NCAA Football 07 Walkthrough

By: Doug Radcliffe
Design: Randall Montanari

A deflected pass leads to improbable catch and an interception return for a touchdown. Cue the fight song because momentum has shifted to the home team! It's time to don the shoulder pads and lace up the cleats, EA Sports' NCAA Football 07 makes its debut on the Xbox 360 (current generation Xbox and PlayStation 2 versions also available).

The biggest addition to this year's game is the momentum meter. With momentum on your side, your players perform better. Shift momentum with big plays on offense or big hits on defense. The momentum meter increases play calling strategy. You've got momentum: do you play it safe and keep the edge or try and put the game out of reach with riskier play calling?

This Gamespot game guide for NCAA Football 07 covers team stats and profiles, offensive and defensive strategies, online tips, and tips on unlocking Xbox 360 Achievements.

• Team Stats: Statistics for all I-A college football teams in NCAA Football 07.



• Top 25 Profiles: Check here for team profiles of the Top 25 ranked teams in NCAA Football 07. The section includes team, dynasty, and impact player statistics and on-field analysis.



• Offensive Playbook: Improve your pass, run, and option play with these offensive strategies. You'll find tips on formations, impact players, packages, and the all-new momentum feature.



• Defensive Playbook: This section compiles defensive strategies with formation advantages and disadvantages, momentum and impact player tips, and techniques for stopping the pass, run, and option.



• Online Tips: This section offers specific strategies for conquering the competition online.



• Xbox 360 Achievements and Mini-Games: Tips and tricks for unlocking NCAA Football 07 Xbox 360 Achievements and beating the exclusive mini-games.

Chapter 1 - Team Stats

The following chart reveals the overall, offense, defense, special teams, and prestige ratings for all I-A college football teams. These ratings were gathered from a fresh Dynasty. Note that some of the team's defensive playbooks differ between Dynasty Mode and Play Now mode. These differences are indicated in the defensive form column.

TEAM	CONFERENCE	OVERALL	OFFENSE	DEFENSE	SPECIAL TEAMS	PRESTIGE	OFFENSE FORM	DEFENSE FORM
Air Force Falcons	MWC	C-	C	D+	D+	2 stars	Flexbone	4-3 (3-3-5)
Akron Zips	MAC	C+	C+	C	C+	2 stars	West Coast	4-3 (3-3-5)
Alabama Crimson Tide	SEC	B+	B	A-	B-	5 stars	Balanced	4-3
Arizona Wildcats	Pac-10	B-	B-	B	B	3 stars	Balanced	4-3
Arizona State Sun Devils	Pac-10	B+	B+	B+	B+	4 stars	Balanced	4-3
Arkansas Razorbacks	SEC	B	B-	B	B+	3 stars	Balanced	4-3
Arkansas State Indians	Sun Belt	C+	C-	B-	C+	1 star	Balanced	4-3
Army Black Knights	Independents	C+	C	C	B-	1 star	Balanced	4-3
Auburn Tigers	SEC	B+	B	B+	A-	5 stars	West Coast	4-3
BYU Cougars	MWC	C+	B-	C	C+	3 stars	Spread	3-4
Ball State Cardinals	MAC	C	C	C-	B-	1 star	Balanced	4-3
Baylor Bears	Big 12	C	C	C-	B	2 stars	Spread	4-2-5
Boise State Broncos	WAC	B+	B	A-	B+	3 stars	Balanced	4-3
Boston College Eagles	ACC	B-	B-	B-	B	3 stars	West Coast	4-3
Bowling Green Falcons	MAC	C+	C	C+	C	3 stars	Spread	4-3
Buffalo Bulls	MAC	C+	C	C+	C+	1 star	Balanced	4-3
Cal Golden Bears	Pac-10	B+	B	A	B	5 stars	West Coast	4-3
Central Michigan Chippewas	MAC	B-	C+	B-	B-	1 star	Spread	4-3
Cincinnati Bearcats	Big East	C+	C	C+	B	2 stars	Balanced	4-3
Clemson Tigers	ACC	B+	B	A-	B+	4 stars	Spread	4-3
Colorado Buffalos	Big 12	B+	B-	B+	A-	4 stars	West Coast	4-3
Colorado State Rams	MWC	B	B-	B	B	3 stars	Balanced	4-3
Connecticut Huskies	Big East	C+	C+	C+	C+	2 stars	Balanced	4-3
Duke Blue Devils	ACC	B-	C+	B	B	2 stars	Balanced	4-3
ECU Pirates	C-USA	B-	C+	C+	B	2 stars	Spread	4-3
Eastern Michigan Eagles	MAC	B-	C+	B-	B	1 star	Spread	4-3
FIU Golden Panthers	Sun Belt	C	C	C+	C	1 star	Balanced	4-3
Florida Gators	SEC	B+	B	A-	A-	6 stars	Spread	4-3
Florida Atlantic Owls	Sun Belt	C	C	C	C	1 star	Balanced	4-3
Florida State Seminoles	ACC	B	B-	B	B-	6 stars	Balanced	4-3
Fresno State Bulldogs	WAC	B-	B-	B	B	3 stars	Balanced	4-3
Georgia Bulldogs	SEC	B+	B	A-	B+	6 stars	Balanced	4-3
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets	ACC	B+	B	A-	B	4 stars	Balanced	4-3
Hawaii Warriors	WAC	B-	B-	B-	B-	3 stars	Spread	3-4
Houston Cougars	C-USA	B+	B	A-	B+	2 stars	Spread	3-4
Idaho Vandals	WAC	C	C	C	C+	1 star	Spread	4-3
Illinois Fighting Illini	Big Ten	B-	C+	B-	B	3 stars	Spread	4-3
Indiana Hoosiers	Big Ten	C	C	C-	C	2 stars	Spread	4-3
Iowa Hawkeyes	Big Ten	B+	B+	B+	B+	5 stars	Balanced	4-3
Iowa State Cyclones	Big 12	B	B	B-	B-	3 stars	Spread	4-3
Kansas Jayhawks	Big 12	C+	C+	C+	B-	2 stars	Spread	4-3
Kansas State Wildcats	Big 12	B	B-	B-	B+	4 stars	West Coast	4-3
Kent State Golden Flashes	MAC	C+	C	B-	C+	1 star	Spread	3-4
Kentucky Wildcats	SEC	C+	B-	C	C+	2 stars	Balanced	4-3
LSU Tigers	SEC	B+	B+	B+	B	6 stars	Balanced	4-3
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs	WAC	C+	C	C+	C+	2 stars	Spread	3-4
Louisville Cardinals	Big East	B+	B	B+	B	4 stars	Balanced	4-3
Marshall Thundering Herd	C-USA	B-	C+	C+	B	3 stars	Spread	4-3
Maryland Terrapins	ACC	B	C+	B	B	4 stars	Balanced	3-4
Memphis Tigers	C-USA	B-	C+	B-	B-	3 stars	Spread	4-3
Miami Hurricanes	ACC	B+	B	A-	B+	6 stars	Balanced	4-3
Miami University Redhawks	MAC	C+	C+	C	C+	2 stars	Spread	4-3
Michigan Wolverines	Big Ten	A-	B+	A-	A	6 stars	Balanced	4-3
Michigan State Spartans	Big Ten	B	B	B	B	4 stars	Spread	4-3
Mid Tenn State Blue Raiders	Sun Belt	B-	C+	C+	C+	1 star	Balanced	4-3
Minnesota Golden Gophers	Big Ten	B-	B	C+	C+	4 stars	Balanced	4-3
Mississippi State Bulldogs	SEC	B	C	B	B+	3 stars	West Coast	4-3
Missouri Tigers	Big 12	B	B	B+	C+	3 stars	Spread	4-3
NC State Wolfpack	ACC	B+	B-	B+	B+	4 stars	West Coast	4-3
Navy Midshipmen	Independents	B	B-	B+	B+	1 star	Flexbone	4-3 (3-4)
Nebraska Cornhuskers	Big 12	B+	B	A-	B+	5 stars	West Coast	4-3
Nevada Wolf Pack	WAC	B-	B-	B-	B-	2 stars	Spread	3-4
New Mexico Lobos	MWC	B-	B-	B-	B+	2 stars	West Coast	4-3 (3-3-5)
New Mexico State Aggies	WAC	B-	C+	B-	C+	1 star	Spread	3-4
North Carolina Tar Heels	ACC	B-	B-	B-	B	3 stars	Balanced	4-3
North Texas Mean Green	Sun Belt	C+	B-	C-	C+	2 stars	Balanced	3-4
Northern Illinois Huskies	MAC	B	B	B	B	3 stars	Balanced	4-3
Northwestern Wildcats	Big Ten	B	B-	B	B	3 stars	Spread	4-3
Notre Dame Fighting Irish	Independents	A-	A-	A-	B-	6 stars	Balanced	4-3
Ohio Bobcats	MAC	B-	B-	B	B-	1 star	Balanced	4-3
Ohio State Buckeyes	Big Ten	A-	B+	A-	B+	6 stars	Balanced	4-3
Oklahoma Sooners	Big 12	B+	B	A-	B	6 stars	Balanced	4-3
Oklahoma State Cowboys	Big 12	B	B	B	B-	3 stars	Spread	4-3
Ole Miss Rebels	SEC	B	C+	B+	B-	3 stars	Balanced	4-3
Oregon Ducks	Pac-10	B+	B+	B+	B	4 stars	Spread	4-3
Oregon State Beavers	Pac-10	B+	B	B	B+	4 stars	Balanced	4-3
Penn State Nittany Lions	Big Ten	B+	B	A-	B+	5 stars	Balanced	4-3
Pittsburgh Panthers	Big East	B-	B-	B	B	4 stars	Balanced	4-3
Purdue Boilermakers	Big Ten	B-	B-	C+	B-	4 stars	Spread	4-3
Rice Owls	C-USA	C+	C	B-	C+	1 star	Spread	4-3 (3-3-5)
Rutgers Scarlet Knights	Big East	B-	C+	C+	B	2 stars	Balanced	4-3
SMU Mustangs	C-USA	C	C	C+	C-	1 star	Spread	4-3
San Diego State Aztecs	MWC	B	B-	B	B	2 stars	Balanced	4-3
San Jose State Spartans	WAC	D+	D	D	C+	1 star	West Coast	4-3
South Carolina Gamecocks	SEC	B	B	B	B-	4 stars	Balanced	4-3 (Multiple D)
Southern Miss Golden Eagles	C-USA	B-	B-	B-	B+	3 stars	Balanced	4-3 (Multiple D)
Stanford Cardinal	Pac-10	B-	B-	B-	B-	3 stars	West Coast	4-3 (3-4)
Syracuse Orange	Big East	B-	C	B-	B-	4 stars	West Coast	4-3
TCU Horned Frogs	MWC	B-	B-	B-	B-	3 stars	Balanced	4-2-5
Temple Owls	Independents	C+	C	C+	C+	1 star	Balanced	3-4
Tennessee Volunteers	SEC	B+	B	B+	B+	6 stars	Balanced	4-3
Texas Longhorns	Big 12	B+	B	A-	B+	6 stars	Balanced	4-3
Texas A&M Aggies	Big 12	B-	B-	B-	C+	5 stars	Balanced	4-2-5
Texas Tech Red Raiders	Big 12	B+	B-	B+	B+	3 stars	Spread	4-3
Toledo Rockets	MAC	B-	C+	C+	B	3 stars	Spread	3-4
Troy Trojans	Sun Belt	C+	C	B-	B-	1 star	Balanced	4-3
Tulane Green Wave	C-USA	C+	C+	C	B+	2 stars	Balanced	4-3
Tulsa Golden Hurricane	C-USA	B-	C+	B	B	2 stars	Balanced	4-3 (3-3-5)
UAB Blazers	C-USA	C+	C	C+	B-	2 stars	Balanced	4-3
UCF Golden Knights	C-USA	B-	B-	B-	B	2 stars	Balanced	4-3
UCLA Bruins	Pac-10	B-	C+	C+	A-	4 stars	West Coast	4-3
UL Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns	Sun Belt	C	C	C-	C+	1 star	Balanced	4-3
UL Monroe Warhawks	Sun Belt	C	C-	C-	C	1 star	Spread	4-2-5 (4-3)
UNLV Rebels	MWC	B	B-	B	B+	2 stars	Spread	4-3 (3-3-5)
USC Trojans	Pac-10	B+	B+	A-	B	6 stars	West Coast	4-3
USF Bulls	Big East	C+	C	C+	C+	2 stars	Spread	4-3
UTEP Miners	C-USA	B	B-	B	B+	2 stars	Spread	4-3
Utah Utes	MWC	B	B-	B+	B-	4 stars	Spread	4-3
Utah State Aggies	WAC	C	C-	C-	B	1 star	Balanced	4-2-5 (4-3)
Vanderbilt Commodores	SEC	C+	C+	C+	B-	2 stars	Balanced	4-3
Virginia Cavaliers	ACC	B-	B-	B	B-	4 stars	West Coast	3-4
Virginia Tech Hokies	ACC	A-	B-	A+	A+	5 stars	Balanced	4-3
Wake Forest Demon Deacons	ACC	B	B-	B	B+	3 stars	Balanced	4-3
Washington Huskies	Pac-10	B	C+	B	B+	4 stars	Balanced	4-3
Washington State Cougars	Pac-10	B-	B-	B-	C+	4 stars	Spread	4-3
West Virginia Mountaineers	Big East	B+	B+	A-	B-	4 stars	Spread	4-3 (3-3-5)
Western Michigan Broncos	MAC	B	B-	B	B+	1 star	Balanced	4-3
Wisconsin Badgers	Big Ten	B	B-	B	B+	4 stars	Balanced	4-3
Wyoming Cowboys	MWC	C	C	C	C	2 stars	Spread	4-3

