops, and our next drive finished with a 34 yard option TD run by Ginn. Then we picked off a pass near midfield, and Santonio Holmes turned a simple out into a 45 yard TD to get us back level with 3 minutes to go.... and we completed the comeback with a 38 yard FG with :33 left, and held Miami down.

Though at the end of that game, I did notice the "hurry up" bug some have talked about... the CPU ran the ball into the line 3 straight plays... it worked the first time, but not the next 2, and they nearly ran the clock out doing so since they were out of timeouts. I just called one of my timeouts to break the cycle... but I shouldn't have to do that. I can understand a draw being called in that situation to get a first down... but the CPU should have the ability to switch plays during the no-huddle. And it seems that they don't.

Next game was vs. Texas... I noticed things came a bit too easy to me on defense in this game, but then I noticed that Vince Young had broken a foot and was out 7 weeks... including this game. The Texas backup didn't do very well, but their defense held them in it. OSU did prevail fairly comfortably by the end, 27-10.

I also won the next two, beating San Diego State by a late FG after giving up a couple of deep balls while packing the box against their monster HB... and winning against an overrated #3 Iowa team.... and I always enjoy the "overrated" chant toward the end of a fairly easy win against a top team.

I think the new package sub button (or whatever it's called) is a very nice addition that hasn't been discussed much so far. It allows me to move my impact players around and try and find them some advantageous matchups. Very helpful in putting Ginn or Holmes in the slot and dragging them across the middle against linebackers in zone coverage. It didn't take me long to make sure I had Ginn in position to run options, reverses, and screens.

Then comes the next thing... the interceptions. I was throwing a lot of them early on... but I think it was just because I was throwing over the middle too much, right into a linebacker or a dropping D-lineman. Troy Smith had 9 INT's in 2 1/2 games... then I brought in Zwick, and his superior accuracy seemed to help keep INT's down, as did my awareness of defenders in the middle of the field. I think the turnovers seem to be pretty well done... the INT's maybe a tad too high, but haven't noticed any fumbling problems as people have been talking about.

Running may be a touch too easy, but sliders can fix that if you want... I think the All-American difficulty running game is done very well. Sliders can also help with the crazy amount of pancake blocks. I think they just changed how the computer counted a pancake block, because last year, there were almost no pancake blocks. Now there are too many. It seems like it is affecting people's offensive linemen thinking they are better than they actually are (i.e. OL's wanting to go pro early, all 5 starters being named to the All-American team, etc.)

I also don't get too hung up about the stats in the game... so I can't speak too much to that point. I have noticed that the actual gameplay on default All-American is about perfect for my level of ability. As I learn some things about the game, I may have to increase the difficulty some, but having played all of the iterations of NCAA Football in the past, I can already say that Heisman will probably be too hard for me.

Other minor bitches.... most of the commentary is 3 years old now. They need to get Corso and Herbstreit to record some new lines... or get some new commentators. Also, my kickers are almost too good. I don't know if it's just that Ohio State has some awesome kickers right now (I don't think they do), or if the All-American default kicking is just too easy. But 50+ yard punts and FG's aren't too difficult. Again, sliders can fix this. Also, the mascot, cheerleader, and fan animations are aging. One of the shirtless fans looks pretty horribly done.... and more school specific cheers and pre-game traditions shouldn't be that hard to add by this point... especially at the expense of something stupid like the "mascot game".

One other thing I've noticed that I hadn't in previous games.... Nessler will call your players by name once their name has been changed. I know they must've done some players' names specifically from current rosters, even though that would technically be "illegal" if referring to a specific current college player. Ohio State had both "Zwick" and "Ginn" referred to by name after I had changed their name from the generic numbers (as did Hawk, Smith, Holmes, and others with more run-of-the-mill last names)... and Zwick is not exactly a common last name.

Overall, this game is a lot better than last year's. I don't play online, just against the CPU, and it plays a fantastic game of football in almost every respect. I feel the momentum shifts. I feel the tingle of a move well made to set a player loose from a 5 yard slant to a 70 yard TD. I also feel the frustration involved when the opponent completes a perfect 20 yard corner route to convert a 3rd and 15.

In short, best NCAA Football ever. But there's always room for improvement.

[illinifan999]

Playing my first game of the second season. Brasic went pro (go figure) but my first in-season recruit to commit was a 4* QB who ran a 4.52 with decent passing abilities. Well first game of the season and you can see just how much of a threat he is. Only thing is, he doesn't really throw spirals. Usually little wobbly off-target balls which make passing a little harder. Serves me right for starting a true freshman. :p

[Buzzbee]

I'm in my first off-season in dynasty mode with Illinois. I got them to a respectable 8-4 finish with a loss to Kansas in the Alamo Bowl. Go to do recruiting, and I'm stunned. The #1 QB, #1 RB, #1 T, and #1 P all have me as their #1 choice. Now all of those guys are from my pipeline states, but still. So I'm trying to recruit them, but I can only select one type of recruiting method. Visits, phone calls. Or I can send the house. Did they change it so you can only pick one of each? Or am I missing something because everytime I click on another thing it takes my other chocie away.
It seems you either have to send the house or just one choice. Makes it more challenging IMO.
More challenging, perhaps. However, I don't like it very much. Say I've got 21 recruiting points left and a recruit breakdown looks like this

Coach visit (24 points)
Assistant Coach visit (12 points)
Coach call (6 points)
Assistant Coach Call (3 points)

I have enough points to do the last three. I've got the points, let me use them. However, since you can only choose one, I get to waste 12 points on this guy, 7 points on another guy, and 2 points on some 2 star rated gatorade holder in my home state. Bah.

