Good stuff:

Some players shake their head "yes sir" as they are a few yards from the endzone for the obvious TD. I’ve only seen this a few times, so I’m not really sure what triggers it.
Quite a few new animations, I really enjoy the clean low blocks that flip the defender. Saw another where the DB jumped up off balance falling backwards and swatted the ball down as he was falling with both hands.
Love how the QB will have an “off throw”, perfect step through, no pass rush, etc. just has a bad throw that “gets away” from him.
Love how the “D” shifts around during the presnap, as you try to get your read.
Less drops from the receivers.

Bad stuff:

Still seeing some “Mario Running”.
If you call for a punt block, instead of a return, I’d say 75% of the time, it’s an automatic 20 yards before anyone even touches you.
Offensive linemen seem to just stand there, if they have nobody to block. Would be nice to see them actually try and find someone or maybe help out.
Simmed another dynasty season and James Davis RB of Clemson won the Heisman, w/ 4 QB’s behind him. What’s w/ the love of QB’s? 
Runners seem to go out of bounds, not sensing where the OOB is, it seems. Even though they will tap the sidelines on some catches, as well as tight rope them. Just seems odd, when a receiver catches it, he runs out of bounds, even though he has 5 to 10 more yards if he just went down the field.
The play clock goes from 40 seconds to 25 seconds, problem when doing that is, the regulation clock doesn’t adjust to it. For example, I just tackled the RB, as the players separate, before the play calling screen pops up, the play clock shows 40, then when the play call screen comes up, it skips to 25, but the game clock doesn’t register that missing 15 seconds.
Defensive player angles are still annoying.
FCU Southeast, FCU East? What are they? Maybe it’s just too late… 2:30 AM right now, but when playing in Dynasty Mode last year, were these the opponents as well?

Scott: Thanks Steve...How is the OL/DL interaction while on All-American or Heisman? Also a quick question, Is GJ Kinne (former UT QB) in the game for Tulsa?

I can’t really say for certain one way or the other, but the one thing that stands out are the screen passes. You’ll sometimes see 3 guys pull out and setup the screen, as the rush gets closer and closer to the QB, a touch pass out to the RB and you have a big head of steam going upfield. I’m telling you, the screen pass is SO fun this year. And don’t think it’s a gimee either, you have to run it at the right times, or if you run it too much the D will sniff it out.
As for Kinne, not seeing him.

nstod: Have you seen a ridiculous amount of INT's and Pick-6's?

Thankfully, no I haven’t. I have seen 1 in the limited time I’ve been playing, but it really seems to be toned down this year. One of the biggest issues from last year, by far.

Solidice: i know it has been mentioned as being in the game by some, but never confirmed, is Formation Subs in the game this year? maybe even a screen shot to prove?

Using the right thumbstick, in the playcall screen, you can swap the receivers, bring in the backup RB, QB, dual HB’s, put the HB in the slot, TE swap, etc. I’m guessing this is what you meant?

I see “Mass Substitutions” as well. From there you can sub in your 2nd team offense and defense.

Noplace: Thanks Steve I think the vids answered most of the questions I have.
I have just a couple of questions about the playbooks & commentary. Have you noticed anything new?

Sure, there is some new commentary. I wouldn’t say they spent the bulk of their time there though. Still hearing them claim a poor decision by my QB, when I hit my WR in stride, right between the numbers. As for playbooks, I have seen quite a few new plays, but if there is a specific formation/play/playbook you are requesting, just let me know, I can see if it’s in there. Make sure to post tomorrow.

Skyboxer: Can you see If the CPU AI quick snapping the ball every play is in fact there? So far in the vids the only time they don't is when they either audible or send a man in motion. Every other play the ball is snapped as soon as the QB gets set.
This makes making any D reads and adjustments obsolete.
(Or will it be a non issue and won't be that way in the final build?)
Thanks

Yes, unfortunately, I too am seeing the AI snap the ball too quickly and I can’t make many adjustments. So far, the only time they slow it down, is like you said, if they send a man in motion, audible or when the time is running out of the half or game, and they are just eating it.

J-Unit40: Just set up my mini-avatar.
1) Option game - Is it too easy to run the option (AA or Heisman difficulty)? Last year, I felt it was either a loss of 2 yards or at least a 25 yard gain. Especially with the speed option and slot option plays.
2) DB play - How are the DB animations? Do they always sky-rocket to the ball to swat it down or does it look more realistic?
Thanks!

I’d say the option isn’t as easy. I’ve tried it w/ a few option teams and the defense seems pretty good at sending someone to man up the RB and depending on the QB, manning him up as well. That’s not to say I had a few long runs, but I think it’s better than last year.

DB’s don’t skyrocket, but the receivers seem to have that ability on occasion.

Solidice: CPU QB - How is the CPU QB AI on All-American? Does the QB throw deep ever? How about throwing into triple coverage? In the IGN insider video, the CPU did throw a 30+ yard bomb(not a short pass then run after the catch, the ball was in the air for over 30 yards) and passed mostly to open or single covered WRs. but the user that was playing wasn't that good so it may not be a good example.

