NCAA Football 2008

[MrBug708]

#1000 post :)

[MizzouRah]

#1000 post :)

That was 1001 foo!

[mauchow]

Well, yeah Voo, but it is still VERY annoying considering how clunky the interface still is. I'd like to click click and be done within a few seconds, but it takes at least 10 seconds.

I'm starting to get frustrated with the fumbling. I didn't have the problem in the first season so much; or at least until the end of the season. I'm fumbling A LOT now. I play as the Badgers and have very good players but I fumble 3-5 times a game. The worst was when I was practically in the endzone and a tackler caught me from the side and ripped out the ball..... that was in the 4th quarter down by 7 to tOSU at their house. We lose cuz of that. Regardless, I'm starting to feel the stupidness of all the fumbling and its frustrating.

[nilodor]

I think its actually better to go somewhere that you don't start. As you practice and leapfrog over people, you gain ratings. I've started two different careers, one at Georgia Tech as the 5th string back, and one at North Carolina as the starter. In both I started with a 78 overall rating. But working my way up from 5th to 1st, I was the starter after th e 6th game or so of my freshman year, and at the start of my sophomore year my ratings had jumped to 91. Starting at UNC i don't get any big bumps from practice, and my ratings are only up to an 86 overall late in my Junior season.

I quit my Ga Tech career, but I might go back and play another one after this one is completed where I start as a 5th stringer and work my way up, I want to get on a good team and get my ratings into the upper 90s(hopefully) by my senior year and try to just put up ridiculous numbers.


I've noticed this as well. I think if you want to gain the most ratings you need to go somewhere with a highly rated player. So if you want to be a maxed out back, goto Arkansas, quarterback, goto USC because once you're at the top of the depth chart, you gain ratings alot slower.

[ageofquarrel]

I decided to mess around and lowered knockdowns to 0 and rise interceptions to 100. Because I wanted to see if the cpu would stop throwing INTs.
In one game with Michigan vs Texas(I was Michigan). Their was not one int thrown with 5 min quarters on varsity level. Usally the cpu was throwing two a game with knockdowns turned up to 100 and Ints lowered to 0. I also raised the cpu to 90 qb accurarcy.

Here was the line
Texas QB 13-17 174yds 1 td 0 ints
Michgan QB 13-22 174 yds 2 tds 0 ints

I know it was only one game but if anyone else wants to test it out more I would like to know how it would turn out.

[mauchow]

btw Supersim mode sucks.

[mauchow]

The more and more I play this game the more and more I dislike it. Damn it, I really thought this would be a long time playing game...

Do they ever release patches for the 360 to fix obvious flaws within the game?

The computer NEVER kicks a field goal when there is a few seconds left in the half and its not fourth down. NEEEVER.

Supersim has so many things wrong with it, its not even funny. Its just there so people can sim through their game real fast with no accuracy whatsoever to anything. You are by far better off just simming your games normally or playing out the game. I expected this feature to suck, so I'm not really that peeved about it.

The fumbling, the interceptions(even with 20 awareness for D along with 0 INT 100 knockdown... WHERE THE HELL IS THE FUMBLING SLIDER!).

That's enough ranting though.

Does anybody want this game? I will sell it for $55(OBO I guess) including shipping. Shoot me a PM if so. This is for the 360 version.

[Eaglesfan27]

I decided to mess around and lowered knockdowns to 0 and rise interceptions to 100. Because I wanted to see if the cpu would stop throwing INTs.
In one game with Michigan vs Texas(I was Michigan). Their was not one int thrown with 5 min quarters on varsity level. Usally the cpu was throwing two a game with knockdowns turned up to 100 and Ints lowered to 0. I also raised the cpu to 90 qb accurarcy.

Here was the line
Texas QB 13-17 174yds 1 td 0 ints
Michgan QB 13-22 174 yds 2 tds 0 ints

I know it was only one game but if anyone else wants to test it out more I would like to know how it would turn out.

Interesting. I've read the theory that the knockdown and interception sliders are backwards and that one game would support that, but I'm getting such good games with Defensive Awareness at 25 that I haven't had time to test that theory.

[Eaglesfan27]

The more and more I play this game the more and more I dislike it. Damn it, I really thought this would be a long time playing game...

Do they ever release patches for the 360 to fix obvious flaws within the game?

The computer NEVER kicks a field goal when there is a few seconds left in the half and its not fourth down. NEEEVER.

Supersim has so many things wrong with it, its not even funny. Its just there so people can sim through their game real fast with no accuracy whatsoever to anything. You are by far better off just simming your games normally or playing out the game. I expected this feature to suck, so I'm not really that peeved about it.

The fumbling, the interceptions(even with 20 awareness for D along with 0 INT 100 knockdown... WHERE THE HELL IS THE FUMBLING SLIDER!).

That's enough ranting though.

Does anybody want this game? I will sell it for $55(OBO I guess) including shipping. Shoot me a PM if so. This is for the 360 version.

Yes, they release patches to fix 360 games and the rumor is that one is being worked on for NCAA. But, in the past EA has taken a long time to patch their games on the 360 and PS3. Who knows how soon it will be out or what it will fix.

[vex]

I almost NEVER fumble as OU, but the other teams seem to have a talent for it.

[BYU 14]

Interesting. I've read the theory that the knockdown and interception sliders are backwards and that one game would support that, but I'm getting such good games with Defensive Awareness at 25 that I haven't had time to test that theory.

Shouldn't there be some direction from EA on this....I have the Sliders at 0 INT 100 Knockdown and just threw 4.........Maybe I will give this a shot.

[Icy]

Damn i was expecting the game to come today from the Canadian shop where i bought it but the mailman just came and had nothing for me. To read all the impression threads here and at OS without being able to play it is killing my nerves.

[Radii]

I'm having a weird issue. Virtually every time I start up the 360 for the day, the first game i play freezes, almost always before the first play is complete, either when its showing the stadium, or during the coin toss, or during the first play itself. I'd say this is happening more than 80% of the time that I turn on the 360 for the first time after its been off for quite some time.

After that, i turn off the 360, turn it back on, and play to my hearts content. i've played 8 or 9 games in one sitting in Campus legend mode without any issues at all after this first freeze...

anyone seen anything similar to that at all? Its not killing me b/c I can play fine and without interruption, but its worrying me a bit as far as online play goes.

[A-Husker-4-Life]

Check out this sliders I'm using, they're getting me great results.

360 version

Varsity
9 minutes

Hum/Cpu
Qba 40/50
PB 45/95
WRC 5/0
RBA 40/70
RBL 45/65

AW 5/95
KN 95/9
INT 5/5
BB 0/100
TCK 30/100

FBP 15/15
FGA 5/45
PP 35/40
PA 5/45
KP 45/70


The fumble problem is all but gone on Varsity and the picks I've thrown were because of bad choices. Try them out and tell me what you think..

[Ironhead]

I'm having a weird issue. Virtually every time I start up the 360 for the day, the first game i play freezes, almost always before the first play is complete, either when its showing the stadium, or during the coin toss, or during the first play itself. I'd say this is happening more than 80% of the time that I turn on the 360 for the first time after its been off for quite some time.

After that, i turn off the 360, turn it back on, and play to my hearts content. i've played 8 or 9 games in one sitting in Campus legend mode without any issues at all after this first freeze...

anyone seen anything similar to that at all? Its not killing me b/c I can play fine and without interruption, but its worrying me a bit as far as online play goes.

After I first got the game I had probably 2 freezes in my first 10 games. Then I read a tip that it is ideal to have the 360 boot to the dashboard with nothing in the dashboard. Since I started doing that I have not had any freezes in the game. That has just been my experience - could be completely random though.

[Radii]

After I first got the game I had probably 2 freezes in my first 10 games. Then I read a tip that it is ideal to have the 360 boot to the dashboard with nothing in the dashboard. Since I started doing that I have not had any freezes in the game. That has just been my experience - could be completely random though.

I'll give that a try, thanks!

[Ironhead]

Oops Radii - that was supposed to read "it is ideal for the 360 to boot to the dashboard with nothing in the cd drive". Whenever I am done playing the game I eject the cd and then turn off the system.

[cartman]

GRRR....

Just finished the regular season undefeated with my Horns, but didn't get to the BCS championship game due to USC and Florida also running the table. I'm going to have to settle for a matchup against WVU in the (I think) Sugar Bowl.

[Radii]

Oops Radii - that was supposed to read "it is ideal for the 360 to boot to the dashboard with nothing in the cd drive". Whenever I am done playing the game I eject the cd and then turn off the system.


yeah, i figured that's what you meant :) I was not aware of that.

[Radii]

Well, I finished my first campus legend career, a running back at North Carolina, I was the starter from day 1, so no training boosts before I got the rock. We went to bowl games my last two years, beating Louisville in the Meineke Car Care Bowl my junior year, and getting crushed by LSU in the Peach Bowl my senior year, though I had a great 78 yard TD run vs LSU in my last college game.

