Alright Boyz, Here We Go!!! NCAA Football 2009 impressions thread

[Eaglesfan27]

Both Madden and NCAA are announcing features for the next version (much earlier than previous years.) One interesting change is that they are going to use a much wider spectrum of ratings with some guys being rated as low as 40 overall and only elite players getting ratings in the 90's. EA has also really focused on more community feedback (primarily on OS but also other places), so whatever the cause, they are making some significant changes. They have also started promoting their "procedural awareness" of players.

[cartman]

Hey, MBBF, think you can give Bill Abner the common courtesy of at least a link when presenting his data that came out yesterday? The data I presented was the only public data available for the sales of NCAA at the time I made the post.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by cartman

Hey, MBBF, think you can give Bill Abner the common courtesy of at least a link when presenting his data that came out yesterday? The data I presented was the only public data available for the sales of NCAA at the time I made the post.

Not only that, but he ignored some other interesting data in Bill's blog. MLB 2k8 outsold MLB 08: The Show. Seems like a condemnation of how poorly the PS3 is doing with their attach rates.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Not only that, but he ignored some other interesting data in Bill's blog. MLB 2k8 outsold MLB 08: The Show. Seems like a condemnation of how poorly the PS3 is doing with their attach rates.

So you'd like me to present information not related to this thread in this thread? Your assertion is very faulty, but I won't debate it here.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by cartman

Hey, MBBF, think you can give Bill Abner the common courtesy of at least a link when presenting his data that came out yesterday? The data I presented was the only public data available for the sales of NCAA at the time I made the post.

I didn't realize it was on his blog. I could ask him, but I'm sure he didn't mind me posting it since he sent it to me via e-mail.

[cartman]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

I didn't realize it was on his blog. I could ask him, but I'm sure he didn't mind me posting it since he sent it to me via e-mail.

So you called me out on figures that you thought were disseminated via email, not publicly? What a tool.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by cartman

So you called me out on figures that you thought were disseminated via email, not publicly? What a tool.

Yes, this discussion should go well now that it's reduced to namecalling. Have a good weekend.

[Kodos]

You have offended MBBF's delicate sensibilities! Apologize at once, you fiend!

[Sun Tzu]

EF...where did you find the info on the new features?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Kodos

You have offended MBBF's delicate sensibilities! Apologize at once, you fiend!

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Sun Tzu

EF...where did you find the info on the new features?

Operation Sports. They have been posting new features (for both Madden and NCAA Football) and the first NCAA screen shot for about 2-3 weeks. They are supposed to reveal a new "feature" every week or two until release.

[Sun Tzu]

Excellent...tnx

[BrianD]

So, going back to the actual game...anybody ever recover an on-side kick? I've only had to try it 2 or 3 times, but I haven't come close to recovering one even though the CPU has recovered 2 on me. Any suggestions on how to do the kick to at least give me a chance at a recovery?

[cartman]

Originally Posted by BrianD

So, going back to the actual game...anybody ever recover an on-side kick? I've only had to try it 2 or 3 times, but I haven't come close to recovering one even though the CPU has recovered 2 on me. Any suggestions on how to do the kick to at least give me a chance at a recovery?

I have recovered one before, but it was in a live game, not one against the CPU. I try to kick the ball like in real life, aim for the very top of the ball, and hit just above the minimum strength. This will usually get the big first bounce that is key to recovering an onsides kick.

[BrianD]

Originally Posted by cartman

I have recovered one before, but it was in a live game, not one against the CPU. I try to kick the ball like in real life, aim for the very top of the ball, and hit just above the minimum strength. This will usually get the big first bounce that is key to recovering an onsides kick.

I was wondering about kick strength. I figured that the top of the ball would be the right spot, but I had been trying for a full-power kick to make the bounce. Next opportunity I'll try minimum-power and see how that goes. Thanks for the tip.

[Sun Tzu]

I've actually had decent luck recovering onsides kicks. I probably recover about 20-25% of the time...

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by Sun Tzu

I've actually had decent luck recovering onsides kicks. I probably recover about 20-25% of the time...

Don't be too impressed, folks. He's saying that he recovers 20-25% of the onside kicks where he is the receiving team.

[Kodos]

Here is one I recovered against the CPU in my OD.

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

[Sun Tzu]

Yeah, but how many onside kicks have you recovered when you weren't losing by 5+ TD's?

