A Look Ahead to NCAA Football 2010

Feature Article

Submitted on: 06/09/2008 by Jess Stewart

Now that we know what features are coming with NCAA Football 09, what should we start looking for in 2010?

The hype in the forums for NCAA Football 09 is building exponentially with the game still over a month away. With new features such as online dynasties, wide-open gameplay, and deeper playbooks, some folks are already planning vacations to meet the July 15th release date. A main contributor to the hype has been the presence of NCAA developers answering questions in the forums. This involvement by the developers has been a pleasant surprise and the response by community members has been amazing. Since development of NCAA Football 09 is nearly wrapped up, let's take a look at what we want to see in NCAA Football 2010.

FCS Schools/Create-a-school Feature

Appalachian State's improbable win over Michigan last season makes this a feature that EA must add. If you weren't aware, FCS teams can now be voted into the Top 25 thanks to ASU and their three straight FCS National Championships. The fact is that FCS teams are a huge part of college football. Who in their right mind wants to play an entirely generic FCS Southwest squad? If college basketball games can include 300+ teams I see no reason EA can't add around 50 FCS teams at least.

At the very least give us the ability to create our own team, this feature is something the masses are hungry for and not carrying this over to next gen from current gen was a mistake. Adding this would allow FCS fans to create their own school as closely as possible and have something to work with. This would open up the options for us to keep the game fresh and to add another way to have fun.

Improving the battle in the trenches

Alright EA, it's about time you guys get away from the stiff arm lock and predictable outcomes of the line play. In fact here are all of the situations which can and do happen when the linemen interact:

1) Nothing. Both stand there locked together upright and don't move, at all.

2) Pancake. Upon contact one of the linemen gets sat on his rear. Pancakes are a part of the game but the way in which they happen in EA's football games are ridiculous. Add some animations where the lineman actually pushes the other person to the game after a few yards. For a great example of a pancake check out this vid (Watch the RT #70).

3) Defender spins/rips out of block. This is the only way to get out of a block which it saddens me to say. You either use use the swim move to get by or spin off him. What about a speed rush to the outside or a quick move to the inside? There are so many different things that could happen with the linemen interacting!

4) Defender warps to tackle ball carrier. It's happened to all of us. You're on offense and you call a run play only to see a huge hole in the line. Your eyes light up as you head for the hole and once you reach it some d-lineman magically ends up in a tackle animation and you view the replay thirty times to witness the terrible play.

Most NCAA fans hope we finally get a good engine to simulate the battle in the trenches.

Adding depth to the interaction in the trenches would get extreme praise from the OS community. This could even be marketed EA! The perfect guy would've been Glen Dorsey but a linebacker could work as well. I could envision James Laurinaitis as a pretty good cover boy for EA.

Presentation, presentation, presentation

EA has been extremely honest in the forums and have repeatedly said they have been in talks about improving the presentation. Well do it one time! Here are some ideas to improve a very mediocre attempt at presentation:

1) Team specific entrances. Some the come to mind immediately are: ND's touching of the "Play Like a Champion Today" sign and Clemson's touching of Howard Rock. How about a generic entrance where the players rush out of the tunnel and you let us set some music? How easy would that be!? Just give us something because fast forwarding to the coin toss is about as stale as it gets. Currently we get a great shot of the stadium, they look lovely. But where's the "wow" factor in that? Oh man look at this greatly designed stadium, it really pumps me up for the game. Here you can see what these generic entrances could be like.

2) Pregame information. Give us a little information on the game at hand. Show a couple impact players on each team with a stat overlay and we're all good.

3) Halftime highlights. Could we get some stats with a little discussion on the game and a "play of the half" segment? Have one of the commentators talk about the game a little to recap what happened.

4) In-game information. I would love to see the ESPN bottomline utilized as scores of other games in our Dynasty would scroll across the screen. Wasn't this in a NCAA game before? More stat overlays would also be a great welcome and I think a page can be taken out of 2K's basketball series. The stats could be added very subtly on the bottom of the screen.

5) Post game highlights. Improvement on the current post game system would be a nice addition. Bring back the cut scenes of coaches shaking hands and players celebrating and pouting. Put some weight on the game matchups and if a big upset happens have the crowd go nuts and have commentary on the importance of the upset for the underdog.