FR - 249 rushes, 1063 yards, 7 TDs -- 53 rec, 563 yards, 4 rec TD
SO - 268 rushes, 1523 yards, 14 TDs -- 69 rec, 894 yards, 6 rec TD
JR - 274 rushes, 1333 yards, 14 TDs -- 55 rec, 684 yards, 4 rec TD
SR - 350 rushes, 2079 yards, 20 TDs -- 39 rec, 444 yards, 2 rec TD

CAREER:

1141 rushes
5998 yards (5.2 ypc)
55 rushing TDs

216 receptions
2585 yards
16 receiving TDs

I won the Doak Walker award for RBs my senior year. I never challenged for the heisman, I get a feeling its real hard to do that at UNC.

I held school records for rushing TDs in a career and in a season, rushing yards for a career and a season, career receiving yards, and career receptions when I graduated.


I kinda want to start a RB at Arkansas where you get to practice up a ton first and have great ratings, but I think I'm going to play a QB next, I am a really terrible passer i nthese games, perhaps a QB career will learn me.

[watravaler]

The passing engine(360) is a game killer for me. Too bad, maybe next year...

Two years in a row I've returned the game within a week.

EA needs to pick one system

[KWhit]

The passing engine(360) is a game killer for me. Too bad, maybe next year...

Two years in a row I've returned the game within a week.

EA needs to pick one system

What is wrong with the passing?

[gstelmack]

In Campus Legend mode, once you become the starter, is there any reason to play out the practices, or can I just sim them (unless I want the practice)? Will I ever gain any more points through practices?

[Icy]

Finally got the game! I have started a CL as HB and i'm having a Blast. I'm only having on problem, the real rosters are not used when you start a CL in High School, but i have read it's a known problem, so for my next CL i'll start with a freshman already in a team instead of starting in HS.

In Campus Legend mode, once you become the starter, is there any reason to play out the practices, or can I just sim them (unless I want the practice)? Will I ever gain any more points through practices?

In the loading screen (Ps3 at least) it says that once you are the starter, the practices keep improving your ratings.

[Icy]

I'm really enjoying the CL mode, just made a great option play (80yd TD) as QB, keeping the ball until 4 defenders reached me, leaving the FB totaly alone:

http://www.easportsworld.com/#video-21230/ICEKILL(PS3)/12219

[gstelmack]

In the loading screen (Ps3 at least) it says that once you are the starter, the practices keep improving your ratings.

On the 360 it says "will help keep your skills sharp".

[Radii]

In Campus Legend mode, once you become the starter, is there any reason to play out the practices, or can I just sim them (unless I want the practice)? Will I ever gain any more points through practices?

I simmed them for my entire career, some reading on operation sports seemed to suggest that you wouldn't gain any more ratings points, or lose your starting job, if you sim practice once you're the starter.

[nilodor]

In Campus Legend mode, once you become the starter, is there any reason to play out the practices, or can I just sim them (unless I want the practice)? Will I ever gain any more points through practices?

I haven't really seen it. Once I became the starter I practiced for the next 8 or so practices, didn't gain any more ratings so I just sim them now. I think the fastest way to gain ratings is to goto a team with a nearly maxed out player at the position you want to play.

[kingnebwsu]

When you're done with your first player on CL mode, can you make another one 4 years into the future? (2011). Or do you have to start over in 2007? It'd be cool to stay in the fictional universe.

[Pumpy Tudors]

The passing engine(360) is a game killer for me. Too bad, maybe next year...

Two years in a row I've returned the game within a week.

EA needs to pick one system
What are you talking about?

[Icy]

On the 360 it says "will help keep your skills sharp".

You are right, it says the same in the Ps3, i have read too much in that statement.

[Kodos]

One nice thing about the practices is it does seem to make you better at executing the plays.

[Logan]

Can anyone help me try to get a video uploaded? I didn't seem to have a problem with this before, as I have 2 or 3 videos online already. I go into EA Sports Highlights, load the hard drive, but it doesn't come up with any files to upload. Thing is...I can see my highlight running in my "shrine" feature. So it's definitely saved somewhere, I just can't seem to get to it.

edit: Nevermind, I went into the shrine, to the video screen and did it, instead of going through the "Highlights" tab.

edit 2: No, I'm still all messed up. I was told I needed to be signed into XBL. So I go back and do that under my other profile. But then I can't access the files saved under the other profile (where I have my dynasty). I have no clue why I have 2 separate profiles, but is it possible to get those other files uploaded?

[Ironhead]

I was getting a little irritated with the game so I took a week off to play Gears of War and watch an assload of Battlestar Galactica.

Looking to start my dynasty again but I was wondering what people are using for sliders. Has anyone given Heisman a shot?


Logan:
I had a similar issue. I eventually corrected it and now only have my Xbox Live profile in the game. Be careful about deleting any profile though - you might accidently delete something and then lose access to your dynasty.

[rowech]

It's official....I suck at this game. I haven't played a football game in three years and it really is showing. I can run the ball somewhat okay, can play defense fairly well but have just an unbelievably bad passing game. I'd like to think sliders would help but I know so many of the passes are going to get picked off as soon as I throw them.

[kingnebwsu]

It's official....I suck at this game. I haven't played a football game in three years and it really is showing. I can run the ball somewhat okay, can play defense fairly well but have just an unbelievably bad passing game. I'd like to think sliders would help but I know so many of the passes are going to get picked off as soon as I throw them.

I was/am in the same boat. I turned down the INT slider to zero or 5 and I primarily run the ball. I rely on my running game and my defense scoring TD's to win (seriously). My offense has recently gotten better, but my TO margin is 2nd in the country and tOSU is 8-0. Very similar to the '02 tOSU team in that our offense isn't that explosive but our defense is there when we need it. Just hope I can go undefeated ;)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Bill Abner review of NCAA '08. Pretty thorough review......

http://www.gameshark.com/reviews/2707/NCAA-Football-08-Review.htm

[Pumpy Tudors]

Bill Abner review of NCAA '08. Pretty thorough review......

http://www.gameshark.com/reviews/2707/NCAA-Football-08-Review.htm
Well, I see Bill Abner's points, and I agree with a lot of what he has to say. On the bright side (for me), none of the problems bother me enough to make me dislike the game. I can play against the AI and enjoy it. The recruiting is still fun to me, but I can see the tedium setting in pretty soon. I'm not terribly annoyed by the number of interceptions. I couldn't care less about the polls unless my team is involved. I understand that some unrealistic and downright baffling things will happen with the polls in this game, but as long as I have a good time playing, I really don't care. I understand that the polls can make or break the game for a lot of people, but I'm OK with it.

Abner's complaints are all valid ones, and I absolutely agree that it's all about your perspective. Some people (like myself) are able to enjoy the game even with the AI issues. Others are going to hate the AI or the polls. At the very least, I think most people would agree that the on-field game, particularly against a human opponent, is the best we've seen in a long time.

[Anthony]

i know i had a ton of fun playing online against pumpy. in the end that's what matters, the on-the-field gameplay being fun. everything else is filler.

[Kodos]

Check out this sliders I'm using, they're getting me great results.

360 version

Varsity
9 minutes

Hum/Cpu
Qba 40/50
PB 45/95
WRC 5/0
RBA 40/70
RBL 45/65

AW 5/95
KN 95/9
INT 5/5
BB 0/100
TCK 30/100

FBP 15/15
FGA 5/45
PP 35/40
PA 5/45
KP 45/70


The fumble problem is all but gone on Varsity and the picks I've thrown were because of bad choices. Try them out and tell me what you think..

Still having good luck with these sliders? I'm not above moving down from AA if it alleviates fumbles and interceptions.

[Eaglesfan27]

The interception issue is my biggest problem. Even with sliders, I have some games that are ridiculous (while others that are close to perfect.) However, I still like the game despite that flaw. Here is a good review from 2 of the editors at OS:

http://www.operationsports.com/reviews.aspx?game=ncaafb08

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

Supposedly EA is working on a patch for NCAA and Madden (which also is known to have too many interceptions), but who knows when that will be released.

[Anthony]

but is it interceptions by sucky QBs, or is it INTs from stud QBs with great accuracy? i would expect a sucky QB to toss like 3 INTs a game.

i haven't played any dynasty games just yet, just finished my CL. i'll start tonite.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The interception issue is my biggest problem. Even with sliders, I have some games that are ridiculous (while others that are close to perfect.) However, I still like the game despite that flaw. Here is a good review from 2 of the editors at OS:

http://www.operationsports.com/reviews.aspx?game=ncaafb08

What sliders do you recommend changing to solve this problem? I was talking to my brother last night and he was complaining about too many interceptions in the game. Even if he turned them down, defenders just kept getting in the way of passes, but instead of intercepting it, the ball just bounced off them. The frequency sounded a bit alarming.

[gstelmack]

but is it interceptions by sucky QBs, or is it INTs from stud QBs with great accuracy? i would expect a sucky QB to toss like 3 INTs a game.

i haven't played any dynasty games just yet, just finished my CL. i'll start tonite.