[Karlifornia]

LOL....I'm reading one of the wishlist threads over on OS. I hope the designers don't take what's in that thread to heart. Here's two posts from one person back-to-back:

Originally Posted by OS Dude

bowl end zone patches without a doubt. no generics anymore please

real time lighting and on field shadows that progress throughout a game

all of the new helmet types/models

detail like making player's breath more visible during cold weather games

1-AA teams like in ps2 versions

oregon's white helmets and all white uniforms

all stadiums

improved post-game cut scenes

tv style camera or press box view

when selecting uniforms, be able to select helmet, top, and pants individualy. this way more uniform combinations are available.

throwback uniforms (90's miami, washington, syracuse for example)

even more alternate jerseys

classic teams

keep the ea locker feature

nfl stadiums available to select as a neutral field site

notre dame 90's throwback uniforms

Yes....better have those NFL stadiums available....

[Karlifornia]

LOL....I'm reading one of the wishlist threads over on OS. I hope the designers don't take what's in that thread to heart. Here's two posts from one person back-to-back:

Originally Posted by OS Dude

bowl end zone patches without a doubt. no generics anymore please

real time lighting and on field shadows that progress throughout a game

all of the new helmet types/models

detail like making player's breath more visible during cold weather games

1-AA teams like in ps2 versions

oregon's white helmets and all white uniforms

all stadiums

improved post-game cut scenes

tv style camera or press box view

when selecting uniforms, be able to select helmet, top, and pants individualy. this way more uniform combinations are available.

throwback uniforms (90's miami, washington, syracuse for example)

even more alternate jerseys

classic teams

keep the ea locker feature

nfl stadiums available to select as a neutral field site

notre dame 90's throwback uniforms

Yes....better have those NFL stadiums available....

[Sun Tzu]

You can say that again!

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by Sun Tzu

Yeah, but how many onside kicks have you recovered when you weren't losing by 5+ TD's?

Actually, I won that game on a long pass to Scott Allen.

Originally Posted by Kodos

It was a frustrating game tonight as we hosted the #17 Illini in a rivalry game with all of our top recruits in town. The first half saw us kick a couple field goals to take a meager 6-0 lead.



This 17-yard pass from Marques (Juice) Guidry to Joey Brown put the Illini on top 7-6, but we answered a minute and half later with a 58-yard touchdown pass from senior QB Kellen Lewis to junior receiver Scott Allen to take a precarious 13-7 lead into the 4th.

With 3:30 left in regulation, the Illini went on top again 14-13 with a 1-yard run by sophomore RB Patrick Coleman. Shortly thereafter, a completely boneheaded interception by Kellen Lewis deep in our territory (I pressed the wrong button) set up Illinois with a chance to go for the kill.


The kill came in the shape of a 4-yard TD pass from backup QB Darryl Cooper (Guidry left with an injury) to junior receiver Allen Wright with 2:11 remaining.

Now trailing 21-13, Kellen Lewis guided the team down the field with a couple mid-range passes, and senior RB Bryan Payton punched it in from the 1 with 28 seconds remaining to pull us to within 21-19. Having to go for 2 to push it to overtime, we went with an option play, but Illinois defended it to perfection, and Lewis was stuffed for a loss.

Needing a miracle, we lined up for an onside kick.

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

Holy shit! Senior linebacker Geno Johnson recovered the onside kick, and we were in business. But with only 28 seconds left, our prospects of escaping with a win still seemed remote. On our first play, Lewis set his feet and heaved the ball downfield...


Junior receiver Scott Allen got behind the coverage and pulled the deep pass in to get us an amazing come-from-behind 26-21 victory! Allen's 11 receptions for 220 yards and 2 TDs single-handledly snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, as nobody else on the offense did much of anything all day. Thank god Penn State did not steal him from us in recruiting last year!

[Kodos]

No mention of socks or shoelaces? They're slipping!

[BrianD]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Here is one I recovered against the CPU in my OD.

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

So how did you kick this one? Was it top of the ball, minimum power? From the video, it almost looks like bottom of the ball, though they probably don't have that many different animations.

[Ironhead]

I have had pretty good success recovering onside kicks. With right footed kickers I aim for the upper right part of the ball and nail it into the ground at full power. It should hit the ground and bounce into the air giving you a shot to recover.

[Izulde]

Originally Posted by Karlifornia

LOL....I'm reading one of the wishlist threads over on OS. I hope the designers don't take what's in that thread to heart. Here's two posts from one person back-to-back:



Yes....better have those NFL stadiums available....

FWIW, I'd like to see them bring back the I-AA teams.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by Karlifornia

LOL....I'm reading one of the wishlist threads over on OS. I hope the designers don't take what's in that thread to heart. Here's two posts from one person back-to-back:



Yes....better have those NFL stadiums available....

I personally can't fathom why the 1-AA teams keep getting held out of this game despite being in the other versions of the game for nearly a decade. That and the bowl logos on the field are the only two things I think on his list are valid.