Chapter 2: Top 25 Profiles

It's the best of the best. Start the season in the top 25 and you have the best shot to end the season as the national champion. This section provides team breakdowns of the top 25 college football teams, as rated by NCAA Football 07. Each breakdown includes statistics for impact players, 2006 on the field statistics, and analysis. Also, in the statistics for each team, note that all teams possess Goal Line and Hail Mary offensive formations in their playbooks.

Each position player is rated in several different categories--the Xbox 360 version expands player ratings dramatically. The following list reveals the statistics and descriptions including new player statistics in the 360 version of NCAA Football 07. These aren't described in game so some of the descriptions are assumptions.

• Overall (OVR) - The overall rating for the player. The higher the better!
• Speed (SPD) - How fast the player can run.
• Strength (STR) - The player's strength, which affects his ability to break tackles.
• Agility (AGI) - The player's agility, enhancing his ability to switch directions.
• Acceleration (ACC) - How fast a player reaches full speed. Great for sprinting through open holes in your line.
• Awareness (AWR) - A player's ability to react and adjust. High awareness generally comes with more experience.
• Break Tackle (BKT) - The player's ability to break tackles.
• Trucking (TRK) - Player's ability with the truck stick.
• Elusiveness (ELU) - Likely the ability to escape tackles (or perhaps sacks). This is a key statistic for running backs, receivers, and quarterbacks.
• BC Vision (BCV) - Ball carrying vision: ability to spot the open field. This is a key statistic for running backs.
• Stiff Arm (SFA) - Player's ability with the stiff arm maneuver.
• Spin Move (SPM) - Player's ability with the spin maneuver.
• Juke Move (JKM) - Player's ability with the juke move.
• Carrying (CAR) - How well the player holds onto the football. A higher rating means the less chance of a fumble.
• Catching (CTH) - How well the player can catch. A higher rating means fewer drops.
• Jumping (JMP) - The player's ability to jump, such as for grabbing high passes.
• Throw Power (THP) - How far a player can throw the ball.
• Throw Accuracy (THA) - How accurate a player throws.
• Tackle (TAK) - A player's ability to tackle.
• Power Moves (PMV) - Look for high power moves in defensive linemen. Power Moves is the ability to power through the block.
• Finesse Moves (FMV) - Similar to power moves but it's the ability to spin or swim around blocks.
• Block Shedding (BSH) - How well the player can shed a block.
• Pursuit (PRS) - Skill in finding and pursuing the ball carrier--likely laterally. For instance: a linebacker moving down the line to cut off the ball carrier.
• Play Recognition (PRC) - The ability to recognize plays. This is a defensive player skill that would seem to be tied into play action passing as well as recognizing the same play calls.
• Man Coverage (MCV) - Skill of the defender in man coverage.
• Zone Coverage (ZCV) - Skill of the defender in zone coverage.
• Pass Block (PBK) - How well a player pass blocks.
• Run Block (RBK) - How well a player run blocks.
• Impact Blocking (IBL) - Would seem to be the blockers ability to make a leveling "impact" style block.
• Run Block Strength (RBS) - How well the player run blocks.
• Run Block Footwork (RBF) - How well the player maintains footing during a run block.
• Pass Block Strength (PBS) - How well the player pass blocks.
• Pass Block Footwork (PBF) - How well the player maintains footing during a pass block.
• Kick Power (KPW) - A kicker's power. Higher power means longer kicks.
• Kick Accuracy (KAC) - A kicker's accuracy.
• Return (RET) - Skill of the player as a punt or kick returner.
• Stamina (STA) - The player's stamina level. The higher the rating, the more the player can be in the game before he becomes fatigued.
• Injury (INJ) - The likelihood of an injury. The higher the rating, the less likely a player will get injured.
• Importance (IMP) - A player's importance to his team.