My one frustration as a RB in CL mode has been regular picks thrown by my QB. Sometimes he's throwing into coverage, sometimes the DB is breaking on the ball much better than receivers are (as mentioned earlier in this thread, it's a long-standing gripe I've got with these games).

My QB is an "impact" player for my team which makes it all the more baffling, and has cost me some key games over bigtime opponents.

Fumbles have been about perfect for me, but INTs are at 3-4 per game from my impact QB.

It's especially frustrating when you are wide open in the flat with no one in front and he's passing to someone who is triple-covered.

[Kodos]

Defensive players definitely go after the ball a lot more aggressively than receivers do.

[Anthony]

My one frustration as a RB in CL mode has been regular picks thrown by my QB. Sometimes he's throwing into coverage, sometimes the DB is breaking on the ball much better than receivers are (as mentioned earlier in this thread, it's a long-standing gripe I've got with these games).

My QB is an "impact" player for my team which makes it all the more baffling, and has cost me some key games over bigtime opponents.

Fumbles have been about perfect for me, but INTs are at 3-4 per game from my impact QB.

It's especially frustrating when you are wide open in the flat with no one in front and he's passing to someone who is triple-covered.

see, but that's the point of CL. you are one cog in a system. you aren't controlling the whole system, just one piece of it. i've had my QB blow some huge games for me, out of my 3 seasons of CL my RB was only able to get 1 bowl win. my showcase is pretty much empty. we went to 3 bowl games and while i was able to do my part, i obviously couldn't score everytime i touched the ball and ultimately my success was in the hands of another person. that's realistic.

but yes, there've been times my eyes got big being out in the flats with NO ONE around me and a sure td to be had and the QB throws it the other way. that's football. the open guy doesn't always get the ball.

[A-Husker-4-Life]

Still having good luck with these sliders? I'm not above moving down from AA if it alleviates fumbles and interceptions.

Yes, I'm currently 2-2 with buffalo. With wins over Baylor and a 1 point win over Army. I lost to Syracuse by 10 and Temple by 7, they were very close games tho.. The INT's are always going to be a problem but with these settings, you won't fumble near as much. I've fumble only twice in 4 games and when I did fumble it felt right, not cheap. All I can say is try them out and see if they work for you.

Side note; I may try lowering the CPU's PB down to 0. I heard that will make the CPU pass to the backs and TE more, cutting down on the INT's. I'll try it and get back to you with the results.

[nilodor]

I think the reason that interceptions are so prevalent this year is down to three things, one good, two bad. The first is I think we throw it up too often and have been spoiled by the very little risk compared to reward in previous versions. In 08 if you just throw it up, it's most likely incomplete, but there is a chance that it will be picked or caught as it should be. The two problems are, we have very little control over the pass strength. I find it incredibly difficult to throw a lob or medium lob pass, all I can throw is hard and laser, which is incredibly frustrating when you actually have an open receiver 15 yards behind the linebackers, but you can get the ball over the LB's because you can't throw a lob. The third kinda plays into the second and into what the guys over at OS said in their review. Linebackers are just way to responsive to the ball, you'll have an open receiver, throw the ball then a LB who is 5+ yards away from the line of the pass jets over, does some crazy jump and picks off the pass. Unless the pass within a couple of steps of the guy and he's the next Urlacher I don't really think we should be seeing this. The other complain I have heard is with DB's being too responsive, I dunno, I haven't really seen too many breaks that are that way out there to me. Sometimes your receiver is gonna catch it, occasionally the DB is gonna get a good jump and get it, maybe the Wideouts should be more competitive but it's not that bad IMO.

[Izulde]

CL mode is still a blast, but fuck do the end-zone interceptions by the Tar Heels' QB suck! *beats head against wall*

It's like having Corey Bramlet in powder blue!

Just dropped a 34-31 thriller to #5 Virginia Tech at Lane Stadium, our first loss of the year, primarily because of Brooks's 4 INTs.

[rowech]

I think the reason that interceptions are so prevalent this year is down to three things, one good, two bad. The first is I think we throw it up too often and have been spoiled by the very little risk compared to reward in previous versions. In 08 if you just throw it up, it's most likely incomplete, but there is a chance that it will be picked or caught as it should be. The two problems are, we have very little control over the pass strength. I find it incredibly difficult to throw a lob or medium lob pass, all I can throw is hard and laser, which is incredibly frustrating when you actually have an open receiver 15 yards behind the linebackers, but you can get the ball over the LB's because you can't throw a lob. The third kinda plays into the second and into what the guys over at OS said in their review. Linebackers are just way to responsive to the ball, you'll have an open receiver, throw the ball then a LB who is 5+ yards away from the line of the pass jets over, does some crazy jump and picks off the pass. Unless the pass within a couple of steps of the guy and he's the next Urlacher I don't really think we should be seeing this. The other complain I have heard is with DB's being too responsive, I dunno, I haven't really seen too many breaks that are that way out there to me. Sometimes your receiver is gonna catch it, occasionally the DB is gonna get a good jump and get it, maybe the Wideouts should be more competitive but it's not that bad IMO.

The touch passing you can deal with a bit. Just tap the button or use the stick to control it a bit it seems. The third part you mention is the major problem. Linebackers and safeties are simply too quick to the ball and can jump 80 feet high.

[rowech]

Has anyone read enough about Madden to know how close/far it will be from NCAA?

[Bee]

Has anyone read enough about Madden to know how close/far it will be from NCAA?

I've been wondering about that as well. The CL mode in NCAA 08 has been the most fun I've had with an EA sports game in years so if that translates to Madden then I'll probably pick it up.

[gstelmack]

see, but that's the point of CL. you are one cog in a system. you aren't controlling the whole system, just one piece of it. i've had my QB blow some huge games for me, out of my 3 seasons of CL my RB was only able to get 1 bowl win. my showcase is pretty much empty. we went to 3 bowl games and while i was able to do my part, i obviously couldn't score everytime i touched the ball and ultimately my success was in the hands of another person. that's realistic.

but yes, there've been times my eyes got big being out in the flats with NO ONE around me and a sure td to be had and the QB throws it the other way. that's football. the open guy doesn't always get the ball.

My issue is mostly that my "impact" QB throws 3+ picks per game. That's all. I love CL mode, for the reasons you mentioned and because I get to do things such as block that I don't do otherwise.

And you won't find me crying that I keep getting hit right after the handoff because we have a porous Offensive Line.

Just that my impact QB keeps throwing picks...

[Eaglesfan27]

but is it interceptions by sucky QBs, or is it INTs from stud QBs with great accuracy? i would expect a sucky QB to toss like 3 INTs a game.

i haven't played any dynasty games just yet, just finished my CL. i'll start tonite.

With the sliders I'm using, true stud QB's throw hardly any int's and have some excellent games. However, above average QB often throw at least 2 a game. Below average QB's are throwing 3-4 a game and bad ones are throwing even more. It's not a game killer for me, but it is frustrating, because I like everything else about the game.

[Eaglesfan27]

What sliders do you recommend changing to solve this problem? I was talking to my brother last night and he was complaining about too many interceptions in the game. Even if he turned them down, defenders just kept getting in the way of passes, but instead of intercepting it, the ball just bounced off them. The frequency sounded a bit alarming.

I would lower defensive awareness for the human (and CPU if you want too) to at least 25. I've experimented with 20, but any lower than that and the offense can put up too many big plays. I lowered interceptions to 0 and knockdowns are up to 95.

[Eaglesfan27]

Has anyone read enough about Madden to know how close/far it will be from NCAA?


From reading previews, it is a very similar but is supposedly more polished. However, interceptions and fumbles are similar to NCAA in that they are overdone. Supposedly, a patch will be out sometime after release to fix that issue.

[rowech]

From reading previews, it is a very similar but is supposedly more polished. However, interceptions and fumbles are similar to NCAA in that they are overdone. Supposedly, a patch will be out sometime after release to fix that issue.

For NCAA as well?

[Eaglesfan27]

For NCAA as well?

The producers have been quoted as saying there will be a patch for Madden. The NCAA producers haven't said they will make one for NCAA, but there is speculation they will release one since the two engines are supposed to be very similiar.

[Icy]

I'm having way more realistic INT numbers now using these settings in the USF dynasty I'm running.

Human Def Awareness = 10 (I have computer Def Aw at 60 so they play a bit smarter and can defend better)
Human and Computer INT = 0
Human and Computer Knockdowns = 30

I'm not having big defensive problems with def Aw such low. My main problem is on the offensive part, I suck at reading defenses, and once i do, i don't have enough time to call audible or set hot route, the damn 30 seconds per play are too short, but that can't be fixed with sliders :) I find myself throwing most of the time to my RB, TE or WR running throgh the middle, but can't conect with any WR running long routes close to the sidelines. If i throw to them, it's a secure INT.

[Icy]

BTW, not sure if we have a thread here about madden, but an early review from sportsgamer doesn't look so good about Owner mode (or better said the lack of it). It seems that the next gen Madden 08 is still going to lack current gen consoles/Pc owner mode features.