Honorable Mention
WR/DB Interaction
Field condition affecting play
Formation subs

EA has mentioned they have their priority list and like everyone out there, I really want to view it and then organize it myself. There are certain features/gameplay additions that should be included to make NCAA 2010 leaps and bounds better than 2009 will be. The interaction in the forums is the beginning of a beautiful relationship and with the continued visits from developers future sports video games titles are only going to move towards perfection.

NCAA Football 09 Videos

Member Comments

# 121 GoToledo @ 12/14/08 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deuce_1982


	Here's some of my ideas: 1. Since the play clock is now 40 seconds, how about bringing in the accelerated clock. (Or just start the play clock when it's suppose to)

I really hope NCAA gets accelerated clock. I have missed this so much since Madden had it on last-gen.

# 122 hail2thevictors @ 12/15/08 02:43 AM

1. WHERE YALL AT?
I have played this game at least 100 times, and I have still yet to see a CONVOY on any special teams returned TD, or any defensinve pick 6! Looks good in the promo video though.

2. WHO'S WINNING THE GAME?
SPORTS TICKER underneath the scoreboard at the bottom of the screen. It should scroll at a moderate pace, and you should have the option of it being on or off, as well as all teams, top 25, or conference only.** In Dynasty mode, you should be able to view scoring plays of any 2 teams you choose, (replay engine can be used for this) conference only, and have the option to view or decline watching the scoring play in-game. (generic commentary from the janitor in the building is acceptable. LOL)

3. GOOD GAME, BUT IS THIS SCHOOL RIGHT FOR ME?
Feed back from recruiters visits

4. IS THAT HEALTHY GRASS, DYING GRASS, OR FIELD TURF?
Correct field color textures

5. HOW CAN WE BE WEARING DIFFERENT SHOES?
Player editing should have option of all or player only, when adding, changing, or removing player accessories (eye black, mouth peice, and hand warmer pouch need to be added)

6. HUT, HUT, HIKE!!!
CPU jump snap happens too often and I can usually draw them offsides everytime after I see they jumped the snap on my previous play.

7. IS EVERYONE READY TO GO YET?
Clear the stands when a game is sealed and out of reach in the 4th qtr. Not to be confused with a blow out, but no one stays for the final 2-3 minutes of a game when it's over, unless it's against your rival. Seats should start emptying out.

8. HOW FAR DO WE HAVE TO GO FOR A 1st DOWN?
Bring back the chain gang. It was there in madden and bill walsh back on the old ps and genesis consoles. What's up wit dat?

9. THIS FIELD MUST'VE COST A FORTUNE TO WITHSTAND THE WEATHER?
Field degradation.

10. SHOULDN'T IT BE DARK BY NOW? IT IS 8PM
Progressive lighting was in 08 and I read why it wasn't in 09. While I personally would've introduce the whole new lighting in 2010, I won't complain as long as it's in 2010 going forward, and is done correctly, according to time zone and time of year.

11. HEY I CAN SEE MY BREATH! A LITTLE.
When players breath, you should be able to see the smoke more. You can barely notice it on the game, but it's very noticable in real life. There's a wider spread when players in real life exhale. 2k did very good with this in their game.

12. THE FORECAST SAID SCATTERED SHOWERS & IT'S BEEN RAINNING/SNOWING ALL GAME!
Progressive weather i.e. snow/rain on and off, overcast with early, mid game, and/or late rain, or partly sunny turning to cloudy. You get the point. A variation of weather effects.

13. THEY MUST'VE PAINTED THE FIELD WHITE?
Footprints in the snow.

14. WHICH WAY ID THE WIND BLOWING?
Real time wind flags on top of the goal poles.

15. DID HE SCORE OR WAS HE OUT AT THE GOALINE?
Interactive pile ons in the end zone, like the old gen games.

16. HOW LONG WILL HE BE OUT?
Injuries should have more depth. When a player gets injured but is still able to play and walk off the field, you should get a pop-up on the screen notifying you of who suffered and injury. Then, at your leisure, you can go to the injury report screen and get more information on the injury if it's available. If it's a serious injury, you should be notified by the commentary team as to what the injury is, and what the players playing status is for the rest of the game (i.e. sprained ankels, neck ect. ect.) Official status should be available after you advance the week. **There should also be a combination 3 rehab activities to select as a rehab program for injured players (EA can determine the total number of rehab activities) for mid range to serious injuries, where you can choose a players rehab work out for 5 days, leading up to the next game, where you'll get an injury update and can decide to play the player, or keep him out. Attributes will naturally take a hit until player reaches 100% health whether he play's or not.