I liked it better the other way.

[Eaglesfan27]

Yay - just got my rosters in the mail - a Maryland dynasty starts tonight :)

Cool :)

[dubb93]

I have a spreadsheet of AA sliders updated as of yesterday that I copped off of Operation Sports. You can either go over there and poke around or let me know and I'll PM you the spreadsheet.

Note: If you're looking for tougher defense, look for Playmakers sliders or MudTiger's over at OS. If you're looking for a more user friendly bunch, try Jistics.

Headed over there and am trying them as we speak[Jistics], although I'm not too hopefull. The last thing the CPU needed was worse run blocking and RB skills, since I'm only giving up 28 yards a game on the ground. Also, the catching ability of 99 seems WAY high. I'm only getting 3-5 drops a game, and I can accept that with run of the mill college WR's. Especially since I don't see more than 1 wide open drop a game. I'll post my impressions after I finish my game.

EDIT: 3-5 drops may sound a little high, but I throw the ball 30+ times a game out of the spread offense.

[Booj]

Sorry for an ignorant question, but with all of the conference changes, which conferences have championship games? I am having trouble finding a team and I'd rather play a conference championship.

Thanks

[moriarty]

Headed over there and am trying them as we speak[Jistics], although I'm not too hopefull. The last thing the CPU needed was worse run blocking and RB skills, since I'm only giving up 28 yards a game on the ground. Also, the catching ability of 99 seems WAY high. I'm only getting 3-5 drops a game, and I can accept that with run of the mill college WR's. Especially since I don't see more than 1 wide open drop a game. I'll post my impressions after I finish my game.

EDIT: 3-5 drops may sound a little high, but I throw the ball 30+ times a game out of the spread offense.

It's weird, but if you look at Jistic's and Playmaker's settings they're almost completely opposite, yet i've had decent games with each. Using Jistic's settings, I gave up 200 yards rushing to U Washington's James (I was playing Cal with vanilla defense), so I know the CPU can still run - or else I really suck. Then again, it feels like the slider success depends alot on your team makeup.

EDIT - if you dont' have success with Jistic's, try Playmaker's. His CPU run block and Run ability are 50/65 respectively, and pass catch down at 50. I should note though that even at 99 pass catching for the CPU, I still see drops in the game.

[Wolfpack]

Sorry for an ignorant question, but with all of the conference changes, which conferences have championship games? I am having trouble finding a team and I'd rather play a conference championship.

Thanks

IRL, the ACC, Big 12, SEC, MAC, and C-USA have 12 members each so they should have CCGs.

[jbmagic]

where is Player Misconduct infomation at?

so i know if i need to suspend them.

thanks

[korme]

Started a new dynasty, I decided I didn't want to be a team from Ohio, this sounds pathetic but my Cats were starting to take prospects away from OhSt! Devastating.

Anyways, I added Appalacian St to D1A and removed SMU. But, I simmed to the fourth season (so I could have some dec recruits) and I am noticing that EVERY team only has 2 impact players, instead of 3.

WTF??!!

[mhass]

where is Player Misconduct infomation at?

so i know if i need to suspend them.

thanks
If you need to discipline someone, you'll get a message before you start your next game. Otherwise, the standards are in the Roster section.

[Eaglesfan27]

Started a new dynasty, I decided I didn't want to be a team from Ohio, this sounds pathetic but my Cats were starting to take prospects away from OhSt! Devastating.

Anyways, I added Appalacian St to D1A and removed SMU. But, I simmed to the fourth season (so I could have some dec recruits) and I am noticing that EVERY team only has 2 impact players, instead of 3.

WTF??!!
A player can become an impact player midseason based on his performance. It's not strictly based on ratings. I actually think it is a very cool idea :)

[dubb93]

Jistic's sliders:

Offense (Human Listed First)
QB ACC 99/99
PB 99/65
CAT 99/99
RB ABL 40/40
RUN BLK 0/25
CODE:KaZurtD1

Defense (Human Listed First)
AWR 40/40
KD 0/0
INT 0/0
BRK BLK 50/50
TAK 60/60
CODE: GCTVnSo2

S/T FG Length 35/30
FG Accuracy 45/30
Punt Length 40/45
Punt Accuracy 45/40
KO Length 45/40
CODE:dQKIVUt1

My first thoughts are that passing is way too unbalanced for both sides. Late in the 2nd quarter I actually saw the dreaded, CPU QB falling backwards and on 1 foot, launch a perfect spiral about 50 yards to the WR that is tackled immediately. I still don't understand why the only way to make the CPU passing game effective is to resort to stupid shit like this.

Also, it almost dumbed my RB down too much. He was faster than LB's I was facing, but they were running him down in no time and closing almost too fast. so.......

I restarted the game @ half and adjusted the sliders as following:

Offense (Human Listed First)
QB ACC 99/99
PB 99/65
CAT 99/99
RB ABL 50/40
RUN BLK 10/25

Defense (Human Listed First)
AWR 40/40
KD 0/0
INT 0/0
BRK BLK 50/50
TAK 60/60

S/T FG Length 35/30
FG Accuracy 45/30
Punt Length 40/45
Punt Accuracy 45/40
KO Length 45/40

BTW, at the half of the 1st game both teams had 250+ yards passing and while neither of us could really run the ball worth a damn, though, they were around the 4.5 ypc mark. They just didn't have any reason to run in the shootout that was going on. I on the other hand was around the 1 ypc mark. I'm hoping by upping my running ability it can "force" both us to run the ball more. It should make a more realistic game, and while throwing the ball all over the place is fun, I want a little realism too.