[kingnebwsu]

My issue is mostly that my "impact" QB throws 3+ picks per game. That's all. I love CL mode, for the reasons you mentioned and because I get to do things such as block that I don't do otherwise.

And you won't find me crying that I keep getting hit right after the handoff because we have a porous Offensive Line.

Just that my impact QB keeps throwing picks...

Yep, that's my big problem. Even with my INT slider at ZERO my solidly rated Ohio State QB is throwing 3-6 INT's per game. At least one pick-six a game. This mode is pretty much unplayable when my QB commits a turnover on half of the possessions.

[Anthony]

i had to go down to Varsity level. way too many INTs for my liking on AA, and i just couldn't make some throws. the point of playing games is to have fun, and i wasn't having fun on AA. too hard. besides, we don't get bonus points or awards for playing on harder levels. varsity was a lot more fun for me. my WRs were able to make more catches/plays. felt more realistic.

[rowech]

I did a dynasty with Boston College. I went 3-8 and it was evident that either I sucked or BC sucked. I switched over to Penn State and went 8-5 including a Poinsetta Bowl win versus San Diego State. However, I did land the #1 recruiting class in the country. There was a huge difference between Penn State's WR's and Boston College's. PSU's are so much faster and make such better cuts. My passing game really increased with them. Made the game fun. Still too many INTs from the 40 foot jumping LBers but that's just going to be part of the game I think.

[mh2365]

I know this is superficial but the lack of alternate uni's on the 360 is annoying

[nilodor]

Just that my impact QB keeps throwing picks...

Mine threw 52 this year. Annoying to say the least.

[Balldog]

Anyone have this for PS2? I'm just not feeling it for XBOX 360.

[Mike1409]

I know this is superficial but the lack of alternate uni's on the 360 is annoying


Agreed and heres the thing, they could solve a ton of issues just by seperating the pants and tops. That would give every team up to 4 options without any new designing.

[Eaglesfan27]

Not that it helps now, but the developers have already said they will be releasing free alternate uniforms via an update ("sometime before the holiday season" is the time frame they have given.) There is speculation they will sneak a patch in that update to address the interception/fumble issues.

[rowech]

Madden reviews are up at 1up and Team Xbox...getting great reviews.

[MizzouRah]

Madden reviews are up at 1up and Team Xbox...getting great reviews.

Early copies = great reviews.

[Richard Weed]

Early copies = great reviews = early copies next year

Aug 14 copies = great initial reviews = pissed off future reviews = waiting until release date next year

[nilodor]

I'm really getting into this game now, I seem to be adapting to the interception situations and am having some really fun games. One good thing I noticed is this season I am starting a 4* freshman at middle linebacker and he makes some fantastic plays but his lack of awareness shows. He'll hit the wrong hole on runs sometime, get washed out of some plays, then comeback, not bite on play action and make a big pick. As I'm moving through the game I'm noticing that you need to scout the other team, pick on the bad players and work through that way.

[Anthony]

trading in my copy for madden 08 tomorrow. i just don't have any allegiance to any of the schools. my alma mater is not in the game. i'll have a ton more fun playing as the Giants.

[Icy]

I must admit i'm enjoying a ton the CL mode as QB. As i can call audibles, I can get over the stupid playcalling AI . I created an option QB and after not playing the whole first season i'm the starter now for Miami. I'm going to finish this and to export it to madden to see how well/bad can do my version of Vick in the NLF (without the crap around him).

My madden preorder was shiped to me yesterday so it should be here before the weekend. The CL and SS modes are the main reason for me to get NCAA/Madden as i doubt i'll can get over the franchise problems to really enjoy it.

[Ironhead]

In my dynasty I just started recruiting a punter who ran a 4.22 in the 40. :eek:

It would be kind of interesting to have a player handling punting and kick returning duties. :D

[Richard Weed]

HA, sorry I couldn't connect to you. Really weird.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Some interesting sales numbers for NCAA Football 2008. The PS3 version of the game actually sold more units per installed consoles than the Xbox 360. Pretty amazing considering the PS3 version was the inferior version of the game with the frame rate issue.

Rank Software Title Platform July Total

1 NCAA Football 2008 Xbox 360............ 516,875
4 NCAA Football 2008 PS2................... 258,316

[MizzouRah]

Some interesting sales numbers for NCAA Football 2008. The PS3 version of the game actually sold more units per installed consoles than the Xbox 360. Pretty amazing considering the PS3 version was the inferior version of the game with the frame rate issue.

Rank Software Title Platform July Total

1 NCAA Football 2008 Xbox 360............ 516,875
4 NCAA Football 2008 PS2................... 258,316

Considering the lack of quality titles for the ps3, what did you expect?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Considering the lack of quality titles for the ps3, what did you expect?

I don't think it speaks to the titles by any means. There's a good game coming out for the PS3 just about every week for the next 3 months at this point. I think it speaks more to how blind the general consumer base is to some of the problems in these EA games. Certainly shows that marketing will overcome lousy development.

[Eaglesfan27]

ROFL. I'd love to see your list of "good games" coming out every week for the next 3 months for the PS3.

[gstelmack]

ROFL. I'd love to see your list of "good games" coming out every week for the next 3 months for the PS3.

This is why I don't respond in the other thread, but now it comes here. He managed to turn the "PS3 is selling way fewer copies of Madden" into a good spin for Sony, when all it really means is those folks are starved for anything to play on it. The Playstation has always had a strong sports gaming component, and the Xbox 360 folks have a ton of other games to play. The numbers still show that there are far more Madden fans with 360s than there are with PS3s...

[KWhit]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v684/KWhit/Bob.jpg

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

This is why I don't respond in the other thread, but now it comes here. He managed to turn the "PS3 is selling way fewer copies of Madden" into a good spin for Sony, when all it really means is those folks are starved for anything to play on it. The Playstation has always had a strong sports gaming component, and the Xbox 360 folks have a ton of other games to play. The numbers still show that there are far more Madden fans with 360s than there are with PS3s...

I'm totally confused here. I haven't made a post anywhere about Madden sales figures. The only post I made in this thread was my surprise that PS3 owners weren't disuaded by the fact that the PS3 football games were running at a lower frame rate and seem to have purchased the game at the same percenage as 360 owners did. That was a statement as to my relative shock at the sales figures, not any promotion of the PS3 in any way. I expected the adoption rate to be less on the PS3.

I'd also add that I wasn't the one to bring the console war into the discussion. I was talking only about the game.

[Eaglesfan27]

Some huge leaps of faith on that list to call them good games.. I'm willing to bet that Lair is going to be a big flop in comparision to the expectations.

[gstelmack]

So one thing that the discussion of the announcers in Madden made me remember to comment on here: I actually think it's cool that there is almost no announcer commentary during the high school games, that when I play some podunk Division II school there is just a generic PA announcer, and that when I play another well-known school it's the full ESPN crew. I was realising this when my South Florida Bulls played Louisiana-Monroe and Louisiana-Lafayette and had the boring guy, but when we played UNC or Rutgers or Louisville, etc we get the full crew.

Actually a kind of nice touch.

[Pumpy Tudors]

So one thing that the discussion of the announcers in Madden made me remember to comment on here: I actually think it's cool that there is almost no announcer commentary during the high school games, that when I play some podunk Division II school there is just a generic PA announcer, and that when I play another well-known school it's the full ESPN crew. I was realising this when my South Florida Bulls played Louisiana-Monroe and Louisiana-Lafayette and had the boring guy, but when we played UNC or Rutgers or Louisville, etc we get the full crew.

Actually a kind of nice touch.
Yep, it's been this way in the game for at least a couple of years now. You only get the ESPN crew when it's a televised game. For me, playing as Memphis, it helps keep the commentary from getting stale any faster. It's pretty much the same commentary as the past 3 or 4 years, but at least I'm not hearing it every single game. Of course, if I were playing as a bigger football school, I'd hear it much more often and might even be tempted to turn it off. Still, I get what EA was trying to do here, and I agree that it's a nice touch.

[astrosfan64]

I can't take Lee Corso

[Richard Weed]

The commentary at times is off by about a play. This is usually after there was a challenge and I skipped through the numerous replays. It also happens when I pick my play immediately (within 2 seconds) and hurry up to the line and they're still talking about the last play's formation.

[Radii]

So I gave up on ever learning to be a QB in this game, and decided to play another CL career as a running back, this time at Arkansas just to blow everyone away. I got really good in practice pretty quickly, and about 5 weeks into the season I take over from McFadden as the starter, 99 overall rating, 99 speed, everything in 90s of course.

Our first game? FCS SE, the poor no-skill division I-AA school. Every time I carried the ball I scored a touchdown, no matter where on the field I was. Break 1 tackle and outrun everyone else. 6 carries, 314 yards, 6 TDs.... Dont' forget the passing game though! 3 receptions, 74 yards, 2 TDs. One catch my momentum took me out of bounds immediately. Oh yeah, we were winning 77-7 at the half, I didn't play any the second half, those are 1st half numbers only.

Nice way to start a career i guess, I should be breaking about every record there is, though I'm looking forward to games against LSU and UGA and the like to see how I do against good teams w/ these ratings.