#1 - Ohio State Buckeyes

• '05 Record: 10-2 (Beat Notre Dame in Fiesta Bowl)
• Conference: Big Ten (7-1, t-1st)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 52nd (225.7 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 24th (196.7 yards per game)
• Offense Type: Balanced
• Run/Pass: 53% Run, 47% Pass
• Offensive Playcall Style: 54% Conservative, 46% Aggressive
• Offensive Substitutions: 50% More, 50% Less
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 43rd (207.9 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 1st (73.4) yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 58% Run, 42% Pass
• Defensive Playcall Style: 60% Aggressive, 40% Conservative
• Defensive Substitutions: 55% Less, 45% More
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Big, Ace Big Twin WR, Ace Twin TE, Ace Twin TE WR, Ace Normal Slot, Ace Slot Strong, I-Form Normal, I-Form Twin WR, I-Form Big, Strong I H Pro, Shotgun Split Offset, Shotgun Normal Slot, Shotgun Slot Strong, Shotgun 4WR Spread, Shotgun Trips Strong, Shotgun 5-Wide

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	THP	THA	CAR	BKT	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
QB #10	95	86	65	85	85	86	94	92	82	90	88	68	68	85	60	60	88	70	75

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
WR #7	93	99	48	87	99	99	98	91	92	90	62	48	44	96	40	35	99	97	98

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
DT #90	94	65	92	85	65	72	86	89	62	88	80	96	97	85	96	5	10

The Ohio State Buckeyes last won the national championship in 2002 and are favored to make the run this year. The Buckeyes' impressive offensive statistics leave little surprise that EA Sports has ranked them #1 overall in I-A schools. It's about team speed with the Buckeyes' offensive impact players. QB #10 is lightning quick; mix up the offensive play calls with rollouts, scrambles, and option plays, then look for WR #7 deep to capitalize on his 99 speed, agility, elusiveness, and acceleration.

#2 - Texas Longhorns

• '05 Record: 13-0 (Beat USC in Rose Bowl; National Champions)
• Conference: Big 12 (8-0, 1st in South)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 40th (237.2 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 2nd (274.9 yards per game)
• Offense Type: Balanced
• Run/Pass: 56% Run, 44% Pass
• Offensive Playcall Style: 54% Conservative, 46% Aggressive
• Offensive Substitutions: 55% Less, 45% More
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 8th (172.0 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 33rd (130.9 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 56% Run, 44% Pass
• Defensive Playcall Style: 50% Conservative, 50% Aggressive
• Defensive Substitutions: 55% Less, 45% More
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Big, Ace Big Twin WR, Ace Normal Slot, Ace Slot Strong, Ace Flip Trips, I-Form Normal, I-Form Big, Strong I Normal, Weak I, Weak I Twin WR, Shotgun Ace, Shotgun Normal Slot, Shotgun Normal Offset WK, Shotgun Slot Strong, Shotgun Slot Strg HB Wk, Shotgun Spread Flex

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
HB #25	89	95	68	70	93	95	90	92	70	65	87	86	48	91	85	65	92	85	85

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
LE #80	94	80	78	82	76	84	86	90	62	82	90	85	85	90	93	5	10

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
SS #27	92	89	68	87	86	90	92	94	84	80	62	90	90	50	60	80	75	85

The Texas Longhorns are coming off an impressive national championship win against repeat champion, the USC Trojans. Despite losing a Heisman candidate quarterback in Vince Young (now with the NFL's Tennessee Titans), the Longhorns enter this NCAA Football 07 season ranked #2 overall. Expect to focus more on the ground game with impact player #25; excellent speed and acceleration give the Longhorns' back the ability to break it outside for a momentum changing gain. The Longhorns' strong defense (two impact players) will keep games close--a perfect match for a consistent ground game.

#3 - Notre Dame Fighting Irish

• '05 Record: 9-3 (Lost to Ohio State in Fiesta Bowl)
• Conference: Independents
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 4th (330.3 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 55th (147.1 yards per game)
• Offense Type: Balanced
• Run/Pass: 52% Pass, 48% Run
• Offensive Playcall Style: 54% Aggressive, 46% Conservative
• Offensive Substitutions: 55% Less, 45% More
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 103rd (264.6 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 34th (132.3 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 62% Pass, 38% Run
• Defensive Playcall Style: 70% Aggressive, 30% Conservative
• Defensive Substitutions: 55% Less, 45% More
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Big 3 TE, Ace Big, Ace Normal Slot, Ace Slot Strong, Ace Trips Bunch, Ace Empty 5 WR, I-Form Normal, Split Backs 3 WR, Strong I Normal, Weak I Twin WR, Weak I Twin TE, Shotgun Normal Slot, Shotgun Slot Strong, Shotgun Trio, Shotgun 4 WR Spread, Shotgun Trips Strong, Shotgun 5-Wide

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	THP	THA	CAR	BKT	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
QB #10	97	62	65	95	62	68	94	96	68	94	95	62	48	50	40	40	55	50	55

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
WR #83	96	90	70	93	90	92	92	96	95	96	68	68	52	92	70	75	88	80	85

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
SS #9	95	93	70	85	92	91	96	94	84	74	72	95	85	70	70	90	85	96

The Fighting Irish have been on explosive rise the last few seasons: Notre Dame went from 6-6 to 9-3 and their 81st ranked offense went to number 10 in the country. QB #10, a Heisman candidate, leads the Fighting Irish into their championship hopeful season. He's one of the best (if not the best) all-around quarterbacks in NCAA Football 07--good speed, great awareness, and excellent throwing skills. Look to feature impact player WR #83 in the passing game. Defensively the Irish are weaker against the run. Impact defender SS #9 anchors a stronger pass defense.

#4 - USC Trojans

• '05 Record: 12-1 (Lost to Texas in the Rose Bowl)
• Conference: Pac-10 (8-0, 1st)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 5th (319.8 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 6th (260.0 yards per game)
• Offense Type: West Coast
• Run/Pass: 50% Pass, 50% Run
• Offensive Playcall Style: 62% Aggressive, 38% Conservative
• Substitutions: 55% More, 45% Less
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 73rd (230.4 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 31st (130.5 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 51% Run, 49% Pass
• Defensive Playcall Style: 55% Conservative, 45% Aggressive
• Defensive Substitutions: 55% More, 45% Less
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Big, Ace Big Twin WR, Ace Twin TE WR, Ace Normal Slot, Ace Normal, Ace Slot Strong, Ace Trips Bunch, Ace Spread, I-Form Normal, I-Form Twin WR, I-Form Big, Split Backs Normal, Strong I Normal, Strong I Twin WR, Weak I Normal, Weak I Close

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
WR #8	96	94	62	88	92	95	93	94	98	96	62	59	48	90	60	55	92	80	85

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
WR #2	93	95	62	90	94	96	92	88	90	92	65	56	48	89	60	50	93	85	92

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
LE #96	94	84	80	76	78	88	87	92	80	76	90	90	85	99	85	5	10

The loss of two Heisman trophy winners would seem to indicate a "rebuilding" year--but here are the USC Trojans, deservedly ranked #4 in NCAA Football 07. The Trojans lost a Heisman QB and RB but still have two impact receivers to dominate opposing corners. Both receivers are equally skilled and a threat to shift momentum on any play. Note that the Trojans lack Shotgun formation in their offensive playbook. Don't let that discourage airing it out--it enables the Trojans to be very creative offensively. Defenses hoping to shutdown WR #8 and #2 could be burned by the Trojans' other skilled offensive personnel.