I'm going to leave the passing sliders alone for now, but if anything I will up the knockdown percentages on defense. I'm really digging the time both QB's have, just enough to actually watch the routes develop most of the time, but also get sacked on the occasion.

#7 Clemson (9-1)(me) @ South Carolina (4-6)

Onto the game. A pretty defensive first quarter, ugly stats all around, in the second quarter the offenses begin to find their marks. South Carolina's RB carries the ball 11 times for 49 yards, and then stupidity strikes. They get the ball down inside the 10 with less than 30 seconds left in the half, and quickly run the same sweep left out of the goal line 3 straight times....and lose big yards on it every single time. At the half their HB's numbers don't look good, but that is b/c of their hurry up stupidity. To top all that off, they call a timeout with 0:00 seconds left in the half and don't get to try a field goal.

I use generated names btw.

Halftime Stats:

Score:

Clemson-10
South Carolina-0 (would be 3 if not for their stupid clock management)

Passing:

Clem:
D. Samuel 6-13 106 yds 0 td 1 int

SC:
C. Whitlock 4-10 76 yds 0 td 1 int

My thoughts:

Like I said, I can accept these numbers due to the first quarter being a complete defensive quarter. Both guys heated up in the second quarter. I expect the numbers to work themselves out.

Rushing:

Clem:
Jay Adams 16 carries 65 yards 1 td 2 fumbles

SC:
Kurt Gaither 14 carries 34 yards

My thoughts:

If not for the repeated sweep at the end of the half, Kurt Gaither's numbers would have been alot better. He was close to 50 yards on 11 carries. I can accept both rushing numbers.

Recieving:

Clem:
B. Moore 2 catches 29 yards
J. Adams 1 catch 3 yards
L. Mangum 1 catch 19 yards
J. Green 1 catch 19 yards
K. Lewis 1 catch 36 yards

SC:
J. Fowler 2 catches 30 yards
K. Gaither 1 catch 39 yards
W. Phillips 1 catch 7 yards

My thoughts:

If you can live with the high YPC, and the occasional unstoppable long ball I think these sliders really make you spread the ball around. I'm pretty happy here too.

All in all, I think the little adjustments I made really got these sliders going for myself.

To start the third quarter we really start to put some pressure on the QB, which is a good thing, but I'm not convinced my DT's are that much better than their OG's, so I'm bumping up the CPU pass blocking to 75. And after 2 missed field goals I up their FG Accuarcy to 40. Their kicker is only rated 82, but I expect him to hit 1 out of 2 from between 30 and 40. I've also bumped up their runblocking to 30. I don't think they will be doing much running in the 4th quarter, but they went for negative yards in the 3rd.

I will say this...this game was not the type of game that lends itself to checking out stats. It was an ugly, defensive battle. Both players of the game were on the defensive side. Here are the final numbers....(they aren't pretty)

Final Score:

Clemson 13
South Carolina 7

First Downs:

Clemson 13
South Carolina 9

Total Offense:

Clemson 230
South Carolina 221

Passing:

Clem
D. Samuel 8-20 117 yds 0 td 2 int

SC
C. Whitlock 10-25 1 td 2 int

Rushing:

Clem
J. Adams 32 carries 135 yds 1 td 2 fumbles 4.2 ypc
T. Martin 3 carries 7 yards 2.3 ypc

SC
K. Gaither 20 carries 44 yards

Receiving:

Clem
B. Moore 3 catches 45 yards
J. Adams 2 catches -2 yards
L. Mangum 1 catch 19 yards
J. Green 1 catch 19 yards
K. Lewis 1 catch 36 yards

{4 total dropped passes}

SC
J. Fowler 5 catches 72 yards
K. Gaither 2 catches 52 yards
W. Phillips 2 catches 23 yards 1 TD
A. Kent 1 catch 59 yards

{0 total dropped passes}

My adjusted Sliders:

Offense (Human Listed First)
QB ACC 99/99
PB 99/75
CAT 99/99
RB ABL 50/40
RUN BLK 10/30 ***possibly higher????

Defense (Human Listed First)
AWR 40/40
KD 0/0 ***the book is still out, 1 overly pass happy game, 1 defensive stalemate
INT 0/0
BRK BLK 50/50
TAK 60/60

S/T FG Length 35/30
FG Accuracy 45/40 ***possibly higher???
Punt Length 40/45
Punt Accuracy 45/40
KO Length 45/40

[JeeberD]

Soon. Very, very soon...


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Of course, I just went to my order status page and saw this...

Status: Available to Ship Shipped Date: N/A Tracking #: N/A

:rolleyes:

[Balldog]

Tonight I am going to work on making some sound sliders for the Special Teams on AA.

[mhass]

Of course, I just went to my order status page and saw this...

Not to ruin your day, but no tracking number likely means they shipped it via US mail.

[Balldog]

Sometimes tracking numbers for UPS do not show up until later in the evening....

[JeeberD]

I got the email yesterday, and it has N/A for Shipped Date even though the e-mail said it shipped yesterday...

[Airhog]

Damn you JeeberD, mine still hasent shipped yet... :(

[MizzouRah]

Hey Jeebs, screenshots of NCAA 2007 are out. :P

[Honolulu_Blue]

In short, best NCAA Football ever. But there's always room for improvement.
Damn you, Butterman! Just when I had convinced myself not to get it!

[Galaril]

Anyone know where you can access the games box scores and stats gfor games completed?

[Eaglesfan27]

Anyone know where you can access the games box scores and stats gfor games completed?

Unfortunately, you can't. Just an abbreviated box score with the top 3 performers.