[kingnebwsu]

Good luck with CL mode as a RB. My QB has been downright awful and despite my 250 yds/game average out of the backfield, Ohio State won't be making a bowl game (mostly due to the QB's awful INT...4-5/game).

[Icy]

I have been a dominant QB so far in my CL. I created a scrambling one, had crap High School playoffs (lost in the first game) and signed for Miami as the 5th QB (with only 71 overal ratings). In my freshman season i just trained and was the kick holder until got the starting spot in the last game of the season (raising my ratings to 86). In my sophomore season I was the starter and I have break all the rushing records but were just average on passing (my coach call option plays most of the time).

- Had one game with 385 rushing yards and 5 rushing TD plus 8 / 15 for 1 passing TD.

- My longest run for TD was a 87 yards one.

- Ran for 2085 yards that season being the top rusher, above all the RB's in the NCAA.

- Also had a crap record being the most sacked QB in the NCAA, they really put a lot of pressure and i need to read better the blitzes.

The bad news is that despite my incredible rushing numbers, even more for a QB, we were 5-7 that season that is really dissapointing for Miami.

I'm going to start my junior season (rated 92) now and probably will declare for the draft after it. I'm really looking forward to see how can do a QB like this in the NFL without the option plays (M.Vick?).

My next CL will be probably in the defensive side, a MLB.

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Here is one handling the pressure in the pocket:

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[MizzouRah]

Allright, I kept NCAA and APF - Madden went back today for a deposit on NHL 08.

What's the consensus for quarter lenghts for NCAA?

[nilodor]

Allright, I kept NCAA and APF - Madden went back today for a deposit on NHL 08.

What's the consensus for quarter lenghts for NCAA?


I've been playing with 7 minute quarters. It seems to give good results and I have also seen other people mention they are using 7 as well.

[Ironhead]

I have been using 8 minutes and have been pretty happy with the results. Total number of plays will be a little light - probably averaging about 110 to 120 between the two teams with the CPU generally running more plays than I do. It's working for me though.

[mh2365]

CL is an absolute joke ... you can take a 60 overall player and turn him into a 90 overall player by the end of the first year ..just way too easy

[MizzouRah]

Thanks guys! I think I'll go with 8 for now to see how that plays out.

[Eaglesfan27]

I've been going with 8 as well, although I use a few minutes of quick sim each game to boost the number of plays to a more realistic number.

[gstelmack]

I restarted my CL deciding to be a QB instead of RB, looking ahead at the possibility of importing him into Madden. I was also getting tired of an O-Line that leaked like a sieve, so this time I accepted as West Virginia's QB.

Season 1 ended with us #3. I took over halfway through, but by then we had lost our opener to Western Michigan :confused: which kept us out of the National Championship game.

I've switched to the INT 100 / KNOCKDOWN 0 sliders and am having a lot of fun. I can actually whip a pass past a LB who is running the other way without him turning around and grabbing it from midair. I've also seen completions go through the hands of a defender going for the pick. MUCH nicer. Threw behind a receiver and he made a sliding catch while leaning back. Really cool.

Just started season 2, and had to fight for #1 on the depth chart again. I was a 98 overall, but the senior was now a 99. Didn't take long, but was still interesting.

[Eaglesfan27]

I've switched to the INT 100 / KNOCKDOWN 0 sliders and am having a lot of fun. I can actually whip a pass past a LB who is running the other way without him turning around and grabbing it from midair.


Hmm, I'm happy with the high knockdown, low interception settings as the QB's have generally been throwing only a few per game and if I'm careful I can avoid too many picks, but I've heard enough people say that this setting works better that I should give it a try tonight. Did you lower defensive awareness or make any other changes?

[CraigSca]

Hmm, I'm happy with the high knockdown, low interception settings as the QB's have generally been throwing only a few per game and if I'm careful I can avoid too many picks, but I've heard enough people say that this setting works better that I should give it a try tonight. Did you lower defensive awareness or make any other changes?

I'd love to hear your experience with this, EF - give it a go and report back! :)

[Eaglesfan27]

I'd love to hear your experience with this, EF - give it a go and report back! :)

I'm about to go play a game now, but I'm going to go with low INT and low knockdown settings. I never really gave that enough of a chance.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'd love to hear your experience with this, EF - give it a go and report back! :)


2 games were a mixed bag. CPU only threw 2 picks the first game, but Cal's QB threw 4 in the 2nd game. Yet, Cal beat me and I love that the middle of the field feels like more of a viable option than before I lowered the knockdown slider. I'm going to keep it at 5 which is what I used these 2 games.

[gstelmack]

Hmm, I'm happy with the high knockdown, low interception settings as the QB's have generally been throwing only a few per game and if I'm careful I can avoid too many picks, but I've heard enough people say that this setting works better that I should give it a try tonight. Did you lower defensive awareness or make any other changes?

I had defensive awareness down to 25. Just too many guys reacting too quickly to the ball. With awareness at 25, INT at 0, and Knockdowns up a bit (60 I think), I still had too many defenders breaking on the ball way too fast and picking it off. Way too many throws where my guy was wide open (I thought, even after reviewing the play) but a defender made an inhuman break to get to the ball.

With INT at 100 and Knockdowns at 0 (and defensive awareness still at 25), I am seeing far more realistic coverages and reactions to passes. Balls thrown into coverage still get knocked down and are incomplete, safeties staring at you still make great breaks on the ball, but LBs no longer super-leap, beat CBs no longer speed boost to get ahead of the receiver to pick the ball off, etc. I've played 3 games with this, thrown 2 picks, still hovering around 60% completions, and generally have a much more fun and realistic passing game.

Basically, the theory proposed in the Madden thread is holding true for me. It appears that the Knockdown setting gives defenders super-human abilities that ruin the passing game.

[Pumpy Tudors]

My concern about the defensive awareness being low is that I think it made the running game too easy for me. Linebackers and cornerbacks would generally not step up to make a tackle until my RB had already crossed the line of scrimmage. That's fine on an inside run, but on a sweep play or a QB scramble, it's a little too easy to gain yardage.

I haven't played the game for a couple of weeks, but I'm thinking of bumping awareness up to 50 or maybe even higher, and I'll see if that affects the passing game much.

[Ironhead]

This is how I have everything setup right now.

When I am offense I have the difficulty level on All-American to give the game more of an "open" feeling.

All-American Diff.

HUM OFF CPU DEF
QB Accuracy 50 Awareness 50
Pass Blocking 60 Knockdowns 30
WR Catching 50 Interceptions 25
RB Ability 50 Break Block 50
Run Blocking 50 Tackling 50

Whenever the CPU goes on offense I bump the difficulty level up to Heisman. I find that there really is no comparision between the Heisman AI and the All-American AI as far as the CPU's offensive playcalling and decision making is concerned.

Heisman Diff.

CPU OFF HUM DEF
QB Accuracy 35 Awareness 5
Pass Blocking 20 Knockdowns 0
WR Catching 20 Interceptions 0
RB Ability 60 Break Block 50
Run Blocking 55 Tackling 65

I have yet to have anyone take me up on trying the game this way. Pausing the game to change the difficulty level only takes about 6 seconds but I guess it is too irritating for people.

[Eaglesfan27]

My concern about the defensive awareness being low is that I think it made the running game too easy for me. Linebackers and cornerbacks would generally not step up to make a tackle until my RB had already crossed the line of scrimmage. That's fine on an inside run, but on a sweep play or a QB scramble, it's a little too easy to gain yardage.

I haven't played the game for a couple of weeks, but I'm thinking of bumping awareness up to 50 or maybe even higher, and I'll see if that affects the passing game much.

That is my main concern as well. With D Awareness at 50, I think the run defense is just right. I might give 40 a try just to see how it works out with knockdowns and int's both low.

[GoldenEagle]

I got the game on Friday and have been having a blast with it. My friend and I played online and I managed to beat him with a last second field goal, 24-21. We both only threw 1 pick each, so I have not been having a huge problem with that. My passing game improved when i start making smarter reads and not forcing the ball in. I also kept it short and simple. I will call a play that always has one deep option, and if that is not there, I will hit a guy running on an under for a 5-6 yard pick up.

When I start my dynasty, I want the game to be as realistic as possible. What are my options in that regard?

[gstelmack]

I'm not having problems with run defense with awareness at 25. Mostly because my O-Line is a sieve. I've got a stud RB on the team who gets his yards, but much of it (especially this season) is very Barry Sanders-like with lots of 2 and 3 yard losses, a few 10-12 yard gains (usually when the defense is sitting back in a nickel zone), and the occasional bust-a-big-one. It feels like a college running game.

Much of the reason he makes good yardage is breaking tackles, not because someone wasn't there to get him. The dude is elusive as all get out.

[gstelmack]

I've stopped paying any attention to the "player to watch" bit of the pregame. They keep making stupid decisions, like picking the former starting QB that I passed on the depth chart and so is no longer starting, or the RB that is out for several weeks, or other decisions that make no sense at all.

