NCAA 2005 Preview
Posted on Sunday, June 27 2004

PREVIEW INFORMATION By Staff "I hope you all have great college football seasons, in real life as well as on the virtual gridiron." Publisher : EA Sports Developer : EA Sports Release Date : July 2004 Genre : Football Platform :

COMPOSURE

“Been there, done that.” It’s a simple phrase that can only be uttered by those individuals that have previously faced and overcome a difficult challenge. It means their will has been tested and their determination has been strengthened. It means they are prepared for those challenges that lie ahead. It ultimately means that you might want to start your battle-tested players over your newly recruited super athletes that are slated to replace them over time.

This year’s version of NCAA has a new composure rating for each player. Upperclassmen will usually have higher composure ratings than their understudies. Their higher ratings have developed as a byproduct from their additional gridiron experience. Conversely, players with low composure ratings are more likely to be “rattled,” hence they are more likely to make errors. Additionally, the players’ composure ratings might change from play to play. A good play will build a player’s confidence up and a bad play will make their psyches even more fragile. There is a definitive equation of risk versus reward with such a system. So let’s look at the value of making either decision:

Why should you feel obligated to play the older, unheralded upperclassman over your newest 5-star, sure thing, can’t miss, all-world Frosh? Two words for you: Craig Krenzel. He was a good sized QB, with slightly better than average skills but he had stellar composure. He was able to keep his teammates from being too uptight by cracking jokes in the offensive huddle during drives that held everything on the line. If he couldn’t beat a team with his physical tools, then he’d beat them with his level-headedness and his heart.

Conversely then, why would you want to start a younger player over an upperclassman? Because sometimes they are just too good to keep off of the field. Maybe they can cover a receiver like Dre’ Bly. Maybe they can run the ball like T.A. McLendon. Maybe they can lead a team like Chris Leak. Maybe it’s because they can block like Orlando Pace. Or maybe it’s because they can step up their game when they’re in the spotlight, like Justin Vincent.

If you’re confused, then good. Welcome to the world of college coaching. This is where the balance of athleticism and experience needs to be weighed carefully. Oh, by the way, don’t forget about your stud Frosh’s desire for playing time so that he doesn’t try to transfer.

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE (HFA)

Perhaps the most distinguishing characteristic about college football is the atmosphere that is present at every game. In past versions of NCAA football games we’ve all enjoyed using our linebackers to pump up the home crowds. I’m sure that we’ve all thought at some point though, that it would be pretty sweet if the noise of the crowd would actually impact the other team’s players. Well my friends, there’s no reason to make such a wish this year, since the crowd will definitely impact your opponents this year. In fact, the 12th man might even be loud enough to help prevent your team from defeating your most hated rival if you are unfortunate enough to be playing them in their stadium.

I’m sure there are a few fans that have read about this feature and thought to themselves “Damn it! How am I going to win a road game against a team like Tennessee?” Relax my high-strung, uptight, anxiety-riddled friend, for just as easily as they can pump up their crowds, you can silence them. OK, well maybe not just as easily, but it can be done. Take the crowd out of the equation by completing passes, grinding out yards, scoring, and making defensive plays. Do this and I’ll guarantee you that 100,000 fans are far less intimidating when they’re sitting on their hands. Just remember to keep them sitting and don’t let their team get back into the game.

Some of you might be wondering how the HFA feature can actually impact a game. Well, it appears to be implemented in a very slick fashion. If the visiting team is a human player, then the TV screen might shake and their controller will vibrate. Also, the louder the crowd gets, the more difficult it will be for the visiting team to hear any audibles from the QB. In particular the wide receivers will cup their hands by their ears demonstrating that they can’t hear it. If a receiver can’t hear his new pass route, then he will run the original pattern. Additionally, the QB will walk around trying to ensure that everyone hears the changes. If he is rattled at the time, he might line up behind a guard instead of behind his center. I don’t know what problems this may cause, but I’m fairly confident that it won’t lead to anything good.

To make it easier for us to know when we’re entering extremely hostile territories, EA is numbering the 25 toughest stadiums to play at this season. Playing at any of these stadiums will make it difficult for the visiting team to earn a victory. Now don’t start jumping to conclusions about how unfair it will be for those 25 schools to maintain the HFA advantage throughout an entire dynasty just because they have it the first year. Apparently the 25 toughest stadiums will change at least every season, possibly more frequently, based on how teams perform in their own stadiums. So if your favorite team is the Toledo Rockets, it may be possible for you turn the Glass Bowl into the newest House of Pain. Just don’t be surprised if it takes you a few years to accomplish such a feat. Perhaps this feature should be more aptly named “Home Field Attitude,” because that’s what it’s all about baby, attitude.

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