#5 - LSU Tigers

• '05 Record: 11-2 (Beat Miami in the Peach Bowl)
• Conference: 7-1 (t-1st in West)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 55th (224.0 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 52nd (150.1 yards per game)
• Offense Type: Balanced
• Run/Pass: 50% Pass, 50% Run
• Offensive Playcall Style: 50% Aggressive, 50% Conservative
• Offensive Substitutions: 55% More, 45% Less
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 11th (175.3 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 6th (91.5 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 59% Run, 41% Pass
• Defensive Playcall Style: 60% Conservative, 40% Aggressive
• Defensive Substitutions: 55% More, 45% Less
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Big, Ace Normal Slot, Ace Slot Strong, Ace Trips Bunch, I-Form Normal, I-Form Twin WR, I-Form Big, Strong I Normal, Weak I Normal, Weak I Twin WR, Shotgun 2RB 3WR, Shotgun Normal Flex, Shotgun Slot Strong, Shotgun Double Flex, Shotgun Trips Strong

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
LE #94	92	78	78	85	76	82	85	88	68	80	85	88	85	89	80	5	10

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
WR #80	90	89	65	86	88	92	93	92	96	89	65	65	52	70	65	60	75	65	70

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
FS #30	99	90	68	90	92	91	97	96	92	78	68	94	97	65	75	80	89	98

The fifth ranked LSU Tigers failed to win the SEC Championship game but ended the season on a high note by clobbering the Miami Hurricanes in the bowl season. The Tigers have one of the toughest road schedules in the NCAA--they face ranked Auburn, Florida, and Tennessee on the road. Offensively the Tigers are certainly solid but without a momentum-changing superstar (WR #80 is their offensive impact player). Defense is the team's strong suit--two impact players including the best defensive back in the game in free safety #30.

#6 - Florida Gators

• '05 Record: 9-3 (Beat Iowa in the Outback Bowl)
• Conference: SEC (5-3, t-2nd in East)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 51st (226.7 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 56th (146.8 yards per game)
• Offense Type: Spread Offense
• Run/Pass: 50% Pass, 50% Run
• Offensive Playcall Style: 73% Aggressive, 27% Conservative
• Offensive Substitutions: 60% Less, 40% More
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 38th (204.9 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 10th (94.9 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 52% Pass, 48% Run
• Defensive Playcall Style: 55% Conservative, 45% Aggressive
• Defensive Substitutions: 60% More, 40% Less
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Big, Ace Bunch TE, Ace Tight, I-Form Twin WR, Shotgun Split Twins, Shotgun 2RB 3WR, Shotgun Normal Slot, Shotgun Wing Trips, Shotgun Slot Strong, Shotgun Slot Strg HB Wk, Shotgun Trio, Shotgun Trips Bunch, Shotgun Tight, Shotgun 4WR Spread, Shotgun Flip Trips, Shotgun Trips Strong, Shotgun 5WR Trio

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	THP	THA	CAR	BKT	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
QB #12	94	70	56	88	70	74	96	96	74	90	93	65	52	55	30	25	60	35	55

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
DT #44	94	65	89	85	62	76	78	88	40	90	65	80	92	93	85	5	10

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
MLB #40	95	87	76	87	85	90	92	94	78	95	62	97	94	75	70	96	50	70

A new head coach and new offensive scheme left Florida with similar results: some big victories and some head-scratching losses. But the Gators hope to navigate a tough schedule (six ranked teams to begin the season!) and challenge for the SEC title. Offensively, the Gators spread the ball around in wide open formations: 13 different Shotgun formations. QB #12 is the leader on offense. A highly recruited incoming freshman provides additional depth at the quarterback position. Both of the Gators' impact defenders are highly ranked.

#7 - Auburn Tigers

• '05 Record: 9-3 (Lost to Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl)
• Conference: SEC (7-1, t-1st in West)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 70th (215.8 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 25th (194.1 yards per game)
• Offense Type: West Coast
• Run/Pass: 60% Run, 40% Pass
• Offensive Playcall Style: 62% Conservative, 38% Aggressive
• Offensive Substitutions: 60% More, 40% Less
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 32nd (199.0 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 22nd (116.3 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 53% Run, 47% Pass
• Defensive Playcall Style: 50% Aggressive, 50% Conservative
• Defensive Substitutions: 55% More, 45% Less
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Big 3TE, Ace Big, Ace Big Twin WR, Ace Normal Slot, Ace Slot Strong, Ace Trips Bunch, I-Form Normal, I-Form Twin WR, I-Form Twin TE Wing, Strong I Normal, Strong I Twin WR, Weak I Normal, Shotgun Normal Slot, Shotgun Slot Strong, Shotgun Double Flex, Shotgun Flip Trips, Shotgun Trips Strong

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	THP	THA	CAR	BKT	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
QB #12	89	68	52	82	68	68	94	92	62	87	93	48	44	75	45	41	74	73	66

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
HB #23	94	93	68	92	92	95	92	92	76	68	87	87	48	71	90	92	92	90	91

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
ROLB #35	90	86	70	88	86	87	92	96	84	74	72	83	80	67	57	69	78	84

The Auburn Tigers are two years removed from an undefeated season and are looking to build on last year's disappointing 9-3 finish (and loss to Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl). HB #23 is the star on offense: another in a recent line of high caliber Auburn running backs. Feed him the ball in Auburn's strong set of running formations (Ace, I-Form, Strong I, and Weak I). The receiving group is young but capable. ROLB #35 is the impact player on defense; he has actually switched positions since last year where he was at safety.

#8 - Oklahoma Sooners

• '05 Record: 8-4 (Beat Oregon in the Holiday Bowl)
• Conference: Big 12 (6-2, t-2nd in South)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 94th (177.6 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 33rd (177.5 yards per game)
• Offense Type: Balanced
• Run/Pass: 55% Run, 45% Pass
• Offensive Playcall Style: 50% Aggressive, 50% Conservative
• Offensive Substitutions: 50% More, 50% Less
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 56th (216.1 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 4th (90.6 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 59% Pass, 41% Run
• Defensive Playcall Style: 65% Aggressive, 35% Conservative
• Defensive Substitutions: 50% More, 50% Less
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Big, Ace Normal Slot, Ace Slot Strong, I-Form Normal, I-Form Twin TE Wing, Strong I Normal, Strong I Twin WR, Weak I Normal, Shotgun Normal Slot, Shotgun Normal Flex, Shotgun Slot Strong, Shotgun Trio, Shotgun Trips Bunch, Shotgun Spread Flex, Shotgun Trips Strong, Shotgun 5-Wide

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
HB #28	98	93	80	87	92	96	96	87	84	62	97	98	44	97	98	97	90	85	85

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
ROLB #42	96	84	76	88	82	86	93	93	74	91	62	96	98	75	75	97	60	70

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
RE #58	92	74	76	88	76	80	85	90	72	84	90	90	85	80	90	5	10

The dominance of the Oklahoma Sooners was tarnished last season, but expect the perennial championship contender to contend once again. A young offense is led by an impact player at halfback, HB #28--he's one of the best in NCAA Football 07. He boosts excellent speed, acceleration, break tackle, trucking, elusiveness, and a near perfect stiff arm rating (don't forget to utilize those special moves!). Most link a strong defense with the Sooners and this year will be no exception (65% aggressive defensive play calling in dynasty mode!). Two impact defenders, ROLB #42 and RE #58, led an extremely stiff squad.