17. HOW'D THAT GUY GET ON THE FIELD???
On Field Substitutions!!! This used to be in the Madden games way bay in the day, on the Genesis console. WHAT HAPPEND??? There's no way you can be in a 2WR 2RB 1TE set, and go to the playcall screen, and qucikly select a play that uses 4WR and 1RB, and break the huddle, without someone leaving the field, and someone coming into the huddle! If this was done back on the Sega Genisis cartridge, how come it hasn't made it's way back onto next gen consoles, and current software?

18. CAN I GET SOME WATER WHILE I'M WAITING?
When you call a time out, the camera should zoom out and rotate to a high press box view, and show 2-3 water boys/girl running to the huddle to issue the players water, as well as the QB jogging to the sideline to meet with the coach. Once QB reaches sideline, camera should cut to a sideline view of coach and QB talking. (you should still be able to pick a play before the QB makes it to the sideline, as these views will now serve as the time out playcall screen view) Once you've selected your play, the QB and any sub players, should run back to the huddle, water boys/girl run off the field 2-3 second delay, and break the huddle. All while the camera reversus back (zoom in and rotate) to the original offense pre-snap view.

19. WHO THREW THAT FLAG?
On field officials please. Once again, something that was in old gen games.

20. ALL FG AND XRTA POINT BALLS KICKED ARE REWARDED TO THE FANS
FG nets please.

21. TIME TO POST GAME CONGREGATE
Post game should show media and teams empty on to the field to shake hands from the press box view, and the fans that are still left, leaving the stadium. **View highlights and game changing performance should be user optional to view.

22. HEY, HE CAN'T DO THAT AFTER THE WHISTLE!
Late hits. This was another fun way of taking your frustration out on a 24bit character in Madden during the genesis days. Currently when a player steps out of bounds, the play is immediately over. But, in the old genesis days, and in real life, players continue to run after the whistle and sometime become a victim of a late hit after the whistle, or out of bounds. I would love to see this make a return to the game.

23. YOU, MOTION ACROSS THE FORMATION! YOU, DO THE SAME.
Formation shifts and multiple motions. You used to be able to do this back on the PS. Would like to see this make a comeback into the franchise as well.

24. WHAT WAS THAT????
Tackle animations are HORRIBLE!!!! PLAYERS DON'T DIVE 5 YARDS AND MAKE A TACKLE! NOR DO THEY GET SUCKED INTO A PLAYER! THEY RUN THROUGH A PLAYER, CREATING A COLLISION BETWEEN THE TACKLER OR TACKLERS AND THE BALL CARRIER! THIS IS A MUST FIX GOING FORWARD!!!

25. GEOMETRY LESSON
The defensive pursuit angles taken on defense by the CPU are atrocious!

26. MORE PENALTIES
I'd like to see some illegal hands to the face, illegal contact, defensive holding and how about double penalties. (dbl penalties is in ESPN NFL Football 2k5)

27. The RB button (XBOX360) should be to throw the ball to the RB and not to throw the ball away! DOESN'T THAT MAKE MORE SENSE??? ALSO, shifting the d-pad left and right rapildy to perform a stutter step ,should be replaced with a trigger or bumper button when running. I THINK EVERYONE XBOX 360 USER WOULD AGREE WITH ME ON THIS ONE!!!! Trying to control the direction of the ball carrier while performing a stutter step to set up a juke left or right is very difficult when they are both performed with the same stick!!!