[dubb93]

If anyone is wondering I played a second game with those sliders I had posted. It was a 38-34 losing effort in the ACC championship game to Miami. Their running back averaged 6.2 ypc and went for over 150 yards. My running back came up short with just under 4 ypc and a little shy of 80 yards. Both QB's tossed for over 300 yards. Those sliders are very much usable if anyone else wants to try them.

[MrBug708]

Can you start with totally fictional players and randomness for teams?

[Eaglesfan27]

Can you start with totally fictional players and randomness for teams?
I don't think so.

[jbmagic]

yes for fictional players. it generates fictional names if you want to all position that are like hb #13, TE #32, etc

but no randomness for teams.

[Eaglesfan27]

yes for fictional players. it generates fictional names if you want to all position that are like hb #13, TE #32, etc

but no randomness for teams.

Even though they generate random names, the QB for USC is still going to have Matt Leinart's attributes. Every player will have fake names, but the attributes of their real life counterparts.

[MrBug708]

yes for fictional players. it generates fictional names if you want to all position that are like hb #13, TE #32, etc

but no randomness for teams.

Eh, I didnt mean real players with fake names. I meant fake players you find in FM

[korme]

Um, if you want to waste some time start messing with ratings like bring Leinart way down and make a Baylor QB frickin sweet.. idk.

[CraigSca]

Started my Maryland dynasty last night, and I'm a little disappointed with the offense-fests I've been seeing with my current sliders. Maryland beat Navy, 70-14, Clemson 66-17 and then lost to West Virginia 45-42. My offense is in the Top 5, but my defense gave up a ton of yards passing to Clemson and a ton of yards rushing to West Virginia.

When I gave up a ton of yards to Clemson passing, I was pleased because I wasn't giving up the big play, they just moved the ball up and down the field on me (rather than me giving up the huge play on a fly pattern), but 6 interceptions killed them. West Virginia just could not be stoppped. So...I'm thinking of upping some defensive sliders and possible dumbing down my offense a little bit. I much prefer 27-24 games to 45-42 games - it just leaves a sour taste in my mouth when Maryland struggled offensively last year and when I play they look like Nebraska circa 1982.

What I'm finding is there are huge differences among teams - which is good - but it's also making it difficult to come up with a good set of sliders.

[wade moore]

I'm having tons of troubles right now, but I'm playing with a IAA team put into the Big East so that is to be expected....

I'm seeing the same thing with huge differences in teams, and I love it... my biggest problem is i'm still very interception prone, but again I think it has more to do with my button mashing than any flaw in the game.

[wade moore]

oh.. and i hate that ncaa does not have defensive hot routes like madden did last year... limits play calling in some instances... like i played a team that was abusing me with their TE, so I had to make sure I always called plays that had the LBs in man coverage, since I could not swap someone to man up on him...

[moriarty]

If anyone is wondering I played a second game with those sliders I had posted. It was a 38-34 losing effort in the ACC championship game to Miami. Their running back averaged 6.2 ypc and went for over 150 yards. My running back came up short with just under 4 ypc and a little shy of 80 yards. Both QB's tossed for over 300 yards. Those sliders are very much usable if anyone else wants to try them.

I'm definitely intersested. I played 2 halves with Jistic's sliders (Cal - me vs. Washington) and 2 halves with Playmaker's. I played on the road so that i wouldn't get any HFA. I don't have the stats with me, but I'll post them when I get home. But I got crushed with Playmaker's sliders, and had good games with Jistic's so I'm starting there.

Both teams have very good RB's, so my YPC were good with Jistic's. The UW back runs all over me, so I'm not touching those settings. I'm gonna increase my RB ability (as you did slightly) but I'm going to leave my RBlocking at 0 or 5 max. My issue with raising it higher is even at 10 I'm getting ridiculous amount of pancake stats.

I didn't touch the pass settings yet. I'm still getting the timing down of my QB (haven't played in about six months) and UW's QB isn't great, so I'm going to play some more games before tweaking. All in all though, these sliders were good enough for my style/ability that i'm going to start my dynasty with them and tweak them as I go.

Edit, I did dummy down the special teams as it still seems too easy:
FG LNGTH 25 30
FG ACC 25 30
PNT LNGTH 25 45
PNT ACC 25 25
KO LNGTH 25 45

[Buzzbee]

Anyone know where you can access the games box scores and stats gfor games completed?
If you are looking for box scores for past weeks, I don't think you can. If you are talking about current week games, you get the stats and such if you select 'simulate game'. It brings them up automatically after the individual game is simmed. However, if you do 'simulate week' it only brings up the top three performers that EaglesFan mentioned. Hope this helps.

[Butter]

Mrs. Butter and I finished our first game with Clemson last night after entering the real names of the Tiger players in... 1st game was a nail biter at home vs. Texas A&M... With 5 minute quarters, we lead 17-3 at halftime thanks to 3 A&M turnovers despite losing the yardage battle 195-80 or something like that.

But in the 2nd half they started taking care of the ball better and using the QB's speed to pop some nice runs. With :54 left, we were down 24-17. Then, we got to the 35 on the KO return thanks to a face mask. First play was a nice up route to the TE as A&M was keeping heavy coverage on the WR's. 25 yards and a first down near the A&M 40 with :44 left. She called a perfect play next... a deep route with the impact WR, and a flood on the other side of the field. We got single coverage on the impact WR thanks to a safety blitz, and he makes his first catch of the game a 42 yard TD pass with :38 left.