#9 - West Virginia Mountaineers

• '05 Record: 11-1 (Beat Georgia in the Sugar Bowl)
• Conference: Big East (7-0, 1st)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 115th (116.5 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 4th (272.4 yards per game)
• Offense Type: Spread Offense
• Run/Pass: 63% Run, 37% Pass
• Offensive Playcall Style: 51% Aggressive, 49% Conservative
• Offensive Substitutions: 55% More, 45% Less
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 34th (201.1 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 19th (109.7 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 54% Pass, 46% Run
• Defensive Playcall Style: 60% Aggressive, 40% Conservative
• Defensive Substitutions: 55% Less, 45% More
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Big, Ace Normal Slot, Ace Spread, Ace Flip Trips, I-Form Normal, Strong I Normal, Weak I Twin WR, Weak I Big, Shotgun 2RB 3WR, Shotgun Normal Flex, Shotgun Slot Strong, Shotgun Slot Strg HB Wk, Shotgun Tight, Shotgun Trio, Shotgun 4WR Spread, Shotgun Trips Strong, Shotgun 5-Wide

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	THP	THA	CAR	BKT	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
QB #5	91	85	62	76	87	87	94	92	85	89	87	76	74	87	67	72	85	88	86

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
HB #10	92	94	72	78	93	96	92	94	80	68	89	87	44	97	89	88	95	94	97

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
ROLB #43	95	82	82	90	80	86	90	92	76	90	52	95	95	79	72	81	81	67

The West Virginia Mountaineers impressed many with a 7-0 Big East mark, an 11-1 overall mark, and an exciting bowl win over the SEC champion Georgia Bulldogs. The Mountaineers' impact quarterback and running back combine to create a varied offense--both of these position players are extremely fast opening up the rollouts, screens, options, and assortment of outside run plays.

#10 - Louisville Cardinals

• '05 Record: 9-3 (Lost to Virginia Tech in the Gator Bowl)
• Conference: Big East (5-2, 2nd)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 13th (293.6 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 30th (188.5 yards per game)
• Offense Type: Balanced
• Run/Pass: 50% Pass, 50% Run
• Offensive Playcall Style: 69% Aggressive, 31% Conservative
• Offensive Substitutions: 55% Less, 45% More
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 46th (210.0 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 21st (114.0 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 54% Pass, 46% Run
• Defensive Playcall Style: 70% Aggressive, 30% Conservative
• Defensive Substitutions: 50% More, 50% Less
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Jumbo Heavy, Ace Big, Ace Normal Slot, Ace Slot Strong, I-Form Normal, I-Form Twin WR, Strong I Normal, Strong I Twin TE, Weak I Twin WR, Shotgun 2RB 3WR, Shotgun Normal Flex, Shotgun Slot Strong, Shotgun Trio, Shotgun Spread Flex, Shotgun Trips Strong, Shotgun 5WR Trio

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	THP	THA	CAR	BKT	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
QB #12	92	62	62	85	62	65	95	84	68	95	93	56	48	45	35	30	50	30	45

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
HB #19	94	89	78	87	90	93	88	88	87	74	90	93	44	88	95	92	85	80	85

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
MLB #10	89	86	78	84	84	86	90	88	74	87	59	80	65	60	60	85	40	50

Louisville's veteran offensive personnel will likely become one of the most potent scoring machines in the NCAA. Although Big East rival West Virginia outranks them at the start of the season in NCAA Football 07, the Cardinals do face their Big East rival at home. Two impact players on offense lead the way. QB #12 is a solid pocket passer with high throw power and accuracy; and HB #19 is a steady running back with excellent power moves, including high trucking and stiff arm statistics.

#11 - Miami Hurricanes

• '05 Record: 9-3 (Lost to LSU in the Peach Bowl)
• Conference: ACC (6-2, 2nd in Coastal)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 71st (215.5 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 70th (137.6 yards per game)
• Offense Type: Balanced
• Run/Pass: 52% Run, 48% Pass
• Offensive Playcall Style: 60% Conservative, 40% Aggressive
• Offensive Substitutions: 60% Less, 40% More
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 1st (152.2 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 23rd (117.9 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 56% Run, 44% Pass
• Defensive Playcall Style: 50% Aggressive, 50% Conservative
• Defensive Substitutions: 50% More, 50% Less
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Big, Ace Normal Slot, Ace Slot Strong, Ace Bunch TE, Ace Tight, Ace Empty 5 WR, I-Form Normal, I-Form 3WR, Strong I Normal, Weak I Twin WR, Shotgun 2RB 3WR, Shotgun Normal Flex, Shotgun Slot Strg HB Wk, Shotgun Trio, Shotgun Spread Flex, Shotgun Trips Strong

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	PBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
TE #82	93	84	72	76	82	85	92	87	82	85	68	68	56	75	70	65	70	55	65

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
LE #98	95	78	84	80	70	86	84	87	68	84	80	85	75	96	80	5	10

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
FS #19	96	91	62	87	88	92	92	94	87	80	65	96	90	40	70	85	90	94

Offensive inconsistency has hindered the Miami Hurricanes in the past few seasons. The Canes ranked no better than 70th in rushing or passing statistics. Defensively the Hurricanes are much stronger: 1st overall in pass defense last year and 23rd in rush defense. The defense should retain that high level of play with six returning starters and two impact players, LE #98 and FS #19--both highly ranked at their positions. TE #82 is the sole impact player on offense. It seems as if the Hurricanes have an impact tight end each and every season. Work him into your play calling to open up routes for Miami's receivers and backs.

#12 - Florida State Seminoles

• '05 Record: 8-5 (Lost to Penn State in the Orange Bowl)
• Conference: ACC (5-3, t-1st Atlantic)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 18th (282.6 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 109th (94.0 yards per game)
• Offense Type: Balanced
• Run/Pass: 57% Run, 43% Pass
• Offensive Playcall Style: 52% Conservative, 48% Aggressive
• Offensive Substitutions: 55% More, 45% Less
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 33rd (200.8 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 18th (108.4 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 58% Pass, 42% Run
• Defensive Playcall Style: 50% Aggressive, 50% Conservative
• Defensive Substitutions: 60% Less, 40% More
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Twin TE, Ace Slot Strong, Ace Normal Slot, Ace Trips Bunch, Ace Flip Trips, I-Form Normal, I-Form 3WR, Strong I Twin WR, Strong I Twin TE, Weak I Normal, Weak I 3 WR, Shotgun Split Offset, Shotgun Normal Flex, Shotgun Slot Strong, Shotgun Spread Flex, Shotgun Trips

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
HB #28	88	96	62	84	97	97	92	89	85	76	76	74	40	92	60	40	98	97	97

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
LOLB #83	88	85	74	78	82	88	88	88	78	82	65	80	70	70	95	75	30	40

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
ROLB #7	95	82	78	90	80	84	93	90	72	92	56	96	95	70	60	85	50	60

Despite a mistake-filled 8-5 season, the Florida State Seminoles won the ACC championship game and played in a BCS bowl (eventually losing to Penn State in the Orange Bowl). Florida State remains strongest on defense with two impact linebackers. Speedy HB #28 is the offensive standout (96 speed, 97 agility, and 97 acceleration but not much in the way of power moves). The ground game ranked 109th last season, which will need to improve to take pressure off a young quarterback.