I must say the AI QB’ing is much better this year. Already, the AI has been lighting me up for over 70% (And dare I say 90% once…) pass completion ratio on more than a few occasions. It’s very rare the AI has thrown into triple coverage, but if they did, it was a desperation hail mary. I’m really happy w/ that so far. As the AI last year seemed very boneheaded and threw for way too many interceptions. As for the AI throwing it deep on me, so far it hasn’t happened much at all, but it’s early.

JBucc: How is the recruiting compared to last year? Is it any easier or less in depth? I seem to remember they were toning it down some.
Is it easier to put varying levels of touch on your passes?
Do the juke moves feel overpowered?
Thanks.

Seems like it’s just as in depth as last year, it’s not easy nor hard, just time consuming. I mostly let the AI do it myself, as I get tired of messing w/ it in my advanced age.

Easier than last year yes. I had my share of issues last year, but this year seems fine.

No, well… On the Varsity level sure, but on the higher difficulties, you find it doesn’t work as often, which is what we all like to see. I’d just say, it feels good to break someones ankles on Heisman.

Ninjoid: Steve,
Within dynasty are we still able to select any game from any side's schedule (not just your selected team)?
Presumably we have the ability to watch this as cpu v cpu.

Yes, you can select any game you wish and watch CPU vs. CPU, or play it with either team, if you like.

drlw322: thank you steve once again. this is just a request and if you can't get to it it's fine. just wanted to know if you were going to post some good videos of you possibly playing the game.
all the videos we've seen so far. the human control players are droping back 15 yds and style of play is bad. i was wondering if you can post a video of you playing (sim style) on all american level to show us what this game is all about. and if you dont mine can you pick my SC Trojans
thanks again like i said if you can't do it i still appreciate all info you have provided. thank you

I had a burglary in my home and they took my video capture equipment, insurance is being a pain, but hopefully I get something soon and can post them. For now, it’s just screenshots and Q&A.

bad_philanthropy: How effective are spread option teams being run by the cpu AI this year? Last year the offensive AI capabilities rendered teams like Florida a pushover because it couldn't properly run the offense.

I’d have to say Florida is giving me all I can handle twice. Haven’t beaten them yet, but I whipped em’ good last year.  I’m telling you, the AI plays better, at least so far, than last year, by far.

wsu_gb23: Do the shadows continue to move across the field? If I start a game at 11 or noon, will shadows eventually show up? If I start a game at 3 or 4, will the shadows progress and the sky get darker?

I think that has been in for a couple of years now, but I could be mistaken. I haven’t checked it for this year, you may have to remind me tomorrow.

wsu_gb23: Are there any differences in the PS3 version compared to the 360 version? Graphics, framerate, etc...

No idea, I only have the 360 beta version.

Rocky: Steve, can you add plays from another teams playbook into a custom playbook?
I know you could do this last gen, just wondering if it made the leap. Thanks!!!!

If you can, they sure don’t make it easy to find. So I’m guessing it’s a big fat NO.

ausar72: Steve, Thanks for putting in so much time to hook us up with information...
My question is...
Can you sim to a bowl game and see if they have added the team specific endzone art to the field?

Nope, no team specific endzone art.

cch99: Steve,
Thanks for doing this. Only one question. Does NCAA have the new passing cam like Madden or does it pull out any farther on passing plays than last year ?
I may be beating a dead horse about the camera issues but figured I'd ask anyway.
Thanks.

Nope, it doesn’t have that view. There is only one view again this year. I told the Producer there are PLENTY of us that want a variation in camera views, so maybe they add some next year. We’ll see.

BSherrod: Steve,
Thanks for the efforts man.
Do you have any alternate uniforms in your build and if so, can you talk about them?

I don’t see any labeled “Alternates”, but some teams definitely have more than just a home and away jersey. Anyone specific? Let me know in tomorrow mornings post.

Methlab: The game felt a little stiff and unresponsive on 08 (360). Especially in menus, but even when snapping the ball or switching men. How is the button response this time around?
Also how is the passing game compared to last year? I really find it to hard to make throws to open guys sometimes due to superhuman LBs overthe middle.

No issues at all in the menus or switching players.
Not seeing the superhuman LB’s, it’s great to see WR’s getting up for some grabs though. Some are landing on their head though, lol.

JIMIHEMMY: And also, are the uniforms set or can you mix and match tops and botoms?

Can’t match them, they either say all blacks or all whatever. Can’t say which tops or bottoms you’d like. Well, you can pick the jersey color.

2krules: Thanks for answeing these questions, Steve.
Can the automatic photo fetaure be disabled this year?

I haven’t seen it pop up.

SteelerSpartan: *Hows the grass degradation???Is it comparable to Madden's??
*Snow Games....is their footprints and if not do you know if it will be in the final game???
*Any new struggling animations that allow you press A and break out of the tackle???
*Has Jump the snap really been toned down on the higher difficulties?

I’m not seeing any field degradation. Strange. Also, while players do get dirty, it seems they should get much dirtier, much faster in the rain and mud, but they don’t.
No footprints in the snow, not sure if it will be in the final, but I doubt it.
Not seeing the struggling press A break tackles.
I never liked the jump the snap, never used it. So I couldn’t tell you if it’s better.

Cotton500: 85 man rosters?

70.