In OT, after not being able to run all game, and barely running in the 2nd half, she calls the 2-back shotgun off tackle... After putting the near side WR in motion to move a defender out of the path of the run, the HB's fresh legs showed as he popped off a 25 yard TD run on the 2nd play of OT. We stop A&M on 4 downs with the momentum back in our favor and win an OT thriller 31-24.

Hell of a game, and the only questionable thing I saw the whole game was the safety blitz with :40 to go. But I'll take it. Again, this is all on All-American with no sliders moved. Whitehurst was 12-17 for 165 yards, 2 TD's and 0 INT's. Our RB had a lot of problems moving the ball, but finished with 33 yards on 8 carries... 25 of those on the game-winning run.

[Honolulu_Blue]

yes for fictional players. it generates fictional names if you want to all position that are like hb #13, TE #32, etc

but no randomness for teams.
JB, where is this option?

[Eaglesfan27]

JB, where is this option?
The random names option is under rosters. However, it only names players that you haven't named or at least that is what I've heard. Again, it's only the names that are random. Attributes are based off real life players.

[Raiders Army]

this game rawks.

I haven't been doing too well with Army, but hey there's always next year.

[Ajaxab]

Anyone run into any superstar little people linebackers? See this thread for some funny stuff: hxxp://forums.operationsports.com/vBulletin/showthread.php?t=133176. Some of the video is too amusing. How these things get by testers is beyond me.

[Balldog]

I'm still working on the AA Special Teams sliders, does everyone agree with the following for punt distance??

It is best to select the highest rated punter for KPW and run a 10 punt average, goal of a 50-55 yard average. Then selecting the lowest rated punter for KPW and run a 10 punt average, hoping for a 35-40 yard average with the same setting.

[henry296]

I'm still working on the AA Special Teams sliders, does everyone agree with the following for punt distance??

It is best to select the highest rated punter for KPW and run a 10 punt average, goal of a 50-55 yard average. Then selecting the lowest rated punter for KPW and run a 10 punt average, hoping for a 35-40 yard average with the same setting.

I think 50-55 yards is a bit long for the average. I think the top punter averaged about 47-48 yards per punt.

[Balldog]

I think 50-55 yards is a bit long for the average. I think the top punter averaged about 47-48 yards per punt.

Yeah, you are right. Fields from Mich St averaged 47.9 per punt, I was thinking it was 49.9

[Honolulu_Blue]

The random names option is under rosters. However, it only names players that you haven't named or at least that is what I've heard. Again, it's only the names that are random. Attributes are based off real life players.
Thanks. That's all I want really. I typically like to create-a-school and then progress from their, saving my classes for future Madden drafts. To do that, however, I always "simmed" through the first few seasons to get rid of all the HB #13 and QB #15.

I just found out Lady H_B is heading to New York tomorrow and wont be back until Saturday afternoon... I may just have to run out at lunch tomorrow and pick this up!

[jbmagic]

Honolulu_Blue

your going to love this game. very fun.

[Balldog]

Ok, here is what I have come up with. Quite a bit different than Jistic's.

Human
FG Length: 40%
FG Accuracy: 0%

I took Crosby from Colorado who hit quite a few 50+ FGs and a 60 yard FG last and was able to hit FGs up to 57-yards, I'm factoring in the Mile High factor here. With the Accuracy at 0% you have to miss pretty bad to miss a FG, anything higher than 0% and I don't miss.

Punt Length: 25%
Punt Accuracy: 0%

See above with FG Accuracy for Punt Accuracy, on AA you have to be pretty bad to mess up a punt. As for the Punt Length, I took Fields (made him a 99 for KPW) and he averaged right around 50 yards per punt. I know that is slightly high but I factored in the fact that once you do some angle punts that average is going to drop and there was no wind. The lowest rated KPW punter was Prather from SJ State, he averaged right 39.3 yards per punt and I factored in the same things as Fields. Feel free to lower if you want.

Kickoff Length: 50%

Basically I took Crosby and kicked off to a point where almost everything went in the endzone and a few went through the endzone, good kickers in college can do this quite a bit.

CPU
FG Length: 35%
FG Accuracy: 15%

For FG Length I did the same thing as I did with Crosby for Human just with CPU, he could almost make a 60-yarder. For FG Accuracy I took the lowest rated KPA and he was 16/30 from 38-yards out, and the highest rated KPA was 27/30 from 38-yards out.

Punt Length: 40%
Punt Accuracy: 15%

Same as above with Human punters for Punt Length, and Punt Accuracy I just made the same as FG Accuracy because I don't really know how to test this. During the practice it seemed okay though.

Kickoff Length: 50%

Again Crosby kicked them routinely in the end zone, a few went through and a few came up just short.

Special Teams Code: 0T5ro5I2

Pretty sure that is a ZERO and a Capital i between 5 and 2.

Feel free to tweak and comment, I think they are pretty good.

[Balldog]

Just had my best game to date, using Jistc's Ver. 3 sliders.

Got beat by Texas 34-28, as Texas A&M. They managed to miss an XP, two false starts moved them back so I didn't think it was unrealistic at all. They got me with one bomb, a 44-yard pass to Sweed but it was believable and they couldn't connect on their other three attempts to him. I lost the game mostly because of a Reggie McNeil interception that was returned for a touchdown late in the third but I was down 20-7 at one point before rallying.

I question Texas's playcalling late in the game when they were up by 6 with 2:00 to play they called three consecutive pass plays, only to convert the first down on the third. Still a good game, the first I have played since the Nebraska air show I witnessed last weekend.

[Balldog]

Dola - Both punters average around 38-39 yards per punt, but there was a 10-15 mph wind so that have had something to do with it being so low.