#13 - Penn State Nittany Lions

• '05 Record: 11-1 (Beat Florida State in the Orange Bowl)
• Conference: Big Ten (7-1, t-1st)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 74th (208.8 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 14th (212.8 yards per game)
• Offense Type: Balanced
• Run/Pass: 52% Run, 48% Pass
• Offensive Playcall Style: 52% Aggressive, 48% Conservative
• Offensive Substitutions: 65% More, 35% Less
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 50th (211.7 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 7th (93.0 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 59% Run, 41% Pass
• Defensive Playcall Style: 50% Aggressive, 50% Conservative
• Defensive Substitutions: 55% Less, 45% More
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Big, Ace Normal Slot, Ace Normal, Ace Slot Strong, Ace Flip Trips, I-Form Normal, I-Form Twin WR, I-Form Big, Strong I Normal, Weak I H Pro, Shotgun Split Twins, Shotgun 2RB 3WR, Shotgun Normal, Shotgun Slot Strong, Shotgun Double Flex, Shotgun Trips Strong

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
HB #26	91	91	76	86	88	92	90	88	74	76	82	89	44	93	92	88	84	75	80

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
WR #2	87	97	56	74	95	98	92	84	85	88	62	52	48	94	50	40	98	98	99

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
LOLB #31	98	82	76	94	82	85	95	84	72	94	62	98	99	70	88	98	60	70

Now in his 41st season as head coach, Joe Paterno has led the Penn State Nittany Lions back into national prominence. A stellar 11-1 season ended with a victory over the Florida State Seminoles in the Orange Bowl. Penn State will have a tough early road schedule with trips to South Bend to face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and to Ohio State to challenge the #1 ranked Buckeyes. Take pressure off a young quarterback with impact players HB #26 and WR #2. Use high percentage pocket passing to involve these stars into your offensive gameplan. On defense, LOLB #31 is the standout--he's one of the best linebackers in the game (won the Butkus Award) with a 98 overall rating but leads a fairly young defensive squad.

#14 - Michigan Wolverines

• '05 Record: 7-5 (Lost to Nebraska in the Alamo Bowl)
• Conference: Big Ten (5-3, t-3rd)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 61st (222.7 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 44th (161.6 yards per game)
• Offense Type: Balanced
• Run/Pass: 52% Run, 48% Pass
• Offensive Playcall Style: 50% Aggressive, 50% Conservative
• Offensive Substitutions: 55% Less, 45% More
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 42nd (207.8 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 41st (137.3 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 56% Pass, 44% Run
• Defensive Playcall Style: 65% Aggressive, 35% Conservative
• Defensive Substitutions: 60% Less, 40% More
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Big, Ace Big Twin WR, Ace Twin TE WR, Ace Normal Slot, Ace Normal, Ace Slot Strong, Ace Trips Bunch, Ace Double Flex, Ace Flip Trips, I-Form Normal, I-Form Twin WR, I-Form Big, Strong I Normal, Strong I Twin WR, Strong I Twin TE, Weak I Twin WR

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
HB #20	92	90	68	84	91	93	94	90	65	76	91	87	48	97	85	60	90	75	80

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
WR #15	91	95	48	88	96	97	95	92	88	88	62	59	44	97	45	35	98	90	95

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
LOLB #56	92	85	78	87	82	89	92	88	78	84	52	80	75	80	97	75	35	55

The Michigan Wolverines hope to right a ship that has seen weak conference records, losses to rivals, and bowl game defeats. Six returning starters on offense should build on last season's mediocre statistics. HB #20 and WR #15 are the impact players on offense. Establish a ground and short passing game with HB #20 then look to hit WR #15 with deep passes out of typical run formations (I-Form, Strong I, Weak I). Six starters also return on defense where LOLB #56 leads the way.

#15 - Cal Golden Bears

• '05 Record: 8-4 (Beat BYU in the Las Vegas Bowl)
• Conference: Pac-10 (4-4, t-4th)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 90th (192.7 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 9th (235.3 yards per game)
• Offense Type: West Coast
• Run/Pass: 52% Pass, 48% Run
• Offensive Playcall Style: 65% Aggressive, 35% Conservative
• Offensive Substitutions: 55% Less, 45% More
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 80th (240.4 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 24th (119.2 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 55% Pass, 45% Run
• Defensive Playcall Style: 70% Aggressive, 30% Conservative
• Defensive Substitutions: 50% More, 50% Less
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Big, Ace Big Twin WR, Ace Normal Slot, Ace Normal, Ace Slot Strong, Ace Trips TE, Ace Trey Open, Empty 5 WR, I-Form Twin WR, Split Backs 3WR, Strong I Normal, Strong I Twin WR, Weak I Normal, Weak I Twin WR, Weak I Twin TE, Shotgun 4WR Spread

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
HB #10	95	92	76	84	89	92	90	92	82	65	92	96	48	93	96	95	87	70	80

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
DT #52	94	65	88	86	65	80	80	88	68	88	80	85	85	75	80	5	10

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
CB #13	95	93	56	94	94	94	91	88	92	62	74	70	75	20	30	45	97	97

Expect the Cal Golden Bears to challenge #4 ranked USC for the Pac-10 title. The Golden Bears return fifteen starters and feature one of the best running backs in the game, impact player HB #10. Cal is also strong defensively with two impact players, a strong defensive tackle in DT #52 and a premiere shutdown corner CB #13 (don't hesitate to keep him in man coverage). Mark the date on your calendars: November 18th, where the Pac-10 title will likely be decided at USC.

#16 - Georgia Bulldogs

• '05 Record: 10-3 (Lost to West Virginia in the Sugar Bowl)
• Conference: SEC (6-2, 1st in East)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 49th (229.0 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 43rd (162.2 yards per game)
• Offense Type: Balanced
• Run/Pass: 54% Run, 46% Pass
• Offensive Playcall Style: 58% Conservative, 42% Aggressive
• Offensive Substitutions: 55% Less, 45% More
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 7th (169.6 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 52nd (143.9 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 57% Pass, 43% Run
• Defensive Playcall Style: 70% Aggressive, 30% Conservative
• Defensive Substitutions: 50% More, 50% Less
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Big, Ace Normal Slot, Ace Spread, Ace Flip Trips, Ace Empty 4 WR, I-Form Normal, I-Form Twin TE Wing, Split Backs Normal, Strong I Normal, Strong I Twin WR, Weak I Normal, Weak I Twin TE, Shotgun Split Offset, Shotgun Slot Strong, Shotgun Trio, Shotgun Spread Flex

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
HB #20	88	93	59	82	94	95	92	89	68	74	86	76	40	80	60	50	96	85	96

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
RE #94	94	84	72	85	84	90	86	93	82	74	80	80	85	97	80	5	10

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
SS #25	91	92	59	88	91	92	90	88	85	70	65	90	90	30	55	60	84	90

The Georgia Bulldogs may have won the SEC championship last year but this season begins with question marks--a rather inexperienced quarterback assumes the leadership role. HB #20 is the impact player on offense; his ratings are decent but not explosive. The Bulldogs are stronger defensively with two stars, RE #94 and SS #25. The Bulldogs have arguably the best ends in the SEC--they'll need them to contend in the toughest conference in the nation.

#17 - Iowa Hawkeyes

• '05 Record: 7-5 (Lost to Florida in the Outback Bowl)
• Conference: Big Ten (5-3, t-3rd)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 27th (257.8 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 35th (174.7 yards per game)
• Offense Type: Balanced
• Run/Pass: 50% Pass, 50% Run
• Offensive Playcall Style: 55% Aggressive, 45% Conservative
• Offensive Substitutions: 55% Less, 45% More
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 96th (256.7 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 29th (126.0 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 67% Pass, 33% Run
• Defensive Playcall Style: 65% Conservative, 35% Aggressive
• Defensive Substitutions: 55% More, 45% Less
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Big, Ace Big Twin WR, Ace Twin TE, Ace Twin TE WR, Ace Normal Slot, Ace Slot Strong, I-Form Normal, I-Form Twin WR, I-Form 3WR, I-Form Big, I-Form Twin TE Wing, Strong I Normal, Strong I 3WR, Weak I Normal, Shotgun Normal Slot, Shotgun Slot Strong

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	THP	THA	CAR	BKT	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
QB #5	93	65	52	90	68	70	95	92	65	93	90	48	44	50	30	25	50	40	50

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
HB #21	90	93	76	80	90	92	90	72	70	70	87	88	44	90	90	91	75	70	80

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
RE #92	90	80	76	72	74	86	80	90	78	78	75	65	80	85	85	5	10

The Iowa Hawkeyes disappointed in 2005 with a 7-5 record and a bowl loss to Florida in the Outback Bowl. QB #5 and HB #21 lead an offense that hopes to perform better in the tightly contested Big Ten conference. QB #5 is one of the best pocket passers in the game, but don't expect much mobility. Leave that to speedy HB #21; he lacks the special move abilities of some of the game's more skilled backs but he's a big threat out of the backfield. On defense, RE #92 is the impact player.