# 123 flordiagators @ 12/18/08 04:37 AM

i think they need to name the fcs teams and do the create a school thing again other then that the games have really been great

# 124 kevin80216 @ 12/20/08 09:25 PM

PUT IN ALTERNATE HELMETS FOR TEAMS SUCH AS OREGON, USF (WHITE), LSU(WHITE), AND A COUPLE OF OTHERS. PLUS ALOT OF TEAMS HAVE VERY COMPLEX CLEAT WITH TEAM COLORS, IT WOULD BE COOL TO DESIGN TEAM CLEATS ALSO

# 125 kevin80216 @ 12/20/08 09:28 PM

ALSO THEY NEED TO PUT IN MORE HELMETS THAT PEOPLE ARE WEARING THIS YEAR LIKE THE ION 4D, AIR XP, AND REVOLUTION SPEED. PLUS THEY NEED TO ADD MORE FACEMASKS TO THE ALREADY EXSITING DNA AND REVOLUTION

# 126 Scott @ 12/20/08 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevin80216


	ALSO THEY NEED TO PUT IN MORE HELMETS THAT PEOPLE ARE WEARING THIS YEAR LIKE THE ION 4D, AIR XP, AND REVOLUTION SPEED. PLUS THEY NEED TO ADD MORE FACEMASKS TO THE ALREADY EXSITING DNA AND REVOLUTION

Also, it'd be great if you turned off your caps lock

thanks.

# 127 ODogg @ 12/20/08 10:43 PM

how about making the game more organic and hence more fun?

# 128 jdrhammer @ 12/21/08 11:39 AM

I wouldn't be too upset if they didn't fool with the graphics part too much and concentrated on other details.

-Progressive lighting
-Field Degradation
-Rotation on the ball, spirals etc.
-Major Uniform details and an editor
-Fixing the Body Editor slider so that everything to the left is 0 and the far right is 100
-QB Throwing Motions/Various mechanics
-More RB or running animations
-Size/Inertia of players coming into play(Greater size means more strength)
-Defensive play where the defenders are on the same level as the offense. By this I mean the O is in 3-D but the D is in 2-D. Another poster pointed this out. The defenders are able to float because of this and it is very unrealistic.
-Take all past features and give us a toned-down version of them:
Home Field Avantage/Composure where some players hear footsteps; Momentum, but it needs to be turned down a lot from what it was on '07; and tone down wide open gameplay. It is cool to be able to score when the D completely blows it though.

Take what worked and add it all together.

# 129 kevin80216 @ 12/21/08 06:22 PM

The graphics in this years game was great but they need to work on the little things such as:

-Mix and match jerseys (alot of teams like to mix and match helmets, pants, and jerseys to be opposite of the other teams)
-Add new helmets (Ion 4D, Revolution speed and Air XP) and face masks for helmets that are already in the game such as the DNA and Revolution
- Custom Cleats. Lots of teams put there teams colors on there cleats that look very cool such as Oregon.
-Different throwing motions
-MORE TRICK PLAYS (reverses, double passes, option reverses, etc.)
- Squib kick
- Different ball carrying motions ( high and tight, in-between, and hang loose)
- Stadium renovations ( let teams add more seating to there stadium as they gain more fans)
- Different running styles
-This is just a new IDEA but as teams come out with new jerseys let them be downloadable from xbox live.
- Dont put as much shadowing on the fields (it makes it very difficult to see)
- And most of all, UPDATE DYNASTY RECRUTING, make it so you can send scout to go see the players play and bring back a little 30 second highlight film, and make then recommend people from there school who arent being recruited

