CFB 26

[TCrouch]

Yeah they advertised those quite a bit pre-release.

What I can't get used to is the default 'empty' blocking scheme on offense. Any play that doesn't have a called half-slide or something defaults to "empty" protection, which is absurd. I have to switch it to base every single play to have any sort of effective pocket on offense.

I've had to go back to school with this year's game (like using the L2+L on the R stick to find blocking assignments, who will climb to the 2nd level, who's targeting what defender, then putting TE's in motion or going to max protect to block it up before snapping the ball)...and still see guys totally whiff on defenders, ignore charging LBs in order to go after a safety 10 yards downfield, etc.

Honestly, so much of the passing game is awesome. But the inexplicable blocking stuff makes me think more and more that it's bugged and not just 'player behavior'. Back in my day (way back, I know), we had "FOIL" for Face, Outside, Inside, Lead. Linemen don't seem to follow any of the rules predictably. I've had schematic double-team and climbs on Defensive tackles, as documented by the pre-play blocking scheme. Then I snap the ball and BOTH ignore the DT, picking different guys, and the DT blows through untouched for -5 yards on a dive play, as he practically takes the handoff.

I've at least started figuring out when they've got an unblocked defender on the edge when I'm attempting to run that way...and then motioning a TE over to account for him. Then they instead leave an ILB unblocked, and he blows it up instead.

Bottom line, I'm still puttering ahead, but it feels like I'm sledding uphill trying to figure out how the line will behave. I feel like in 6 months they'll have 2 or 3 patches out and go "whoops, our release day logic had some flaws in it" and then talk about how target selection was hosed, because that's what I'm seeing consistently each game.

[Danimal]

What teams are you playing with?

As Michigan my OL is really good, they do get beat from time to time but I rarely see someone not picked up unless it is a blitz, I feel like I have the right amount of time in the pocket. Now a lot of Michigan's pass plays, at least the one I call already have the line sliding one way or another. They also have a lot of RPO and quick screens to the WR. I wonder if I'm not seeing it as much due to the playbook?

[Lancer]

Yeah they advertised those quite a bit pre-release.

What I can't get used to is the default 'empty' blocking scheme on offense. Any play that doesn't have a called half-slide or something defaults to "empty" protection, which is absurd. I have to switch it to base every single play to have any sort of effective pocket on offense.

I've had to go back to school with this year's game (like using the L2+L on the R stick to find blocking assignments, who will climb to the 2nd level, who's targeting what defender, then putting TE's in motion or going to max protect to block it up before snapping the ball)...and still see guys totally whiff on defenders, ignore charging LBs in order to go after a safety 10 yards downfield, etc.

Honestly, so much of the passing game is awesome. But the inexplicable blocking stuff makes me think more and more that it's bugged and not just 'player behavior'. Back in my day (way back, I know), we had "FOIL" for Face, Outside, Inside, Lead. Linemen don't seem to follow any of the rules predictably. I've had schematic double-team and climbs on Defensive tackles, as documented by the pre-play blocking scheme. Then I snap the ball and BOTH ignore the DT, picking different guys, and the DT blows through untouched for -5 yards on a dive play, as he practically takes the handoff.

I've at least started figuring out when they've got an unblocked defender on the edge when I'm attempting to run that way...and then motioning a TE over to account for him. Then they instead leave an ILB unblocked, and he blows it up instead.

Bottom line, I'm still puttering ahead, but it feels like I'm sledding uphill trying to figure out how the line will behave. I feel like in 6 months they'll have 2 or 3 patches out and go "whoops, our release day logic had some flaws in it" and then talk about how target selection was hosed, because that's what I'm seeing consistently each game.

i dont know the x's and o's that much like you guys do. I just play for fun. I've read about OL not blocking but really I don't notice it. I know it's a videogame and not going to be 100 percent realistic. I don't really take it as serious as the guys on reddit do.

[TCrouch]

What teams are you playing with?

As Michigan my OL is really good, they do get beat from time to time but I rarely see someone not picked up unless it is a blitz, I feel like I have the right amount of time in the pocket. Now a lot of Michigan's pass plays, at least the one I call already have the line sliding one way or another. They also have a lot of RPO and quick screens to the WR. I wonder if I'm not seeing it as much due to the playbook?

There's probably something to that...I always take a crap school as an OC, then work my way up to the bigger programs. So I've been teams like Sam Houston, Rice, UAB, etc.

But even with Vanderbilt in a dynasty with a friend, I've been seeing them absolutely whiff on blocks, and some of their OL is pretty decent.

Even if it's an absolutely crap school, I would assume the player would make an effort and just suck at it...not act like they've never seen OL blocking rules before.

I did try a couple drives as Texas last night and ran for like 7 yards per carry and whizzed around the field at will, so there's probably a lot to the quality of the team.