[moriarty]

I just saw another doozy. The opposing team sky punted, and ran down to the endzone. Their coverage team (while standing in the end zone) jumped and tipped the ball back to the one yard line and downed it.

Now call me crazy, but once they touch the endzone, it should be a touchback (they didn't leap from the one yard line or something).

[Flasch186]

i see a lot of presentation bugs and commentary bugs. For me, so far, the gameplay is subpar, in that many time it looks like the players are on ice skates.

[jbmagic]

for the guys that play NCAA 2004

what do you like better NCAA 2004 or NCAA 2006 since it been out?

[Eaglesfan27]

for the guys that play NCAA 2004

what do you like better NCAA 2004 or NCAA 2006 since it been out?
I like 2006 better, but I played 2004 a great deal. This game needs to keep me coming back to it for another month or two before I definitively declare it better than 2004.

[CraigSca]

Hard for me to tell at this point. 2004 is the game I played the most. If I can't find sliders that will improve the defense on both sides of the ball for me, I may give up on 2006. I do, however, think that I will find sliders that make me happy with the game.

[mrsimperless]

I've seen more bugs already in 2006 than I ever saw playing 2005.

- Got called for interfering with a fair catch after catching the punt on our opponents' 2 yard line. I watched the replay over and over and never touched anybody.

- I always use the coach cam with play diagrams before the ball is snapped. Sometimes on defense (seen it about 10 times so far) the zones get all messed up. It shows me having a zone assignment on the OFFENSIVE side of the ball. (Play seems to run normally after the ball is snapped, so this isn't a huge one)

- It looks like every single starting OL on my team will be an all-american, even after I turned the run blocking down to 30% after my 3rd game. How did THIS one make it through QA??? Did even ONE tester play through a whole season???

- Sometimes handoffs don't work. (Seen this three times) The QB will hold the ball out and the running back doesn't take it. The QB proceeds to stand there with the ball outstretched until he is tackled.

- I have tons of forced fumbles on kickoffs. One time I forced FOUR in a row using the hit stick. I now have a house rule that I can only control the kicker on kickoffs.

I'm sure there are more. This is one buggy SOB. Still fun, but buggy.

[thesloppy]

Man, I've been having a hard time with this game.

I played 2004 a bit...not religiously or anything, but I was comfortable enough to play at Heisman level (with sliders tweaked to my advantage) and win with regularity regardless of opponent. So, I figured I could jump right into 2006 at All-American and pick things up quickly enough. I was sorely mistaken, as I created a program and headed into my first game, which just happened to be against #13 Florida. 'Alright', I'm thinking 'this should be a pretty good challenge. Four 8 minute quarters later and Florida ekes out a narrow 77-0 victory. My second game gets roughly the same result, as it's against a lower ranked opponent, but the opposing team has an 'impact' Qb, and he just tears me apart.

The problem isn't too hard to pinpoint. When I created my school, I chose the 'Strong D' profile, which soudned harmless enough, and gave me a four star program. Unfortunately, the flip side of a four-star 'Strong D' program is that I have an offense that is not so strong. My offense carries an overall D rating, and pretty much everybody on the O side of the ball sucks eggs. I've got two players on O with an overall ranking over 75, and my starting QB was injured and game one leaving me with a 67 rated frosh running the show. Also, one of my lineman has a 58 rating. 58! Suffice it to say that it's an uphill battle for me to adjust to the 2006 passing game, since I'm fielding a junior high team.

So, all of those thing are making my NCAA life hell, but you know what REALLY sucks? As a 'Strong D' school I only have two impact players, the only two guys who carry an overall rating above 90. One of my impact players is a CB who is a beast and has saved my butt from super-double humiliation numerous times. My other impact player? MY KICKER!

So if you want to get yourself a challenge, try creating a school with the 'Strong D' profile. I'm sure, once I can actually acclimate to the kicking meter and the increased directional sensitivity in 2006, I might be able to start putting some points on the board, but right now an 'impact' kicker really isn't helping my game out that much. He does punt and kick the laces right off the ball, for whatever that's worth......and I punt a LOT.

That boy kick so good it makes your dick hard.

[Ironhead]

I ended up going 3-8 in my second season at Kentucky. I lost my starting quarterback, running back and standout freshman wideout to injury for the last 4 or 5 games of the season.

I was more that sure I was going to get canned but it seems the Athletic Director has taken pity on me. I will get the third year on my contract but I imagine I am on a *very* short leash. I might even get fired if I don't win the season opener against Louisville.

Fun Stats about my Coaching Record in Two Seasons at Kentucky:
* Overall Record: 7-15
* Record versus Top 25 opponents: 0-11
* Record versus Rivals: 0-5


[Added Thursday at 1:12 AM]

Just checked out Louisville's roster for this season. It looks like they are in a bit of a rebuilding year. The Wildcats are going to take 'em down!

[illinifan999]

I don't know if this has been posted yet, but I'm sure you have heard of the bug where you can recruit someone who is 8 inches tall. Well someoen posted a video of it.

hxxp://www.depotboy.com/downloads/maestrosmoves.wmv

And the thread it came from

hxxp://www.maddenmania.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102168

:D

[thesloppy]

I just dug back into my powerhouse of a dynasty.

I played about a half of a game and was down 49-10 to Ol' Miss who just hucked it deep all game, making me realize that an 'impact' corner is worth a glass of dog piss, since your CBs skills seem to have about a 5% effect on whether the long ball is completed or not.

"Screw this" I say to myself, "I'll just sim out the rest of the weeks, handle the in-season recruiting, and let the computer handle the game duties.", thinking that I can recruit myself a much better offense in the offseason, and begin my dyansty in earnest with a better balanced team.