[Karlifornia]

Yeah, I agree that the 1aa teams are a reasonable request. Some of this uniform stuff is hilarious though.

[wade moore]

As a HUGE I-AA fan, I totally understand why it is not in here. For one, the way the implemented really wasn't that great. For two, I can't imagine a very large percentage of their buyers used the I-AA teams (I was one, fwiw).

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by wade moore

As a HUGE I-AA fan, I totally understand why it is not in here. For one, the way the implemented really wasn't that great. For two, I can't imagine a very large percentage of their buyers used the I-AA teams (I was one, fwiw).

Just about every FBS school has an FCS school on their schedule. I think that alone would help with the realism. Not to mention there are a lot of people who went to those schools that would love playing with them. I don't need accurate rosters or anything as I'm sure someone would put them together.

I guess it irks me because this was a feature in the game a decade ago. I don't understand how a game made 10 years ago can have more features than one made now.

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by BrianD

So how did you kick this one? Was it top of the ball, minimum power? From the video, it almost looks like bottom of the ball, though they probably don't have that many different animations.

It was probably the top of the ball, lowish power.

[wade moore]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Just about every FBS school has an FCS school on their schedule. I think that alone would help with the realism. Not to mention there are a lot of people who went to those schools that would love playing with them. I don't need accurate rosters or anything as I'm sure someone would put them together.

I guess it irks me because this was a feature in the game a decade ago. I don't understand how a game made 10 years ago can have more features than one made now.

Again, the old versions of the game weren't implemented as you state here.

You still played NorthEastWest FCS in your schedule. The only way the I-AA schools got into a dynasty was if they REPLACED an FBS school.

So, what you say woudl be great - but it would be an upgrade from previous versions.

The previous versions were a half-assed attempt to appease those like me that would love to have FCS schools.

If they did a full-blown FCS system, yeah, that would be awesome - but an improvement from the past and very unlikely.

[Balldog]

On the older versions you would play the FCS schools in season if they were in the game. I've still got NCAA 07 on PS2, just played Tennessee State the other day in my dynasty.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by wade moore

Again, the old versions of the game weren't implemented as you state here.

You still played NorthEastWest FCS in your schedule. The only way the I-AA schools got into a dynasty was if they REPLACED an FBS school.

So, what you say woudl be great - but it would be an upgrade from previous versions.

The previous versions were a half-assed attempt to appease those like me that would love to have FCS schools.

If they did a full-blown FCS system, yeah, that would be awesome - but an improvement from the past and very unlikely.

In the old versions you would play the actual FCS school that was on your schedule. I remember scheduling Mississippi Valley State every year in mine. You could play as a FCS school but you'd have to replace a FBS school with them. But you were able to schedule any of the teams.

[Ironhead]

Does anyone play with any house rules in solo dynasty to help keep the playing field competitive?

I am about to start a new dynasty and in particular I want to limit the disparity in team speed that occurs. I am thinking of disallowing myself the ability to recruit any player with "A-" and higher speed unless I specifically start the year in their top 10. I am still debating whether to restrict recruiting "A" and higher speed players to only players where I start the year in their top 3.

[Radii]

Originally Posted by Ironhead

Does anyone play with any house rules in solo dynasty to help keep the playing field competitive?

My in game rules before i quit my last solo dynasty:

1. No running the option - WAY too easy to exploit the edges and bat pursuit angles that defenders take with option plays.

2. I required myself to maintain a reasonable run/pass ratio.

3. Tone down clock management abilities. Playing 7 minute quarters, up by 7 points against a better team, its tempting to run the play clock down to 1 second with 5 minutes left in the 4th quarter. But that's really the ~10 minute mark in a full scale game, that doesn't really happen. And most importantly, the CPU won't take advantage of that against you if they're up 7 in the 4th. No stalling until the final 2 or 2:30 of the game.

The only recruiting limitation I put on myself was that I wouldn't allow myself to scour the recruit lists late in the season to look for good recruits that no one else has gone after. I set up my initial contact list and the only time I ever added to it was if I lost out on recruits at positions where I was going to have a shortage the next season.


When I quit I'd won two national titles in a row and it was becoming obvious that I was going to need more house rules beyond that to keep it competitive.

[Ironhead]

Originally Posted by Radii

My in game rules before i quit my last solo dynasty:

1. No running the option - WAY too easy to exploit the edges and bat pursuit angles that defenders take with option plays.