I'd just expect them to be "worse" at it, not completely "brain dead", if you know what I mean?

[Lancer]

Need help with human DB vs CPU WR.

Seems like whenever I'm on defense and it's 3rd and forever for the CPU, they throw it up when it's 1 vs 1 where I am the DB vs the CPU WR and the WR always catches the long ball.

I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong here. Last year on 1v1 situations like this it was fine. The swat and int buttons worked and if I get beat I got beat. It seemed fair in 25.

But in 26, whatever I do / press, it's like the WR is going to catch the ball. It almost looks like the animation starts where the WR is going to catch the ball and you can't do anything against it.

Am I wrong here or is there something I'm missing? Did they change the controls in 26 from 25 on 1v1 situations?

[Danimal]

In that WR / DB situation I honestly just switch to them but make sure my hand isn't on the control stick and I just time the press usually Y or A on the Xbox. It's when I take control and I'm still moving the stick where I have issues.

Don't know if that will help but that is what I do.

[TCrouch]

if you're only using Swat/INT, that might be part of the issue.

I play the WR almost any time unless I've clearly got position, my CB isn't running full speed chasing, and his head is turned toward the ball.

My quick mental rule is basically:

1) Am I in a simple zone, in position already, and have the angle? Play Ballhawk/INT.
2) Am I lurking or there's a bit of separation between me and the WR, where I can't quite get hands on them? Play Swat and hope I deflect the ball.
3) Otherwise....hold X (on Playstation) or A (XBox) to chop the arms of the WR and try to dislodge the ball.

In a contested catch, 50/50 situation, I'm almost always playing the WR and knocking it out. I don't knock them ALL out, but it's definitely what I'd expect...like a 50% chance and I win some and lose some. Nothing feels "cheated".

They definitely made it tougher to get an INT unless you're in the perfect position, and DBs seem to miss the ball a lot when swatting unless they have a clear sightline at it (which almost never happens in hectic coverage). But they can see the WR's arms and knock it out pretty effectively, IMO.

[Lancer]

Please EA, Don't Let the Madden People Ruin College Football 26!

https://www.operationsports.com/please- ... otball-26/

[Lancer]

huge patch released today that is supposed to fix blocking issues.

[MizzouRah]

huge patch released today that is supposed to fix blocking issues.

I've had the game shelved after the previous patch, the patch today restored the game for me, blocking is back to where it was.

[Lancer]

If you're on the fence about this game still, check the XBOX/MS store.

I see they're selling the game for $48.99 as a 'JUST FOR YOU' sale.

It doesn't come up for everyone but if you buy sports games or you bought CFB25 last year, it may show up as $48.99 for you.

[MizzouRah]

Beat Bama, 51-43 in double OT today, Mizzou is 6-0 this season. What an absolute blast of a game!

[sportdan30]

Beat Bama, 51-43 in double OT today, Mizzou is 6-0 this season. What an absolute blast of a game!

Wait, you beat KU at home?

[Lancer]

Won my next playoff game vs #1 undefeated Penn State in the Rose Bowl. 32-30. PSU got a pick 2 off me when I threw an INT when going for 2. Then I was up late and on the last play of the game, they had 4th and 10 from the 45 and threw a 50 yard bomb which I definitely interfered with the PSU WR but it wasn't called against ND. Very realistic lol

[Murph]

If you're on the fence about this game still, check the XBOX/MS store.

I see they're selling the game for $48.99 as a 'JUST FOR YOU' sale.

It doesn't come up for everyone but if you buy sports games or you bought CFB25 last year, it may show up as $48.99 for you.

That’s exactly what I did. My cheapness overcame me and I bought college for 50, instead of Madden for 70.

[MizzouRah]

Wait, you beat KU at home?

Yes, 27-24 it was an excellent game. I play Heisman default, I'm no expert, but the game is much tighter this year.

We will beat KU in real life this year as well, it's my birthday!

[sportdan30]

Wait, you beat KU at home?

Yes, 27-24 it was an excellent game. I play Heisman default, I'm no expert, but the game is much tighter this year.

We will beat KU in real life this year as well, it's my birthday!

Well happy early birthday! I considered going to the game, but like the basketball game last year, I'm just not willing to make that drive home after a bitter defeat. Hopefully, we'll return the favor this year in -ball! But I do agree, I don't see KU winning in Columbia. I do think it'll be much greater than your score. 17-24 points is my guess.

[MizzouRah]

Well happy early birthday! I considered going to the game, but like the basketball game last year, I'm just not willing to make that drive home after a bitter defeat. Hopefully, we'll return the favor this year in -ball! But I do agree, I don't see KU winning in Columbia. I do think it'll be much greater than your score. 17-24 points is my guess.

Thank you!

I think it's going to be a great game, KU looks much improved this season and Mizzou has yet to name their starting QB.

I'm just happy the 'border war' is back!!