Well, it was a nice idea, but even without my negligible 'skillz' weighing the team down we still barely manage to eke out a 2-9 record, and seem to have trouble getting above that magical 15 point ceiling. I guess my team just sucks. No matter, because recruiting is what I need to focus on to get this ship headed in the right direction.

My inseason recruiting didn't go so well....maybe I set my sights to high, but regardless of the reason I don't manage to sign a single recruit during the season. Well, I guess I'll have to mine for gold during the offseason, no sweat. Well, first I have to deal with my players who are leaving....HEY! My impact kicker is graduating! Sure I'd rather not be saddled with a kicker as my impact player, but ANY impact player is better than none. My wily ways don't seem to be enough to convince him that he doesn't want to graduate....can't I flunk him, or fake his eligibility or something? Apparently not. Not only does his departure leave me with a kicker with a rating of 56, but it leaves my depth chart completely empty at punter. Oh well, just another position...or two...that I'll have to add to my recruiting plans.

Hmmmm, my recruiting plans didn't take into accunt that I'd only get 48 points a week. I'm not sure if I can even phone home with that many points, let alone some kid a whole three states away. Oh well, I do the best I can, and try to focus entirely on interested prospects except for two longshots with more talent but decidedly less interest. I think I'm doing pretty well at balancing my prospects, and I've used every recruiting point given to me since week 1 of the season. Finally, week 5 of the recruiting season ends and I am left to bask in the fruits of my labor:

My entire recruiting class consists of ONE DUDE, a single star 'athlete'.

:(

[moriarty]

for the guys that play NCAA 2004

what do you like better NCAA 2004 or NCAA 2006 since it been out?

I personally like 2004 better at the moment. The entire gameplay just seemed more balanced (although the CPU didn't run as well/often in 2004).

I haven't been as high on the 2006 version as others here. 2004 probably had just as many warts, but I just don't recall them. My biggest complaint is that this series has been pretty much maxed out for a few years (minor additions like RFTH are the only 'big' changes), yet there are still SOOO many small goofy issues. Why oh why couldnt' they fix some of the game play problems that plagued earlier versions and (god forbid) not add new problems like crazy stats and other stupid stuff (raining inside a dome stadium, having 1st and 3 after an autotmatic first down penalty, etc...). I mean, dropped passes does appear to be fixed or improved, but at a cost of simmed QB ratings in the 200+?

It just smacks me as lazy programming/production. Once again, I swear I'll never buy another EA product ... yet I'lm sure I'll pre-order this again next year.

[moriarty]

I don't know if this has been posted yet, but I'm sure you have heard of the bug where you can recruit someone who is 8 inches tall. Well someoen posted a video of it.

hxxp://www.depotboy.com/downloads/maestrosmoves.wmv

And the thread it came from

hxxp://www.maddenmania.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102168

:D

Holy crap, I just read a thread on this over at operations sports on the "maestro" complete with video and I just pissed my pants. Funniest thing I've ever seen ... this little 7 inch dude running around. They put him in at HB and all you could see is the ball running around b/c he's too short. Hillarious!

[mrsimperless]

Playmaker at operations sports improve his sliders for NCAA 2006.

give them a try, they are pretty good and has help to reduce pancakes too.

Here is his final AA level Sliders version

http://forums.operationsports.com/vBulletin/showpost.php?p=1761390&postcount=533

Could you post the codes for those? Reg required...

[moriarty]

Playmaker at operations sports improve his sliders for NCAA 2006.

give them a try, they are pretty good and has help to reduce pancakes too.

Here is his final AA level Sliders version

http://forums.operationsports.com/vBulletin/showpost.php?p=1761390&postcount=533

Man, I tried playmaker's sliders (previous version) earlier and got crushed in the two games I played. Guess I suck too bad for these. I went back to Jistic's. But overall, looks like more people prefer these sliders over at OS.

[CraigSca]

I'm going to try these on varsity...

[Emiliano]

Playmaker at operations sports improve his sliders for NCAA 2006.

give them a try, they are pretty good and has help to reduce pancakes too.

Here is his final AA level Sliders version

http://forums.operationsports.com/vBulletin/showpost.php?p=1761390&postcount=533

Hmm, very good. Thanks jb!!! I'm gonna try these in one of my games. They seem more "defensive", and the thing is interesting.

[Suicane75]

Is it my eyes or is the aspect ratio different than 2004, Im having a hard time adjusting to the size of the field/players etc. Things look alot smaller.

[jbmagic]

Hmm, very good. Thanks jb!!! I'm gonna try these in one of my games. They seem more "defensive", and the thing is interesting.


no problem

dont let the looks of the sliders fool you. it plays a great game. and as you can see playmaker says you can adjust them a little too. he explains it all above.


try it for at least 5 games against great teams, average teams and below average teams to get a feel for them.

[MizzouRah]

I know these guys are trying to help, but I get a kick out of.. MIZZOURAH's REAL DEAL SLIDERS VERSION 1.2325.

:)

[Balldog]

I know these guys are trying to help, but I get a kick out of.. MIZZOURAH's REAL DEAL SLIDERS VERSION 1.2325.

:)

Me too :D

MIZZOURAH's REAL DEAL SLIDERS VERSION 1.2325 *FINAL*

10 minutes later....

MIZZOURAH's REAL DEAL SLIDERS VERSION 1.2428 *FINAL*

[Suicane75]

W00T! I just won an online 3-0 Overtime mode game. But the fucker ducked out after I won and i only got partial credit or some such crap.

Im currently online, XBL, if anyone wants to play. My tag is Suicane.