# 130 xXLIQUIDDYLANXx @ 12/23/08 02:34 AM

Pre Game: I think team-specific entrances would be a good addition to NCAA Football 2010. When Texas Tech enters, they touch a golden saddle statue and stand at the bottom of the ramp at the corner of the stadium. As the players walk out, fog machines are turned on. Also the Masked Rider (a person in a black bolo hat and black shirt and pants with a scarlet cape) rides onto the field on a black horse as 12 gauge shotguns fire and the team follows the Masked Rider onto the field. Maybe, Lee Corso could recognize the keys to a victory for each team. Skipping to the coin toss is just boring, so implementing this feature would be really great.
Offense: When the ball is snapped, the offensive line should backpedal and enclose the quarterback in a half circle while the opposing defensive line will rush forward (except in goal line situations, all of the offensive line will push forward). One time on NCAA Football 2009, I snapped the ball only to see my center run behind my right guard and right tackle and straight up the field! Once, I ran in for a touchdown from the 4 yard line and my 6-7 356lb right guard jumped on the back of a 5-9 209lb running back in celebration! That would never happen the running back would be crushed! When the ball is snapped, the offensive line will either: A. stand there with their arms locked not moving/B. stand with bodies apart but heads together not doing anything and when the play is over, one shoves the other and the one that gets shoved will flail his arms out and act like he wants to fight the other lineman but just steps by him and walks back to the huddle/C. nothing. The lineman and opposing lineman across from him will just stand there and not do A. or B. Some of the best offensive lines in college football, (Texas Tech's, Oklahoma's, Alabama's) should rarely allow a sack in any game mode or any difficulty setting. If a quarterback is in the shotgun, he should stand a few feet behind where he will take the snap and look to his sideline as if getting information from a coach. Then he should step up, one foot in front of the other and take the snap. It would look far less robotic if this was implemented. The wide recievers should jog over to their positions and stand, waiting for the snap with their arms swaying and looking over to the quarterback occasionaly. Again it would look far less robotic this way.
Defense: Defensive lines look alright, but they still need work. Earlier today during a game, I was on defense and I noticed my right end run behind the whole D-line and around the opposing offensive line's right tackle! EA should absolutely fix the warping tackles problem. It's really annoying to be tackled that way. If someone on defense gets a big hit, the defensive players should celebrate with him.
Realism: EA should add more alternate uniforms or at least a create-a-uniform for a real team feature. Off the top of my head I can think of six uniforms for Texas Tech. Under Armour cleats in many colors. Maybe if you play a rivalry game, the stadium should be louder than a normal game. More gear or accesories for the players (arm sleeves, knee braces, different colors of socks, ect.). Add dreadlocks! If you get a big hit on the same player a few times, he would get injured. If the player sustains a non leg injury such as a broken arm, he gets up and walks off the field holding the injured arm as the fans clap. If the player sustains a serious leg injury, he is carted or helped off the field by the team's trainers. The time it takes the players to get down the field while running full speed is unbelieveable. They should move way faster than they do. This has bothered me for years and I wish it would be fixed. Chants such as the one heard at Texas Tech games: Raider!...Power!...Raider!...Power!. should be added also. I think a view from inside the player's helmet would be a good addition to NCAA Football 2010. For example you could press the left button on your Xbox 360 controller to activate the camera angle.
Other: Division AA teams should be added. How can you not after the huge Appalacian St. vs Michigan upset?!?! Two of every # on a roster, one on offense and one on defense. Create-a-playbook.

These are features that I hope to see in EA's NCAA Football 2010.

# 131 bamaCT12 @ 12/30/08 02:01 AM

another thing would be to edit uniforms during dynasties, i mean how many teams a year change up their uniforms during the year

# 132 dsgreen85 @ 12/30/08 09:40 AM

I would love to have some sort of scouting feature, especially for online dynasties. Something similar to the VIP profile that 2k had in their games. A profile that keeps track of your tendencies and types of plays you run. If you could have something like this that was league specific for each coach, it would help a lot with game planning and add an extra bit of realism into the game, giving a slight edge to those coaches that go over game planning. Adding in some kind of training feature that you could do each week would add even more depth. You could tie in your training concentrations in with what you find out in the scouting reports.

# 133 ugafandeardorff24 @ 12/30/08 04:33 PM

I would like for them to change some things in campus legend mode as well, like when you play a game, all you hear is the PA and i know that's real and everything but, i'd like to hear the commentators, its just not as exciting when Corso ain't throwing his opinions at people, in NCAA Football 08, when i played a campus legend entering my first game i would hear, lets see how this freshman quarterback plays in his first college football game as the so and so's take the field, or lets see how this highly recruited quarterback from Tennessee does in his first college football game. Just things like that, that gets you pumped up and ready to play.

# 134 huskerfan101 @ 01/01/09 03:56 PM

on campus legend give us something to do in the off- season

# 135 GigemAGGIES13 @ 01/01/09 05:38 PM

A new physics engine would be amazing. I believe the NHL game used dynamic physics, ditching the old animation-based gameplay. It's a long shot, but animations are starting to feel primitive.

Refined AI next...this is necessary. Trash whatever was used for 09 and do it over; can't get much worse.