#18 - Tennessee Volunteers

• '05 Record: 5-6
• Conference: SEC (3-5, t-4th in East)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 85th (198.0 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 80th (128.3 yards per game)
• Offense Type: Balanced
• Run/Pass: 53% Run, 47% Pass
• Offensive Playcall Style: 53% Conservative, 47% Aggressive
• Offensive Substitutions: 65% More, 35% Less
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 54th (215.7 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 2nd (82.5 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 56% Pass, 44% Run
• Defensive Playcall Style: 50% Aggressive, 50% Conservative
• Defensive Substitutions: 60% More, 40% Less
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Big, Ace Normal, Ace Bunch TE, Ace Tight, Ace Spread, I-Form Normal, I-Form Twin WR, I-Form 3WR, Full House Normal Wide, Strong I Twin WR, Strong I Twin TE, Weak I Normal, Weak I 3WR, Shotgun Split Offset, Shotgun Slot Strong, Shotgun 4WR Spread, Shotgun Trips Strong

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
HB #27	89	91	74	74	88	92	92	90	80	68	88	89	48	90	91	89	75	75	75

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
DT #92	94	62	95	80	59	65	80	90	52	95	75	90	90	65	96	5	10

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
FS #33	89	92	52	74	94	95	92	94	90	62	72	80	85	35	40	60	90	93

The Tennessee Volunteers hope to forget one of the worst seasons in recent memory--5-6 overall record, 3-5 in the SEC, and no bowl game. But it never gets easier in the tough SEC where Tennessee will have to compete against Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and LSU (and Tennessee opens an out of conference schedule with the tough Cal Golden Bears).

#19 - Arizona State Sun Devils

• '05 Record: 7-5 (Beat Rutgers in the Insight Bowl)
• Conference: Pac-10 (4-4, t-4th)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 3rd (373.4 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 58th (145.7 yards per game)
• Offense Type: Balanced
• Run/Pass: 56% Pass, 44% Run
• Offensive Playcall Style: 62% Aggressive, 38% Conservative
• Offensive Substitutions: 60% More, 40% Less
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 112th (289.0 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 89th (179.8 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 53% Run, 47% Pass
• Defensive Playcall Style: 65% Conservative, 35% Aggressive
• Defensive Substitutions: 60% Less, 40% More
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Big, Ace Big Twin WR, Ace Twin TE, Ace Twin TE WR, Ace Big Wing, Ace Normal Slot, Ace Normal, Ace Slot Strong, Ace Trips Bunch, Ace Spread, Ace Trey Open, I-Form Normal, I-Form Twin TE Wing, I-Form Big, Strong I Normal, Strong I Twin TE

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	THP	THA	CAR	BKT	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
QB #9	92	62	65	86	62	65	92	84	65	95	90	52	62	40	45	35	45	30	45

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	PBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
TE #86	95	84	74	82	84	86	87	88	84	88	68	68	48	70	60	55	65	50	60

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
SS #5	91	88	72	87	85	90	92	90	84	76	62	70	80	25	35	80	60	70

The Arizona State Sun Devils hope to contend in the Pac-10 but it may have to be done on the road: the Sun Devils face the conference elite, USC and California on the road (not to mention in state rival Arizona to close out the season). Impact player QB #9 leads offense; he's a pocket passer with a 95 throw power rating. Make sure you work TE #86 into your passing scheme. He's one of the best rated in the game and an impact player on your offense.

#20 - Nebraska Cornhuskers

• '05 Record: 8-4 (Beat Michigan in the Alamo Bowl)
• Conference: Big 12 (4-4, t-2nd in North)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 54th (224.3 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 107th (96.0 yards per game)
• Offense Type: West Coast
• Run/Pass: 50% Pass, 50% Run
• Offensive Playcall Style: 57% Aggressive, 43% Conservative
• Offensive Substitutions: 55% Less, 45% More
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 43rd (207.9 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 26th (124.3 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 54% Run, 46% Pass
• Defensive Playcall Style: 60% Conservative, 40% Aggressive
• Defensive Substitutions: 55% More, 45% Less
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Big, Ace Big Twin WR, Ace Twin TE, Ace Twin TE WR, Ace Slot Strong, Ace Trips Bunch, Ace 4WR, I-Form Normal, I-Form Big, Strong I Normal, Weak I Normal, Weak I Twin WR, Weak I Twin TE, Shotgun Split Offset, Shotgun Normal Slot, Shotgun Trey Open

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
WR #83	87	88	59	85	90	91	90	92	88	88	62	56	48	80	55	45	92	75	85

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
LOLB #34	91	80	76	88	78	92	93	92	74	84	70	90	88	55	65	80	80	80

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
RE #90	95	74	87	87	70	78	86	90	59	86	92	95	93	75	80	5	10

In order to compete against Texas and Oklahoma for the Big 12 title, Nebraska must improve on offense (107th in rushing is not the Nebraska college football fans once knew). WR #83 is the impact player on offense--good numbers but an 88 speed rating may not stretch defenses downfield. The Cornhuskers' defense remains strong with two impact players, LOLB #34, and RE #90, one of the best defensive ends in the game.

#21 - Virginia Tech Hokies

• '05 Record: 11-2 (Beat Louisville in the Gator Bowl)
• Conference: ACC (7-1, 1st in Coastal)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 91st (190.2 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 29th (190.7 yards per game)
• Offense Type: Balanced
• Run/Pass: 58% Run, 42% Pass
• Offensive Playcall Style: 62% Aggressive, 38% Conservative
• Offensive Substitutions: 50% More, 50% Less
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 3rd (154.2 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 8th (93.4 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 56% Run, 44% Pass
• Defensive Playcall Style: 55% Aggressive, 45% Conservative
• Defensive Substitutions: 60% Less, 40% More
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Twin TE, Ace Big Twin WR, Ace Slot Strong, Ace Trips TE, Ace Spread, Ace Flip Trips, I-Form Normal, I-Form Big, Strong I Normal, Strong I Twin TE, Weak I Normal, Weak I Twin WR, Shotgun Split Offset, Shotgun Normal Flex, Shotgun Slot Strg HB Wk, Shotgun Double Flex, Shotgun Trips Strong

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
WR #4	87	95	44	84	94	96	88	88	85	87	59	44	40	90	45	35	95	85	85

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
LOLB #11	96	89	76	84	87	92	90	88	82	88	56	95	85	65	91	85	60	70

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
MLB #9	93	86	84	84	86	88	90	92	80	91	62	90	86	75	90	85	55	65

The Virginia Tech Hokies had a strong showing in 2005 but came up short against Florida State in the inaugural ACC championship game. The Hokies begin 2006 on the lower end of the top 25 because of offensive uncertainty (one that ranked 91st in passing, primarily a result of the mobile quarterback style offense employed). Defensively, though, the Hokies remain strong (top 10 in both passing and rushing statistics last year). Two impact linebackers highlight the Hokies' defensive strength.

#22 - Texas Tech Red Raiders

• '05 Record: 9-3 (Lost to Alabama in the Cotton Bowl)
• Conference: Big 12 (6-2, t-2nd in South)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 1st (388.8 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 104th (107.0 yards per game)
• Offense Type: Spread Offense
• Run/Pass: 70% Pass, 30% Run
• Offensive Playcall Style: 64% Aggressive, 36% Conservative
• Offensive Substitutions: 55% More, 45% Less
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 15th (180.4 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 67th (155.4 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 50% Pass, 50% Run
• Defensive Playcall Style: 70% Aggressive, 30% Conservative
• Defensive Substitutions: 50% More, 50% Less
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Big, Ace Big TE Flip, Ace Normal Slot, Ace 4WR, Ace Trips WR, Strong I H Pro, Weak I H Pro, Shotgun Split Twins, Shotgun Split Offset, Shotgun Normal Slot, Shotgun Wing Trips, Shotgun 4WR Spread, Shotgun Spread Flex, Shotgun Double Flex, Shotgun Trips Strong, Shotgun Trey Open

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
WR #8	90	87	68	89	87	89	90	92	90	92	62	65	48	75	65	60	70	70	70

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
WR #88	92	90	65	90	88	94	93	94	94	92	68	65	52	80	60	60	75	70	75

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
LOLB #96	87	82	76	84	80	84	84	88	72	82	48	85	80	75	80	80	30	40

The Texas Tech Red Raiders utilize a wide open spread offense (nine Shotgun formations in their offensive playbook). The Red Raiders feature two impact wide receivers, WR #8 and WR #88. Both feature nearly identical ratings. Look to get these receivers in the zone and remain aggressive. Mix in runs from pass-oriented formations to keep defenders honest and out of nickel or dime coverage.

