NCAA 06 & the passing game

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 7:27 pm

I noticed a comment in another thread that someone else (Brando?) was having troubles passnig in NCAA 06. I've got the same problem, and it's driving me nuts.

I don't think I've had a game yet where I've had a completion % over 50. I also end up throwing at least 3 INTs each game. As a result, I completly suck at this game right now.

PA passes (done after a couple good runs, or on 1st down) usually result in getting sacked before the passing icons even come up. I get sacked a lot. I think this is due to an imbalance in how effective the DL is, because quite a few runs also get blown up. I just don't see much separation in the receivers, and if I put any touch on the ball at all it ends up being incomplete.

I'm on All-American right now, and want to stay there. The other aspects of the game seem about right. How far (if at all) have others raised the human passnig sliders? Maybe I should also lower the INTs & knockdowns for the CPU defense.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 7:28 pm

In the NCAA impressions thread there are loads and loads of tips to improve your passing game.

bdoughty · Post by **bdoughty** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 7:32 pm

Have you spent any time in the training section? Instead of messing with sliders in an attempt to raise your completion rating how about spending some time in the "Pass Skelton drill" to improve your reading of defenses and timing passes on curl routes, etc. It helped me alot and I recall another poster mention that it help increase their timing and awareness.

Sometimes you have to work on the "Sliders inside you!"

Badgun · Post by **Badgun** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 7:35 pm

Not only that, just head over to OS and try out Jistic's All American sliders. I never thought I'd heap praise one of the slider heros, but his sliders pretty much made the game playable to me.

Now my running game is not quite so prolific and I can pass pretty well. I even completed 9 in a row at one point.

Basically you just won't have a lot of success passing with sliders set at default.

bdunn13 · Post by **bdunn13** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 7:47 pm

Badgun wrote:Not only that, just head over to OS and try out Jistic's All American sliders. I never thought I'd heap praise one of the slider heros, but his sliders pretty much made the game playable to me.

Now my running game is not quite so prolific and I can pass pretty well. I even completed 9 in a row at one point.

Basically you just won't have a lot of success passing with sliders set at default.

That depends on what you mean by success. Is that NCAA 2004 AA default cheeseball success where you could decide who you wanted to catch the ball before the snap?

My first year default AA I threw for 60% completion... now I am trying Heisman which is finally a nice challenge. But making the game easier on AA on offense is prob as bad as playing on JV. But then again, I think the whole idea of public sliders is flat out stupid. Sliders are for how YOU play the game, not some random person on the internet. But then again, its your game, play it like you want.

HipE · Post by **HipE** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 7:57 pm

bdunn13 wrote:
Badgun wrote:Not only that, just head over to OS and try out Jistic's All American sliders. I never thought I'd heap praise one of the slider heros, but his sliders pretty much made the game playable to me.

Now my running game is not quite so prolific and I can pass pretty well. I even completed 9 in a row at one point.

Basically you just won't have a lot of success passing with sliders set at default.
That depends on what you mean by success. Is that NCAA 2004 AA default cheeseball success where you could decide who you wanted to catch the ball before the snap?

My first year default AA I threw for 60% completion... now I am trying Heisman which is finally a nice challenge. But making the game easier on AA on offense is prob as bad as playing on JV. But then again, I think the whole idea of public sliders is flat out stupid. Sliders are for how YOU play the game, not some random person on the internet. But then again, its your game, play it like you want.

How is Heisman working out for you bdunn? I just finished my second season, going 12-1 with SMU on AA default. I also went 12-1 my first season with Iowa on AA default. I tried some exhibition games on Heisman and came away with mixed feelings. I was still able to blow out teams rated much lower than me, which was good. However, when I played Iowa vs Michigan, a pretty even matchup, I got absolutely dominated. I didn't even manage a first down in the quarter and a half I played, while Michigan scored a td on every possession. When I looked at pancakes, Michigan had like 40 as a team to none for me. I don't have a problem with it being challenging, but is it impossible to beat a top team on Heisman?

As for passing on AA default, it is possible to complete over 50% once you get a feel for it. I completed 51% with Drew Tate and Iowa my first season, but I was able to complete 61% with my crappy SMU QB this past season. One thing that helped was SMU has multiple shotgun formations, and I think it is easier to pass when you have 4 or 5 receivers to pick from on each play.

bdunn13 · Post by **bdunn13** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 8:09 pm

Right now, I am getting smoked on Heisman. AA is just too darn easy.... and Heisman is too hard for me right now.

- I am not sure if I want to try to make AA harder or Heisman a little easier.

bdoughty · Post by **bdoughty** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 8:20 pm

bdunn13 wrote:Right now, I am getting smoked on Heisman. AA is just too darn easy.... and Heisman is too hard for me right now.

- I am not sure if I want to try to make AA harder or Heisman a little easier.

I see your problem. You must change you alliegance to.

That way you can be successful up until the National Championship at which point your team will collapse around you forcing you to the ultimate challenge in the final game.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 9:29 pm

bdunn13 wrote:I think the whole idea of public sliders is flat out stupid. Sliders are for how YOU play the game, not some random person on the internet. But then again, its your game, play it like you want.