[MizzouRah]

Well, I gave it a chance.. but I'm just not feeling it. Oh well, plenty of good games out there.

[dawgfan]

For those that have been playing in dynasty mode for a while, any recruiting tips? Or can you point me to any tips you've seen online (other than liberal use of the save feature to re-do a week after figuring out exactly what pitches to use on a prospect :rolleyes: )?

For a game with as detailed a dynasty mode as this has, it floors me that their game manual is so ridiculously small and lacking in info.

I've played something like 8 seasons now in a strictly simmed dynasty, starting with Idaho and after getting them respectable accepting an offer from Nebraska. I thought I was doing a reasonable job of recruiting for Idaho, and was excited taking over Nebraska since the strength of most of my pitches was so much higher (some "Elite" ratings, some "Excellent" ratings, lots of "Great" and "Very Good"). My first full season with Nebraska, I had a number of 5 and 4 star recruits very interested, and got nearly all of them to take visits (all of which were rated B or higher - all Nebraska wins) but couldn't get any of them to commit in-season. Then I watched in horror as several of them committed elsewhere in-season before I could use Promises on them (my integrity rating is maxed-out, so it carries significant weight I found).

My strategy has been to find the pitches that a recruit values "Most" and the two "Very High" and hard sell them, matching up my highest pitch rating with the top pitch factor for the recruit. I figured out quickly that sometimes the recruit will just let you pitch for many minutes and start to get pissed-off and not get to the "Pitch sold" (or whatever it's called) stage, so if a pitch is running long I try to end it before he goes from the toothy smile to the grin. Then, if a recruit is "ready" for a visit, as soon as I have his top 3 pitches identified I'll schedule a visit (unless it's a home game I don't think I'll win). I also fill up my recruiting board and have all 35 spots filled with prospects, and have them ordered generally in my order of preference.

I obviously can't contact all 35 prospects every week in my 10 minute allotment (at least the way I go about recruiting, maybe I'm doing something wrong), so I focus on the top of my list. Then, when recruits are ready for visits, I focus on those guys to make sure I've identified their "Most" and 2 "Very High" pitches before I schedule their visit.

My questions are:
- Does the order of your listed recruits matter? Will I have a better chance, all things being equal, of landing a guy if he's #1 on the list as opposed to #35?
- In my searching online to find some recruiting strategy help (mostly a failure) I did see a comment claiming that once you have a recruit at full toothy smile you don't need to hard pitch him anymore - true? I tend to find this unlikely...
- How do I maximize my chances of in-season commitments? Should I be holding off on scheduling visits until my recruits have a full or near-full interest meter bar? Do I risk seeing them commit elsewhere if I'm not the first visit on their list?
- Should I spend more time each week on my highest rated prospects? I usually try to do no more than 2 identify pitches per player in the early weeks so I can contact as many of them as possible early on. I'm obviously looking to find good pitch matches and hard sell them on those until they are at full toothy smile happiness. Once I have them at that point and have one or more good pitch matches, I'll hard sell them on one pitch each week. Is this helping fill up their interest level meter for my school?
- How do you move your school past the other schools they are interested in? Obviously the recruiting visits give you a boost if they are good visits, but maybe I'm having those visits too early in the season because I'm not getting in-season commitments. Should I be spending a lot of time each week on a few recruits, will that significantly bump up my standing with them?

Thanks for any help you guys might have. I'm enjoying NCAA '08 as a stand-in fix for my need for an NCAA football sim until Jim puts out TCY2, but there's not a lot of information out there that I can find on how to improve your chances in dynasty mode.

[Eaglesfan27]

First answers to your questions:

I've heard it confirmed, and I have seen evidence that the order of recruits definitely matters. If you put a guy #1, you are much more likely to land him then if he is 35th on your list.

- Not true. You need to hard pitch recruits every week. If you stop recruiting a player before he is a hard verbal, you can lose him. I've lost some very good recruits, because I got sloppy late in the season. If I want a guy, I make sure to hard pitch him at least one pitch every single week until he signs. Also, if you cancel the pitch before it finishes, it doesn't count. I only cancel if a guy is about to hang up on me.

- I think the question of when to have them visit is tricky. You get the best results from the biggest rivalry games, but if you wait until the end of the season to have a guy visit, you risk a chance of having him sign with another school. Therefore, I don't think there is a hard and fast rule. I generally have guys visit as soon as they are ready to visit, and once I've revealed their top 3 priorities.

- For recruits that I really want, the best recruits, I hard pitch them 2 or 3 times each week. Of course, this uses up an hour or so on them. Therefore, I only recruit the top 10 or so guys on my list most of the year. I go for quality over quantity, but since I'm using USC, I can usually get some decent guys late even coming in late once my top 10 sign. This probably isn't the best way to do things, but it generally works for me. If I'm top on a guy's list, then I'll usually drop to just 1 hard pitch that week.

Those are a few of my tips. Of course, using USC helps since they are great in everything (Except for early playing time usually), but I think that they will work for most schools if you can get guys who value the things that your school is good at.

[CamEdwards]

I just bought this game today (the kids have Halo 3, I have NCAA '08)... just wondering if any of you who might still be playing this game regularly are still using the sliders mentioned above.

After reading through this thread, is the consensus to play on AA, with INT at 100 and knockdowns at 0? I'll experiment with the defensive awareness, but are y'all leaving the other options (QB Accuracy, Pass Blocking, etc.) alone?

[Eaglesfan27]

I just bought this game today (the kids have Halo 3, I have NCAA '08)... just wondering if any of you who might still be playing this game regularly are still using the sliders mentioned above.

After reading through this thread, is the consensus to play on AA, with INT at 100 and knockdowns at 0? I'll experiment with the defensive awareness, but are y'all leaving the other options (QB Accuracy, Pass Blocking, etc.) alone?


I don't think there is a consensus. I'm playing with Interceptions at 0, Knockdowns at 5 and with CPU QB Accuracy up to 55. Some games, I get 3-5 interceptions with USC's secondary. other games against better QB's it is 1-3. Although, I had a game last night where a good CPU QB only threw 1 pick at the very end of the game.

[CamEdwards]

Thanks, EF. I managed to play the high school playoffs in my CL career while the twins were napping today. I haven't messed with any of the settings so far, and haven't noticed any real problems, but then again I haven't actually played a college game yet.

[Grammaticus]

It's a fumble fest if you sprint all of the time.

[CamEdwards]

I did have three fumbles in one of my high school games, but I'm not sure if it was because I was trying to sprint through a crowd of tacklers or because I kept trying to hand off the ball to a non-existant teammate. :P

I'm still trying to get used to the 360 controller.

[Mike1409]

Interesting article on a conferece call with EA Sports and their vision.

http://www.pastapadre.com/1758/recap-of-conference-call-with-ea-sports-president-peter-moore#comment-5091

[gstelmack]

You know what's cool? Having your freshman running back play an integral role in taking Wisconsin to 12-0, including an OT win over #17 Ohio State and a blowout win over #2 Michigan (for some reason my defense decided to show up for that game).

You know what's frustrating? Getting #3 in the BCS to 13-0 Virginia Tech when you both end up with a 0.922 rating. Either it went beyond that many decimal places, or they won a tiebreaker somewhere. We were #2 in the coach's poll with lots of first-place votes, while they were #2 in the media poll with lots of first-place votes. They got to play USC for the national title.

You know what's cool? Eeking out an OT win over #5 Hawaii in the Rose Bowl.

You know what's frustrating? Having your starting Center graduate after that season, and the best replacement they can land is a 55-rated freshman that can single-handedly derail your Heisman hopes, especially when you start your sophomore season as a pre-season All-American and on the Heisman watch list.

I'm having a ton of fun still with Campus Legend. My QB is ready for Madden Superstar mode, now I'm working up a RB.

[Eaglesfan27]

Apparently a patch is out for NCAA Football 08 for the PS3 and one will be released on the 360 as soon as Microsoft finishes approving it (probably within 2 weeks.) Most sites have no idea what it does, but according to pasta padre's site it addresses 3 big gameplay issues:

- Fumble Chance has been tuned to more realistic values and logic. Fumbling has been tuned to occur during more realistic scenarios such as big hits and collisions.

- Defense Secondary aggressive coverage has been addressed. Defensive players AI has been better tuned for only certain percentile of defensive backs have the ability to make aggressive moves that are effective.

- Pass Lead Tuning on Lob passes has been improved. The user has the ability to lead receivers with lob passes now.


No fix for the depth chart bug, but if these 3 changes are significant, I'll be thrilled with NCAA's gameplay. I'm looking forward to playing this game more after the patch is released on the 360 to see if the changes are really noticable.

[MizzouRah]

A ps3 patch released before one on the 360? What is this world coming to?

[bhlloy]

I'm still having a ton of fun in dynasty mode with this game, but it's getting too easy with all the CPU drive killing interceptions. I'm reluctant to jack the difficulty level up to the hardest because then it just becomes a turnover fest. My scrub free safeties keep winning the defensive player of the year award as well.