Online Dynasty saved the franchise, and Campus Legend should be put on the back-burner...any work on it is a waste of time. All the necessary Dynasty tweaks have already been suggested so there is little need for my input.

An optional Playoff system for Dynasty postseason play would be a great addition that I would certainly use.

# 136 ugafandeardorff24 @ 01/01/09 06:10 PM

and another thing, after pregame, yeah real appearances and entries, but i would also like to see the playing of the nat'l anthem by the home team.....

# 137 NICKY6HOKIES @ 01/02/09 05:42 PM

Gameplaying would be highly increased if the following ideas were inserted into the game:

Alternative Jerseys were used .

If flea flickers and Half Back passes were used this game , it would make this game highly realistic.

If game winning td's happen , they should be treated like that , not treated like a blowout.

More Incredible catches .

Touchdown celebrations should be gained in a meter of somesort .

More variety of clothing and shoes . ( visor colors should vary)

Bowl Patches should be used.

Upsets should have the hometeam rush the field if the home team should be the underdog. (use this in dynasty mode)

Black patches under players eyes .

Twoels for players hands in wet situations .

The one that should be used the most is more interaction with players , especially the Wide out and Cornerback .

Also more interaction with coaches if there is a bad call/play .

Weather situations should be a factor in the game .

I hope some of you guys agree with my ideas and i hope a couple of my ideas end up in the game . Nick Etter

# 138 BU1B22 @ 01/05/09 11:40 PM

I've got a few things that have bothered me from 09, but all I usually play is online dynasty, so my suggestions won't be as open-minded. I do agree that there should be more accessories added for the players, especially eye black. I think there should also be a jolly roger option, because I know many users would enjoy having jolly rogers on their players' helmets.

As for online dynasty, as many others have said, it would be great to have an option to watch another users game being played. There have been many online dynasties where one of the players has been in the national title game, but nobody else, and we have to sit and wait until the game is over before seeing what happened. Much more fun if the game could be watched. Could provide some very friendly criticism on their game!

Also, I think it would be great if they upgraded the recruiting on dynasty and online dynasty. One huge factor that is missed in the game is player behavior. I think there should be some kind of rating on each player in the recruiting board that rates their maturity and off-the-field issues. For instance, I play as Ohio State, and there is a recruit interested in me, but he has a bad rep when it comes to behavior. I should be able to decide whether it would be a smart decision or not to pick him up or not. Suspensions should come back to the game as well as team chemistry. That would make it a much more fun game to play recruiting-wise.

The biggest problem with 09 in my opinion had to be the computer defense. I have never had such a problem with throwing ints in football games until this game came out. Realistically, DBs in college drop a lot of possible ints, and that should be added to the game. Added to that is the computer offense. I can stop the running game like crazy, no matter what difficulty, but no matter what defense scheme I throw at them, the computer QB only has 1-3 incomplete passes a game and at least 300 yards. Totally unrealistic. Fix please

# 139 axelcrombie @ 01/07/09 09:07 PM

Where are Chief Osceola and Renegade at the begining of the games? Why do they not warm up or run thru banners? Why can they not go back to the helmets they had in 2008? They were perfect, with a big spear and now it looks like a helmet from playstation 2 game.

# 140 axelcrombie @ 01/07/09 11:01 PM

Where are the referees on the field? And i agree with everyone else, they should have all custom jerseys of every team, like different colors and elemets and cleats, etc. along with pregame and post game coverage. And where is the tear down of the goal post??? If its in the GAME!!!!! ITS IN THE GAME!!!!!! SO MAKE THAT HAPPEN!!!!!! and linemen have knee gaurds. In the game do they all have perfect knees? Ask a linemen they will tell you!!! Where is the coaching staff???? Are there no coaches in college football??? Make the players look like they are actually running! ITS COLLEGE FOOTBALL BRING IT HOME TO THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE IT! You need more trick plays, and custom playbooks! Everybodys playbook looks the same. Need more team celebration, and rivalrys need more fights or more taunting! That's what rivarly is, its hatred not shaking you're hand at the end of the game! Its either hey we won im gonna celebrate forevever, or ill see you next year. Thats college football you get one chance a year! so bring it home to the people who love it!!!

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