Pigskin Strategy

The critically acclaimed college football series from EA SPORTS™ is back in fine style with NCAA® Football 06and, as with any annual football game, there are two types of strategy prospective coaches want: universal tips of the trade and those that apply directly to the new features added this year. Let's waste not a minute and dig right in.

Impact Players
New to this year's game are the Impact Players. Much more than pro football, college teams depend greatly on the talents of just a few. Focus less on balanced attacks that work so well inMadden and instead let your Impact Players win the game for you. The more you use them, the more likely they get "in the zone." However, the defense knows this as well, and will likely double team or pick plays to thwart your best players. This doesn't mean you don't use them as often, but it does mean you can use them also as decoys.

Hold tight. It's slippery.

Crucial Timeouts
Back from last year's game is the ability to improve morale during timeouts. Use this often in crucial situations. At the goal line and ready to punch it in? Call time and give your offensive line a little pep talk during the break. Timeout strategy is now more than just a time management technique, so use it wisely.

Understanding Formations
Offensive formations are easier to understand than their defensive counterparts, so for those that still have a little difficulty picking a defense in certain situations, here's a quick summation of the basic defensive formations:

• 4-3 Defense: Best for a balanced attack. It can defend run and pass and put pressure on the quarterback. Use it often against I (regular, strong, and weak) and Ace formations.
• Nickel Package: Best utilized against three- or four-receiver sets when you're reasonably sure of the pass. It still boasts two linebackers though, so if the run is called you've still got decent coverage. Nickel is a good bet against situations like third and six or longer.
• Dime Packages: For almost certain pass formations. Third and ten or fourth and long (if they go for it) are good opportunities to throw out the dime formation. You have the most pass coverage available here. The Prevent defensive set is also in this formation.
• 3-4 Defense: Similar to the 4-3, this formation offers a bit more speed and flexibility, but you have one less heavy pass rusher on the D-line. All in all, if you have a deep and talented defensive line, go with 4-3; if your linebacker core is top-notch, go with 3-4.

Stretch out young man, stretch out!

Wait for the Personnel
Before selecting your defensive play, make sure you know what personnel the offense has brought out onto the field. Check out the little window that shows how many receivers, halfbacks, and tight ends are involved in the next play. This is crucial when selecting a proper defense. Some might call this cheating, but in real pro and college football, the coaches watch which players go off and on the field between plays before calling their defense. It's part of the game.

Not Full Speed
If you're having trouble with your running game, try pulling back a little bit on the throttle. You actually have an easier time breaking tackles when not at full speed. You also have more time to read blocks and make the appropriate cuts.

Breaking Tackles
This new feature may go unnoticed at first, but it can result in a big breakaway run. When your player and the defender lock up, tap the A button furiously. Win the "button-mashing" battle to break the tackle and keep moving.

Easy on the Interception Attempts
This is almost a global rule for all football games, but it bears repeating here. As your opponent passes the ball, do not switch to your defensive back and hit the Y button to intercept unless you've got a clear shot on it. Blow the interception or miss blocking the pass away, and you'll likely give up a huge play to the end zone. It's more important to stay with the receiver and make sure you bring him down.

Working Morale
I've already touched on improving morale for sections of your team during timeouts, but you can also lower the morale of the opposition, specifically the opposing quarterback. Put mountains of pressure on the other team's QB at the beginning of the game. After several hurries, hits, and flat-out sacks, you'll rattle his cage a bit.

By Alex McLain