If this patch does what it advertises, I'll be ecstatic. Probably start over with a team that isn't in California (too easy to get recruits - 4 years in I have SDSU competing for a national title)

[Groundhog]

If fixed as advertised I'll drop the cash for this title.

[CraigSca]

Oh baby - after seeing the patch for Madden, I've been waiting for this!

[Icy]

If it's true, i'll be in dreams as the game is realy fun, my only problems are the computer ints and the super DB's that the patch seems to fix.
Downloading it right now from the PS Network.

[Groundhog]

Icy, please let us know your thoughts after a couple of games.

[Icy]

Icy, please let us know your thoughts after a couple of games.

Sorry, it said downloading 2 patches when i connected to the PSN, but i have not been able to try the game after that. My 7 days old baby is eating all my time right now. Slowly we are being more and more organized so probably will be able to try it during the weekend.

[Kodos]

I wouldn't get my hopes up too much until we start getting some positive opinions of the patch. EA saying they fixed things just doesn't hold much water right now.

[Eaglesfan27]

Hmm.. on pastapadre's website he says that he has been told today that the patch that was recently released for the PS3 will not be coming out on the 360 at any point. Apparently, this is due to "technical conflicts"

http://www.pastapadre.com/1828/ncaa-football-08-gets-a-patch-of-its-own

[CraigSca]

Wow, that absolutely stinks and is completely non-sensical to me.

[Eaglesfan27]

Wow, that absolutely stinks and is completely non-sensical to me.

I agree on both points. I'm hoping he is mistaken, but his information is usually accurate.

[Raiders Army]

meh. I'm liking NCAA and it doesn't seem that broken to me.

[CamEdwards]

I am too, but what's the deal with some schools having generic stadiums? I've seen at least Duke and Idaho use the same generic bowl.

[Grammaticus]

The fumbles are atrocious

[Eaglesfan27]

Multiple people on OS are saying that the PS3 version has toned down interceptions (including CPU thrown interceptions) and that part of the patch is very noticable. That is all I wanted for the 360 version. With that, I think this would have been a great game. I can tone down interceptions with sliders, but I have to make such drastic changes that it hampers all aspects of our defense.

[Kodos]

So basically there is no version with reasonable fumbles/ints AND that runs at 60 fps? Nice.

[Eaglesfan27]

About a half hour ago, I posted my first thread on the official EA Sports forum ever. I asked about why the patch was being released on the PS3 and not the 360. I'm guessing my thread is going to be deleted, but we'll see what happens. So far, it has been up for a half hour and only 6 other people have viewed it.

[Ironhead]

I sold this a couple of weeks ago. I had some fun in my Colorado State dynasty but to be frank after playing a few other games on the 360 I quickly realized how much time I was spending convincing myself that I like NCAA. Again, it's not a bad game but not as fun as many of the other sports and non-sports options on the system.

[Mike Lowe]

Thanks for the info everyone.

What is the deal with the Madden patch? I didn't even hear about it until patch talk started in this thread but I can't really find any info on the Madden patch success rate.

I have PS3 FYI, so I'd be interested to here about a Madden patch for PS3. Thanks!

[Kodos]

Thanks for the info everyone.

What is the deal with the Madden patch? I didn't even hear about it until patch talk started in this thread but I can't really find any info on the Madden patch success rate.

I have PS3 FYI, so I'd be interested to here about a Madden patch for PS3. Thanks!

http://forums.operationsports.com/vBulletin/showthread.php?t=226680

[Mike Lowe]

That's a long thread! Anyone have the latest? I'm dying for a football gaming fix to go along with FOF (NCAA or Madden).

What's been done with these 2 titles?

[Pumpy Tudors]

What's been done with these 2 titles?
Probably not enough for somebody with a "Down With EA" signature.

[Mike Lowe]

ha, forgot about that. I just wish there was a good console football game with a franchise mode (aka not NFL2k8).

[MizzouRah]

No competition = no good

[Eaglesfan27]

FWIW, Shawn Drotar, who also reportedly has some EA contacts just posted on OS that there is still a chance that a patch will be released for the 360 version. Yesterday, it looked like there was no chance, but today this has changed. He also said we would probably know within the week whether or not a 360 patch will be released.



http://forums.operationsports.com/vBulletin/showthread.php?t=227048&page=5

[Mike Lowe]

I agree competition is good Miz. 2k8 has no franchise mode which does not interest me.

[Kodos]

Yep. The exclusive license has been terrible for console football players. Please, NFL, go back to the multiple licenses model.

[Icy]

The deep pass works now after the PS3 patch, i just burned the defense in a new legend mode i started as QB:

<embed src='http://www.brightcove.tv/playerswf' bgcolor='#FFFFFF' flashVars='allowFullScreen=true&initVideoId=1287072617&servicesURL=http://www.brightcove.tv&viewerSecureGatewayURL=https://www.brightcove.tv&cdnURL=http://admin.brightcove.com&autoStart=false' base='http://admin.brightcove.com' name='bcPlayer' width='486' height='412' allowFullScreen='true' allowScriptAccess='always' seamlesstabbing='false' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' swLiveConnect='true' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash'></embed>

[Eaglesfan27]

Icy, does it seem like the CPU is throwing less interceptions?

[Icy]

Icy, does it seem like the CPU is throwing less interceptions?

I don't know yet as i was playing in legend mode as QB, will try a full game now.

Btw, i just threw another bomb in a legend mode career I had saved as MIA QB. It has definetly been tuned up, a tap in the pass buttons leads to an high pass while in the past i could only throw bullets.

<embed src='http://www.brightcove.tv/playerswf' bgcolor='#FFFFFF' flashVars='allowFullScreen=true&initVideoId=1285265635&servicesURL=http://www.brightcove.tv&viewerSecureGatewayURL=https://www.brightcove.tv&cdnURL=http://admin.brightcove.com&autoStart=false' base='http://admin.brightcove.com' name='bcPlayer' width='486' height='412' allowFullScreen='true' allowScriptAccess='always' seamlesstabbing='false' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' swLiveConnect='true' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash'></embed>

[Icy]

Umm still seing the same kind of ints thrown by the CPU, where the DB turns back to intercept the ball like if he had eyes in his back while the receiver keeps running a couple of yards instead of cutting back to catch the ball.

[CraigSca]

Woot! According to pastapadre.com, there WILL be a patch for the 360, rumored to be released in early December.

[Mike Lowe]

Ok, I picked this game up again for PS3 after hearing some things had been patched. Now I cannot find a roster file to get the names changed? I searched that digital madden site or whatever and operation sports and all I see are some midseason rosters which haven't gotten much discussion going. Anyone know what's the latest on new rosters or where the old ones are at?

[Raiders Army]

hxxp://www.ncaastrategies.com/index.php?page=rosters&Itemid=41

[Mike Lowe]

Thanks Raiders. Now does anyone know where the coaches name thread went? Maddenmania is dead and not even the forums at digitalmadden have it via search. Also, how the hell DO you actually edit the coaches names I forget?

[Raiders Army]

Got me on the coaches.

[Emiliano]

Thanks Raiders. Now does anyone know where the coaches name thread went? Maddenmania is dead and not even the forums at digitalmadden have it via search. Also, how the hell DO you actually edit the coaches names I forget?

Here you go. (http://www.sendspace.com/file/guhja7) Don't remember where I got it, probably on MM or OS. As for editing, you have to input 'em all manually before starting a dynasty.

[Mike Lowe]

Thanks!

[Eaglesfan27]

Woot! According to pastapadre.com, there WILL be a patch for the 360, rumored to be released in early December.

Excellent. Some people are reporting quite a reduction in interceptions on the PS3 with the patch. If this patch truly reduces the interceptions, It will become one of my most played games again.

[CraigSca]

Yeah, it'll be a whole new "playable" game for me!

[Phototropic]

I'm going to be scared to try a patch for fear of not being able to stop any passes on defense. I've been fortunate enough to avoid any of the issues wih INTs. The last 3 games I've played neither team has thrown one.

[Mike Lowe]

I forget so someone please remind me...

Do rivalries change in this game? I'm starting with Idaho and am hoping to develop a few new rivals (either replacing or adding to the 2 I already have) in hopes of having more big games for recruits to visit.

[Eaglesfan27]

No rivalries are static in the game and 2 is the max number any school can have.

[Mike Lowe]

At least in the PS3 version, many schools have 3-4 rivalries ie Michigan:
Minnesota
Ohio St.
Michigan St.
Notre Dame

[Eaglesfan27]

I guess I'm mistaken then. I thought I remember reading that 2 was the max.

[ice4277]

At least in the PS3 version, many schools have 3-4 rivalries ie Michigan:
Minnesota
Ohio St.
Michigan St.
Notre Dame

That Minnesota one is a head-scratcher.

[BYU 14]

At least in the PS3 version, many schools have 3-4 rivalries ie Michigan:
Minnesota
Ohio St.
Michigan St.
Notre Dame

BYU has only two
Utah
Utah State

But Hawaii and Wyoming consider us rival as well, which is weird since Hawaii hasn't been on the yearly schedule for like 9-10 Seasons now.

