Got NCAA Football 08 for XBOX 360 today.

For some reason a few achievements won't unlock for me even though I've satisfied the requirements (national championship, 1 star to 6 star, invited to a BCS conference, etc). After getting SMU up to a superpower, I think I'm pretty much burned out on this game.

 

I got a second wind and played another season with satisfying results, but in the middle of my next one my dynasty saves suddenly started failing. That's very, very annoying because it means that all my efforts in building up my school have been erased.

 

Despite my complaints I'm still playing this, perhaps because I never did get Madden. I now have UNC up to a powerhouse dynasty. My current season I have a freshman RB who was the top prospect in the country and I got him away from UM even though he was from Michigan. He's not quite the highest rated RB on my team, but I made him the starter because of his 99 speed and 99 acceleration. I plan on having him break all NCAA records, and he already had 211 yards on 13 carries in the first game against Nebraska, including a 98 yarder.

I've learned plenty of things about various parts of the game so if anyone is still playing it and wants some tips, just ask.

 

Okay, dumb question here -- I'm playing NCAA 2009 for PS2, and I'm guessing this is a universal configuration...

Can you not save a game in progress like you can on Madden?

 

nope

 

Suckage.

 

FWIW NCAA Football was WAY better in the 09 version.

Just saying it since hasbeens mentioned it. Personally I don't like Madden this year.

 

I'm entering my third season coaching Fresno State. Won the WAC (which is a non-BCS conference) last season, and just logged the 24th best draft class in the country (including a 5-star ATH from Maryland).

I haven't cracked the top 25 yet, but I may have a decent chance this season. Can anyone give me some pointers on recruiting? It's been kinda tough being a non-BCS school in the middle of PAC-10 country. I did have more interested players than last offseason, though.

 

recruiting is tough. I'm in my 3rd year with Navy and having the same issue

 

Depends upon how far you want to go. If you want to make sure you get the best players you can and don't care about "cheating," then scout each pitch type beforehand and then load a saved game so you can only use pitches that suit the recruit. Another save & re-load strategy is to only offer scholarships when the player has your school listed as their top choice, as that's the only time they'll accept early, then if they don't accept you re-load and try again. Sometimes that takes 10 or more tries.

If you consider those to be "cheating" and don't want to use them, then my advice is to focus on 3 and 4 star players from your home state or at least nearby. If their interests match up with your school's strongest pitches then you'll be in business, otherwise move on and don't waste your allotted time. The best guys to focus on are those who don't have much of their interest meter filled even for their top schools, as they'll give you more of the season to win them over. After about week 2 or so, you'll also notice that some players aren't getting offered scholarships at all. Those are guys you can target and get on quickly, especially if you've freed up time with some early commitments. Here again, only offer scholarships when you're listed as their top choice. As for recruiting visits, the best times seem to be weeks 5-11. Any later than that and you'll fall too far behind schools they visit with earlier. Any earlier than that and you're very unlikely to get an "A" rating on the visit. Rival schools are the best opponents for a visit, but from what I've seen, when you visit matters more than who you're playing. Quality of the game does matter, although I'm not entirely sure how, as I've gotten both good and bad ratings from close games and blowouts. I wonder if it has something to do with the stats of the players at the recruit's position.

As far as types of players, speed and acceleration seem to be the most valuable attributes since they don't grow much in yearly training, while awareness grows quite a bit. I always look for a 4.20/40 WR or RB, as they can be assets even at 3 stars. Athletes are a good way to go as well, since they're not as heavily recruited and can give you big ratings. Athletes intended to be strong safeties can make really good OLBs with A- or so speed. For HBs, acceleration is more important than speed, so look for someone who has A+ there. I also like getting a QB with some speed if possible, especially if you don't sim many games, because awareness isn't much of a problem if you're the one controlling him.