2. I required myself to maintain a reasonable run/pass ratio.

3. Tone down clock management abilities. Playing 7 minute quarters, up by 7 points against a better team, its tempting to run the play clock down to 1 second with 5 minutes left in the 4th quarter. But that's really the ~10 minute mark in a full scale game, that doesn't really happen. And most importantly, the CPU won't take advantage of that against you if they're up 7 in the 4th. No stalling until the final 2 or 2:30 of the game.

The only recruiting limitation I put on myself was that I wouldn't allow myself to scour the recruit lists late in the season to look for good recruits that no one else has gone after. I set up my initial contact list and the only time I ever added to it was if I lost out on recruits at positions where I was going to have a shortage the next season.


When I quit I'd won two national titles in a row and it was becoming obvious that I was going to need more house rules beyond that to keep it competitive.

Thanks for your thoughts. With the right sliders I think the on the field game can remain competitive. It's in recruiting where a human analysis and strategy will always crush and unbalance the game over time. Speed in the EA Sports games has always been king. Placing some limits around them will help keep it more competitive as the CPU teams will never draft on pure speed.

I started a new dynasty earlier today with Eastern Michigan using the Heisman sliders that I had been playing with. Michigan State whooped my ass by a final score of 51-0. That was with Javon Ringer hurt most of the game. Next game was against Toledo and we had a close shootout that could have gone either way. Should remain fun and challenging as long as recruiting doesn't get out of hand.

I think I am going to start with these house rules:
* No recruiting of "A" rated speed players unless I begin the year in their top 3.
* No recruiting of "A-" rated speed players unless I begin the year in their top 10
* After Week 10 of the season any new recruits I add to my board must be from the state my college is in or the states that immediately touch it's borders
* Due to generally poor kickoff coverage the maximum speed I will allow for a return man will be 90

[Radii]

Originally Posted by Ironhead

* No recruiting of "A-" rated speed players unless I begin the year in their top 10

I've never landed a single player that didn't start the year in my top 10. I doubt this one would slow you down much?

[Ironhead]

Originally Posted by Radii

I've never landed a single player that didn't start the year in my top 10. I doubt this one would slow you down much?

At least at the larger schools I haven't had a problem recruiting outside the initial Top 10. What I will generally do is put a "feeler" out there by making a scholarship offer. If the scholarship offer jumps me into the top 10 then there is a good shot to land them. In these instances I imagine I was probably somewhere in the 11 to 20 range on their initial list and the scholarship offer pushed me into the top 10. You can sort of check this by gauging their interest in you on the Prospect Database screen against the other colleges that are displayed in the Top 10.

If I remain outside of the recruit's top 10 after the initial scholarship offer there is really very little chance to land them. Typically I will just drop these players and look for another recruit.

[Radii]

Ahh, that's solid info. I'll definitely have to make use of that in the EBFL/RFL next season, nice.

[Mike1409]

http://insideblog.easports.com/archi...-position.aspx

Nice improvents to QB's and the passing game for Madden and NCAA!

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Mike1409

http://insideblog.easports.com/archi...-position.aspx

Nice improvents to QB's and the passing game for Madden and NCAA!

Great stuff - I've been hoping for those changes for the past few years.

[EagleFan]

SOB!!!



In the middle of a campus legend career and in mys sophmore season at Penn State. We're #3 5-0 and hosting #1 Ohio State (5-0). The game is tightly contested and we tie it at 20 with 2 seconds left and it goes to OT.

First overtime we get the ball first and after a few plays I score with a dive over the top from the 1 to put us up 27-20. Ohio State answers with a touchdown of their own to tie it at 27.

We hold them to a field goal to start the 2nd OT and then I wonder why I am not in on the next play when it comes up so I hit X to watch the play and what do I see... Ohio State with the ball. We held them to a field goal and lose 33-27 thanks to them getting the ball twice in the same overtime.

[Passacaglia]

I guess you should have played defense.

[gstelmack]

I ran into lots of OT bugs in my various 2008 careers as well. It was very frustrating and the sort of thing (since it's basic football rules) that should be solid as all get-out. Disappointed to here that 2009 had similar issues.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm catching up in my OS reading as the day winds down and this annoys me:

The new QB ratings for short, midrange, long passing accuracy, Play Action, etc are exclusive to Madden and when Ian posted that blog it was a "misunderstanding" when he posted that they will be in NCAA 2010. Only the layered blending will be 2010.

[Balldog]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

I'm catching up in my OS reading as the day winds down and this annoys me:

The new QB ratings for short, midrange, long passing accuracy, Play Action, etc are exclusive to Madden and when Ian posted that blog it was a "misunderstanding" when he posted that they will be in NCAA 2010. Only the layered blending will be 2010.

Hey at least they told us before they released the game!

I'd be shocked if they implement those ratings properly and they have a drastic effect on gameplay anyway.