And for those who have played online before, how is the play generaly, I have no idea about the settings for online. If I choose Temple and my opponent chooses Florida State am I gonna get crushed?


Edit: After playing for a little bit longer The game seems alot more chaotic than 2004. The kick thing threw me for a loop, dont know if that changed in 05 but its different than 04 and really screwed me up as I missed my first FG attempt.

[dubb93]

Well, something tells me this season is going to be alot different than last. Last season my Clemson Tigers went 11-2, losing in the ACC championship, but winning our bowl game to finish 6th.

This season, out of our 22 starters, 9 of them are freshman and 5 are sophs. Our offensive line consists of 4 freshman and 1 senior. Hopefully he can help anchor the thing. We have 2 freshman DTs, another at OLB and CB. And lastly, our starting QB is a 5* true freshman. He runs a 4.41 40, and has a strong arm, but he's not very accurate.

We return last years ACC 1st team RB Jay Adams, but with this line he may struggle. We also talked last years Heisman winner, WR Brooks Moore into coming back, but I'm not sure we can get him the ball. We are REALLY going to miss our experienced OL and 95 rated QB Daniel Samuel. Lastly our #1 OLB Antonio McCormick, coming off a 22 sack season returns, but he's just a pass rusher. In order for our young D to be any good this season he must round his game out and become a complete player. Our 2 playmakers are WR Moore, our OLB McCormick.

Looking at the pre-season rankings the ACC appears to be very tough with #2 Miami, #4 Florida State, #9 Maryland, #17 Clemson, #19 Virginia Tech, and #25 NC State.

Unranked Georgia Tech looks to have one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, and North Carolina looks like they have the talent on offense to make another run in the ACC this year. They finished 2nd in the ACC Coastal, and were actually undefeated deep into last season.

We also host last years national championship game loser Louisville, and they are stacked at every position. 6-5 would probably be good for us this year.

[Suicane75]

Hey guys, I must have started my dynasty with contracts off. Will I be able to move around at will or am I stuck at Villanova as long as this dynasty lasts?

[korme]

You can peel, but you will have to do it manually.

[Suicane75]

Thats cool, when I win the Big East in 4 years I can take over for Joe Pa.

[Suicane75]

My first game, using the settings JB provided. Hofstra takes the initial kickoff to the house and i take the first play from scrimmage and go off tackle 82 yards for a TD. Im worried.

Edit: It's only been a week but I feel so far behind.

[Ironhead]

Is it just me or does it look like EA finally changed the way Program Prestige progresses from year to year? I am finding that even when the top flight colleges have off years they do not immediately start losing prestige. I am also finding that the mid-major colleges and especially the cellar dwellars are progressing much more slowly if at all after having winning records. It finally seems much more important to get quality wins for mid-majors to improve their prestige.

[JeeberD]

Just another four or five days...

[korme]

UTEP is so sick in this game Jeeber. It is 2010 and they have been a Top 25 school every year.

[JeeberD]

Beautiful. Simply beautiful... :)

[Suicane75]

Is it just me or does it look like EA finally changed the way Program Prestige progresses from year to year? I am finding that even when the top flight colleges have off years they do not immediately start losing prestige. I am also finding that the mid-major colleges and especially the cellar dwellars are progressing much more slowly if at all after having winning records. It finally seems much more important to get quality wins for mid-majors to improve their prestige.
Dude, I started with Villa fuckin Nova, don't tell me that.

[korme]

Well, if it helps any Suicane, with Appalachian State, I have had 2 winning seasons in a row and went from * to ***.

[VPI97]

sigh

Tried playing again tonight...online play is worthless. It's either run the ball or throw bomb if you want to have any success. Home field advatnage is far overvalued, as well. I played with one team at home and the guys were ultra-responsive...playing with the same team on the road led to them being horribly sluggish.

It sucks that I can't get into single player with any console sports game, but playing against a game's AI has never been all that appealing.

[jbmagic]

sigh

Tried playing again tonight...online play is worthless. It's either run the ball or throw bomb if you want to have any success. Home field advatnage is far overvalued, as well. I played with one team at home and the guys were ultra-responsive...playing with the same team on the road led to them being horribly sluggish.

It sucks that I can't get into single player with any console sports game, but playing against a game's AI has never been all that appealing.


yep online has too many players cheesing. I know Madden was like that. so i am not going to play online with my xbox. just not worth it.

at least you can turn off home advantage off for solo league if you want.

[VPI97]

yep online has too many players cheesing. I know Madden was like that. so i am not going to play online with my xbox. just not worth it..It's not cheesers, it's the game. Both games tonight were against straight players and the mid-range passing game was horrible on both sides.

It's just so disappointing...I've only bought four games for myself in the two years I've had a Playstation (NCAA 2004, 2005, 2006 and one of the Final Fantasy games) and the fact that I dread playing this one is sad.

[korme]

Why was the midrange passing game bad? Passes deflected, overthrown, etc? What was the most glaring..

[Suicane75]

Maybe I need to play more but a 21-17 first quarter against Hofstra where they completed everything and i ran all over them is quite dissapointing. It went totaly against everything those sliders were supposed to accomplish.

[CraigSca]

I used the Operation Sports sliders last night. In my first 3 games, there was an average of about 85 points per game scored between both teams. Post-slider, my two games were a 28-21 loss (to Wake Forest) and a 44-21 victory (over #10 Virginia).

I'm going to give them another shot in my next game (against an awful Temple team), but I may have to tune defense up one more notch. Before the games I was giving up 400+ yards per game (108th ranked defense). Afterwards I was in the high 300's. Certainly workable, and much better gameplay than my previous sliders.