I disagree. It would be one thing if the sliders actually worked as intended, but I don't have time to sit and figure out which ones actually work. There have been sliders for plenty of games that work the exact opposite of what you'd expect and there have also been certain sliders you can't really touch or it will screw everything up. I usually try to play games on default for a week or so and try to make my own adjustments, but sometimes it is also good to grab a popular set of sliders and use those as a base as well.

I probably never would have figured out something like fixing the passed ball bug with sliders in ESPN MLB and I've also greatly enjoyed Grog's ESPN Hockey 2K5 sliders.

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 9:30 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:In the NCAA impressions thread there are loads and loads of tips to improve your passing game.

You may have time to re-read through 21 pages of impression,s but I thought it would be more beneficial to start a thread for it. Besides, I don't recall many tips on the passing game in there anyways.

And here I thought you'd be proudof me starting a new thread instead of hijacking the other one

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 9:51 pm

Don't feel bad, Matt. I feel the same way and almost started a thread earlier. I can't pass and the CPU has trouble passing against me as well on default AA. It's deja vu for me in the passing game as compared to 2005. I know some people have better luck. Maybe there is some sort of "equalizer" code in the game because it seems like the CPU passing game sucks right along with me

I actually had to take a break from NCAA 06 tonight because I almost threw my controller after an impact RB broke 5 tackles (including breaking a gang tackle of 3 defenders) and scored a touchdown. Yeah, I know it happens in real life...but I hate HAte HATE the impact player feature in this game.

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 10:14 pm

I bounced my controller off the couch last night during a game of NCAA '06. I also hate the whole impact player feature, but what gets me to the point of a "redo" on a game is usually the passing. The one thing I do like about the impact player feature is that it puts the circle under them. Very helpful on offense to see where the best defenders are so you can choose to run away from them or at them.

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 10:16 pm

I had a lot of trouble passing early when I got the game but now it's decent. I think a lot really has to do with the ratings of your player this year.

I started a dynasty with Fl.St. and as Sexton as the starter. That guy sucked so badly for me, I was just horrible passing with him. I think after 2 games, I had 7 ints and no Tds. Then in my 3rd game, I lucked out and the guy got hurt for the whole season.

The backup guy now as qb, Lee, this guy is awesome. I checked his ratings after my cupcake game vs some crappy team, and he lit it up. It helped him gain plus points in his rating categories and now this dude has like a 90 rating. He can make a lot of passes due to his size and strength that most of my other qb's cant in my other dynasties I have running. He/I still make mistakes and throw picks, but my new qb is not frustrating the hell out of me like Sexton was.

Saying all that, it's pretty obvious now that you can't win in this game if you can't run the ball, well at least in my experience. The big problem with the game for me is running the ball, because it's just so damn easy at times. I haven't changed any running sliders so I will have to do that, but for the most part, the RB I have on Fla St Washington, can dominate any game if I want him to. at least 250 yards each time.

Murph · Post by **Murph** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 11:18 pm

matthewk wrote:I bounced my controller off the couch last night during a game of NCAA '06. I also hate the whole impact player feature, but what gets me to the point of a "redo" on a game is usually the passing. The one thing I do like about the impact player feature is that it puts the circle under them. Very helpful on offense to see where the best defenders are so you can choose to run away from them or at them.

The other thing to use is the matchup stick to see if there's a mismatch that can be exploited at a certain position.

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 12:29 am

One thing I am getting really tired of and seeing too often is that stupid trick play the cpu does, pitch to hb, pass to qb. It either results in loss of yards or fumble.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 8:28 am

Part of my problem is that I can't see all of the field and by the time I see if the outside receivers are open I get sacked. If I try to throw without seeing them I get picked. What camera angle is everyone using?

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 9:18 am

I think I'm using the classic camera. Still not great, but doesn't feel as claustrophobic as the default camera.

My problem is similar--for the most part, I just can't process the coverage of all 3-5 receivers.

I basically have a checklist for passing, both pre- and post-snap:

1. Zone or Man coverage?

2. Does any of my WR have a linebacker in man coverage?

3. Are any DBs or LBs blitzing? If so, which receiver is heading into the vacated area?

4. Where is the soft spot in the zone?

5. Did a DB get burned?

6. Where did the safeties go?

7. If I still have the ball, either pick a WR, start scrambling, or get sacked.

This usually gives me a realistic completion % (50-65%), and I could be more consistent if I could process the whole screen better.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 9:26 am

Is there any way to control the direction of the pass (like "maximum passing")? How do I lead a receiver?

Should I always control my receiver or only if I need to sprint or jump? Should I always use Y to catch or only if I need to jump?

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 9:30 am

The window for hitting the receiver through the zone as he passes bewteen LBs and safties is very small...

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 9:56 am

Leebo33 wrote:Part of my problem is that I can't see all of the field and by the time I see if the outside receivers are open I get sacked. If I try to throw without seeing them I get picked. What camera angle is everyone using?