[gstelmack]

At least in the PS3 version, many schools have 3-4 rivalries ie Michigan:
Minnesota
Ohio St.
Michigan St.
Notre Dame

Yeah, taking West Virginia on the 360 was an easy route to Legend status, as there are 4 or 5 rivals every season that are very winnable...

[dawgfan]

I'm rather shocked that Oregon isn't a rivalry game for Washington - that's nearly as big a rivalry as the Washington-Washington State one. Too bad too, because in the dynasty I'm running, Oregon is horrible (as is WSU).

[sooner333]

Missouri is a rival of OU's in the game, don't really understand that one.

[astrosfan64]

Was the 360 patch released?

[Young Drachma]

BYU has only two
Utah
Utah State

But Hawaii and Wyoming consider us rival as well, which is weird since Hawaii hasn't been on the yearly schedule for like 9-10 Seasons now.

Oh boy, do they. Those games are quite spirited.

I remember two years ago at the BYU-Wyoming game that was here...there were (imagine that) two drunk kids in front of us, who were screaming "FU BYU" only, the f and u were actually said (as most of the student section did...) and well, at one point, Jovon Bouknight, probably the best player to come through here in a long time (and no, that's not saying much..but at a better school, he'd have been awesome to watch) made this ridiculous catch because Corey Bramlet -- the QB at the time -- threw a bad pass to him as usual that he adjusted to get.

Well, the drunk guys go through their normal routine and then, my friend goes "Bouknight for Heisman!" and the drunk guys go "yeah, Bouknight for Heisman!"

Then they took it a step further "Bouknight for President!"

Then after another first down and the students screaming "FU BYU!", then say it too and then they think, look at themselves and seemingly like they'd just solved a tough mathematical equation go,

"Bouknight for Jesus!"

Then they give each other a high-five.

[Eaglesfan27]

Several sites are reporting the 360 version of the patch for NCAA Football will be released this Friday.

[CraigSca]

Yeah, baby! Been playing a lot of this lately - looking forward to this!

[Eaglesfan27]

Many people on OS are reporting the 360 version of the patch is actually out now. I'll be giving it a try tomorrow night to see for myself.

[cartman]

Many people on OS are reporting the 360 version of the patch is actually out now. I'll be giving it a try tomorrow night to see for myself.

Yep, I can confirm it is out. I just fired up my 360, and it downloaded an update when I started NCAA. No info readily available on what was addressed, but I'm sure people will put it through the paces and report back on what they find.

[CraigSca]

I played one game of my dynasty, and unfortunately, the game was played in a huge snowstorm. Needless to say I saw a few fumbles and a couple of interceptions so I didn't notice a difference post-patch. Then again, the weather may have been the culprit.

[Balldog]

Great, I might have to buy this game again, used this time.

Can't believe it took them 5 months to release a patch.

[Balldog]

Dola, the patch doesn't fix the player models and post play celebrations does it?

Player models - Offensive linemen with beer guts
Post Play Celebrations - RB gets a 1 yard carry then jumps around like he won the Super Bowl or something.

[gstelmack]

Dola, the patch doesn't fix the player models and post play celebrations does it?

Player models - Offensive linemen with beer guts
Post Play Celebrations - RB gets a 1 yard carry then jumps around like he won the Super Bowl or something.

I'm not sure why you think either one is unrealistic?

:D

[bhlloy]

Dola, the patch doesn't fix the player models and post play celebrations does it?

Player models - Offensive linemen with beer guts
Post Play Celebrations - RB gets a 1 yard carry then jumps around like he won the Super Bowl or something.

The second one drives me crazy but I've come to accept it as part of the game by now.

So... can anyone report on exactly what this patch has fixed? If I'm now able to play at a higher difficulty level without 6 INT's a game, it's new dynasty time :)

[Eaglesfan27]

The main issues that the patch is supposed to have fixed:

- Fumble Chance has been tuned to more realistic values and logic. Fumbling has been tuned to occur during more realistic scenarios such as big hits and collisions.

- Defense Secondary aggressive coverage has been addressed. Defensive players AI has been better tuned for only certain percentile of defensive backs have the ability to make aggressive moves that are effective.

- Pass Lead Tuning on Lob passes has been improved. The user has the ability to lead receivers with lob passes now.

[bhlloy]

This sounds promising. Thanks!

[bhlloy]

Started a new dynasty, 3 plays in to the first game my center disappears and I can't snap the ball. Tried a few things to get him back, but no luck. Even if I change teams he's still gone and the CPU just takes endless delay of game penalties.

Reading the initial thoughts on operation sports it seems like nothing got fixed anyway. Back on the shelf it goes I guess.

[Balldog]

WTF. This game has always been an automatic purchase for me, but I think I'm done for a while. What I find so amazing is how EA always seems to have to restart their games and take away features when going from old generation to new generation. Meanwhile 2K builds on what they had and puts out an even better game, not taking a step back.

[Grammaticus]

I played a few post patch games of NCAA. All in all, I think the patch fixed some things. I noticed there seemed to be a pretty drastic decrease in fumbles, which is a very good thing. There also seemed to be a decrease in interceptions (which was much less of an issue than fumbles). I noticed that DBs tended to not immediately turn around and make a play on the ball if they were not already looking back. I also noticed less of a superman move on the ball by players who were out of position or moving the other way at the time the ball is thrown. The down side appears to be that fumbles and interceptions are still too frequent during fast sims. At least that is what it looks like to me after playing about 4 games post patch.

The decrease in fumbles has made the whole thing experience much better for me. I know I have only played four games, but if the experience is consistent over time, then I am pretty happy with the patch.

[Bee]

Fumbles are definitely down for me.

[Blade6119]

Really stupid question, but i cant figure out how to play a game with two humans on the same team...can anyone help me out? My roomate and I want to run a dynasty together, but when we start a game it will only allow one user to be on that team...any ideas?

[Eaglesfan27]

For me, Fumbles are way down. Interceptions are slightly down, not as much as I'd like, but it's a bit improved. Also, it seems to me that the option pitch goes offline a bit more, but that could be my imagination. The biggest improvement is that the lob pass is easy to do now and the CPU even uses it at times. That makes a huge difference in the enjoyment for me, although I may need to readjust sliders a bit as passing is almost too easy for me now. Still, this patch has improved the gameplay enough to make this my top option for console football again.

[Bee]

For me, Fumbles are way down. Interceptions are slightly down, not as much as I'd like, but it's a bit improved. Also, it seems to me that the option pitch goes offline a bit more, but that could be my imagination. The biggest improvement is that the lob pass is easy to do now and the CPU even uses it at times. That makes a huge difference in the enjoyment for me, although I may need to readjust sliders a bit as passing is almost too easy for me now. Still, this patch has improved the gameplay enough to make this my top option for console football again.

I'm still having a lot of interceptions in some games, but I probably need to do some tweaking of the sliders.

I also noticed the option pitch being offline more often when the QB gets hit right when he pitches it than previously. I think it's a nice tweak and doesn't seem to be too aggressive of a change.

[gstelmack]

I'm still getting a fair number of fumbles. It looks like they may have tweaked when they happen, but I'm not sure the count has gone down from what I've seen before. My big issue with this is not so much the number of fumbles, but that the vast majority are recovered by the other team. I see something like 1-in-8 recovered by the fumbling team. I think that's the bigger problem than the actual fumble count.

[Grammaticus]

I also noticed the lob pass seemed to work better. But I need to try that a little more. I am so accustomed to finding an open lane and rifling the ball in as that was the only way to get it past the LBs pre patch.

I probably need to try it in practice mode some and generally recondition myself to start using lob more.

[cartman]

I really like the way the lob pass works with wheel routes. You lob it out there and the receiver runs up underneath it, just like in real life.

[gstelmack]

Yeah, I'm finally dropping balls over DBs and into my WRs arms post-patch. Very sweet!

[Eaglesfan27]

I really like the way the lob pass works with wheel routes. You lob it out there and the receiver runs up underneath it, just like in real life.

Yep, I did it by accident once and was very impressed with how well it looked and worked. Now, it is part of my arsenal. The lob with that route and with the deep fly are my favorites. The passing game is MUCH more fun than it was pre-patch.

[Young Drachma]

Hadn't played this on XBOX 360 before. The lack of create-a-team mode saddens me a ton. But it looks pretty.

[Izulde]

Guess I should try and get the patch... It's going to be a real pain hauling everything downstairs from the library to do it, though.

[Eaglesfan27]

Per a thread on OS, supposedly there is another patch that was just released on the 360 today. Also, a guy on there is claiming he just finished a game in which there was 0 turnovers from the CPU or human (presumably with interception sliders down low.) I'm in the middle of a game of College Hoops, but I'm going to check it out later this morning.

[Eaglesfan27]

I picked the CPU off twice in the first 3 minutes, despite only controlling the DE. I don't know what this patch did, but it doesn't seem to have done anything further to the turnover issues. Back to College Hoops for me.