That's a really big problem in this year's game. I use Classic and still can't see the outside guys very well. Makes it very hard to hit hooks toward the sideline. Madden has a nice feature where you can set your camera for run and pass plays, but you're stuck with one in NCAA, with no custom camera.

I am going to take up BD's suggestion and try the passing drill.

I am amazed that people are lighting up the game on AA. I'm a decent football player and a long-time EA player, but just can't get in a groove with 06. I feel like I have to do everything myself and that my AI controlled players are worthless.

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 10:06 am

Brando70 wrote:That's a really big problem in this year's game. I use Classic and you still can't see you're outside guys very well. Makes it very hard to hit hooks toward the sideline. Madden has a nice feature where you can set your camera for run and pass plays, but you're stuck with one in NCAA, with no custom camera.

I am going to take up BD's suggestion and try the passing drill.

I am amazed that people are lighting up the game on AA. I'm a decent football player and a long-time EA player, but just can't get in a groove with 06. I feel like I have to do everything myself and that my AI controlled players are worthless.

The passing drill is a very good way to improve. Patience has been the key for me, but I'm not lighting it up regularly on AA. Just like in real life, you won't always have an open receiver.

When I put up big points, I usually get a lot of one-on-one coverage without safety help. Of course, that leads to a high completion % on the deep ball, which can be a problem.

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 11:07 am

I asked about the cameras way back (impressions thread, maybe?) but no one ever responded. I tried both the default and classic, but none of them gives you the full width of the field. I truly miss that feature frmo Madden, where you could use 2 cameras on offense.

This is also why I worry about the flashlight mode in Madden this year. Even though I don't plan on buying it, I'll rent it for sure. Maybe, if it turns into an MVP 2005, then I'll get it, but the new passing system just looks like it will add too much difficulty to my already overloaded (and aging) senses. I heard you can turn it off though.

What's worked for me in other football games is picking out a primary, secondary, and maybe a third receiver out prior to the snap based on the look of the D. A big tip for long passing has been watching where the safties are prior to the snap. I also look for any potential blitzers. If they drop back into a zone, I usually give up on any short crossing patters because the LBs really clog up the middle in '06.

Leebo, I think using the left stick as you release the ball acts as maximum passing. I've overthron a few guys, and it always seems to be when I'm trying to use the stick to lead them.

Badgun · Post by **Badgun** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 11:42 am

bdunn13 wrote:
Badgun wrote:Not only that, just head over to OS and try out Jistic's All American sliders. I never thought I'd heap praise one of the slider heros, but his sliders pretty much made the game playable to me.

Now my running game is not quite so prolific and I can pass pretty well. I even completed 9 in a row at one point.

Basically you just won't have a lot of success passing with sliders set at default.
That depends on what you mean by success. Is that NCAA 2004 AA default cheeseball success where you could decide who you wanted to catch the ball before the snap?

My first year default AA I threw for 60% completion... now I am trying Heisman which is finally a nice challenge. But making the game easier on AA on offense is prob as bad as playing on JV. But then again, I think the whole idea of public sliders is flat out stupid. Sliders are for how YOU play the game, not some random person on the internet. But then again, its your game, play it like you want.

For the most part I agree with you about public sliders, but for this game there were some glaring flaws out of the box. A lot of people were having trouble passing on default AA and drops were still a huge problem. Also it appeared the human running game was too strong and the CPU went deep way too much.

I messed with my own sliders for awhile, but I always felt something was wrong. I went to OS and perused the slider forum. After reading a lot of different threads, it appeared that Jistic's sliders were the ones most people were raving about. Like you, I had the mindset that public sliders were a joke and people should find a way to set the game to their liking. But I still thought that if so many people liked these sliders that maybe they might work for me. What's the worst that could happen? So I tried them and right away my running game was getting shut down. I was forced to pass more which in turn allowed me to open up my playbook more. I'm passing at about a 58% clip, but I still have trouble finding the open man and I still see some drops, just not as many.

In a nutshell this guy's sliders saved the game for me because I was ready to sim a few seasons and get some draft classes and just wait on Madden. Now I am really enjoying the game and I am having great games that are both statistically accurate and fun to play.

HipE · Post by **HipE** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 12:00 pm

There might be something to not being able to see all of your receivers. I'm playing on a widescreen tv, so I can see sideline to sideline right after the snap with no problems.

And yes, your AI controlled teammates are basically worthless this year. I'd say that at least 4 out of 5 catches for me are user catches. The only times I don't switch to make the catch is when I'm throwing a quick pass and I don't have time to react. On defense, I always have to switch to the db to swat the ball or make the pick, otherwise my AI controlled db will just jump up and never manage to knock the ball down or intercept it, then be out of position to make the tackle after the CPU wr does catch it.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 12:04 pm

HipE wrote:There might be something to not being able to see all of your receivers. I'm playing on a widescreen tv, so I can see sideline to sideline right after the snap with no problems.

As am I...it makes the TV purchase I made even more enjoyable. LOL.