23 - Clemson Tigers

• '05 Record: 8-4 (Beat Colorado in the Champs Sports Bowl)
• Conference: ACC (4-4, 3rd in Atlantic)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 45th (231.6 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 50th (153.0 yards per game)
• Offense Type: Spread Offense
• Run/Pass: 51% Run, 49% Pass
• Offensive Playcall Style: 67% Aggressive, 33% Conservative
• Offensive Substitutions: 55% More, 45% Less
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 29th (196.0 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 25th (120.6 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 51% Run, 49% Pass
• Defensive Playcall Style: 60% Conservative, 40% Aggressive
• Defensive Substitutions: 50% More, 50% Less
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Jumbo Heavy, Ace Big, Ace Big Twin WR, Ace Twin TE, Ace Twin TE WR, Ace Normal Slot, Ace Slot Strong, Ace 4WR, I-Form Twin TE Wing, Strong I H Pro, Shotgun Split Twins, Shotgun 2RB 3WR, Shotgun Ace, Shotgun Normal Slot, Shotgun 4WR Spread, Shotgun Spread Flex

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
WR #2	88	90	48	87	95	94	96	89	87	88	65	56	44	80	40	35	96	85	97

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
MLB #40	92	82	76	87	82	86	90	94	72	92	56	92	89	65	55	92	55	75

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
RE #93	99	84	82	88	84	88	92	90	78	85	85	92	85	98	85	25	45

The Clemson Tigers enter 2006 hoping to compete in an ACC that was once dominated by the Florida State Seminoles and now have new (and higher ranked) blood in the Miami Hurricanes and Virginia Tech Hokies. The Tigers are strongest on defense ranking in the top 30 in both passing and rushing statistics in 2005. Defensive lineman RE #93 is ranked 99 overall. Shift your line and mix up packages to get him into the backfield to sack the quarterback or disrupt running plays.

#24 - Alabama Crimson Tide

• '05 Record: 10-2 (Beat Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl)
• Conference: SEC (6-2, 3rd in West)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 69th (216.4 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 65th (142.5 yards per game)
• Offense Type: Balanced
• Run/Pass: 56% Run, 44% Pass
• Offensive Playcall Style: 64% Aggressive, 36% Conservative
• Offensive Substitutions: 55% More, 45% Less
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 5th (160.8 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 9th (94.3 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 62% Pass, 38% Run
• Defensive Playcall Style: 50% Aggressive, 50% Conservative
• Defensive Substitutions: 50% More, 50% Less
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Big, Ace Normal Slot, Ace Slot Strong, Ace Trips Bunch, I-Form Normal, I-Form Twins, I-Form Big, Split Backs Normal, Split Backs 3WR, Strong I Normal, Strong I Twin TE, Weak I Normal, Weak I Twin WR, Shotgun 2RB 3WR, Shotgun Trips Bunch, Shotgun Spread Flex

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
HB #34	92	90	72	89	87	92	94	88	74	68	90	90	48	98	90	91	88	75	75

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
ROLB #42	95	86	74	88	84	88	89	89	78	87	62	96	85	70	70	85	45	65

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
CB #1	91	93	62	90	93	93	95	80	90	65	68	65	75	20	30	35	94	97

The Alabama Crimson Tide completed a successful season (no SEC title, but a 10-2 record and marked improvement over 6-6 in 2004) with a bowl victory over the high-flying Texas Tech Raiders in the Cotton Bowl. The Crimson Tide begin 2006 with a new signal caller on offense. Establish a strong ground game with impact player HB #34 and count on the Tide's strong defense (two impact players led by ROLB #42) to keep the opposing offense out of the end zone.

#25 - Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

• '05 Record: 7-5 (Lost to Utah in the Emerald Bowl)
• Conference: ACC (5-3, 3rd in Coastal)
• '05 Offensive Passing Stats: 89th (195.3 yards per game)
• '05 Offensive Rushing Stats: 49th (153.8 yards per game)
• Offense Type: Balanced
• Run/Pass: 53% Run, 47% Pass
• Offensive Playcall Style: 70% Aggressive, 30% Conservative
• Offensive Substitutions: 55% More, 45% Less
• '05 Defensive Passing Stats: 52nd (213.6 yards allowed per game)
• '05 Defensive Rushing Stats: 13th (103.9 yards allowed per game)
• Base Defense: 4-3
• Defend: 62% Pass, 38% Run
• Defensive Playcall Style: 60% Aggressive, 40% Conservative
• Defensive Substitutions: 55% Less, 45% More
• Offensive Playbook: Ace Big, Ace Twin WR, Ace Normal Slot, Ace Slot Strong, Ace Bunch TE, I-Form Normal, I-Form Twin WR, Strong I Normal, Strong I 3WR, Weak I Twin WR, Weak I Big, Shotgun 2RB 3WR, Shotgun Normal Flex, Shotgun Trio, Shotgun Spread Flex, Shotgun Trips

Impact Players

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	THP	THA	CAR	BKT	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
QB #1	88	82	59	84	84	84	94	90	85	86	82	62	62	88	57	65	87	82	80

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	CAT	CAR	BKT	RBK	BCV	TRK	SFA	ELU	SPM	JKM
WR #21	98	93	74	90	93	95	97	95	97	97	76	72	56	97	68	66	92	94	93

PLAYER	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	AGI	ACC	STA	INJ	JMP	TAK	CAT	PRS	PRC	PMV	FMV	BSH	MCV	ZCV
LOLB #35	95	87	74	87	86	90	92	90	80	86	62	82	93	61	66	87	80	75

A speedy senior at quarterback and quick junior at wide receiver highlight the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets' offense. Both QB #1 and WR #21 are impact players; WR #21 is especially strong with a 98 over all rating and excellent elusiveness and spin and juke move abilities. Mix up your offensive gameplan by utilizing QB #1's speed and ball-carrying abilities.

Chapter 3 - Offensive Playbook

Who doesn't love a 45 to 44 shootout? Well, defensive coaches most likely. But fans love offense. Whether it's a 50 yard bomb to an elite wide receiver or an amazing six-tackles-broken run from a beefy running back, the offensive side of the ball offers plenty of potential excitement.

This section offers tips on executing a dominant offensive gameplan. You'll find tips on the passing game, running game, and option plays as well as details on new NCAA Football 07 features, such as the momentum meter. We'll cover offensive formations, match-ups, and profile some of the best position players in the game.

Offense Fundamentals

New features do change strategies but there are fundamentals that every NCAA Football 07 needs to know before hitting the gridiron. This section provides some general strategies for succeeding in NCAA Football 07 Play Now, Dynasty, and online game modes.

• Play to your selected team's strengths. Don't choose the Air Force Falcons and expect to pass it around like the Texas Tech Red Raiders. A team's playbook gives the first indication of strengths and weaknesses. An option offense will be geared more toward the run while a spread offense will generally be geared more toward the pass. Check your selected team's personnel statistics. What's the quarterback's statistics? Does he have speed and carrying ability but weak throwing power and accuracy? Then he's likely better suited for a scrambling, mobile style. Then again if the quarterback is slow but excels in throw power and accuracy, he's a better pocket passer.



• Watch your player fatigue levels. If you just broke a long run with your running back, use packages to sub him out for a play to catch his breath. Get your backup running back in there with some fresh legs. Likewise if you continue to pass to the same receiver over and over again, expect him to suffer some fatigue. Mix it up and toss the football to other receivers to spread it around and keep your players as fresh as possible for the long game. Note that you can always call a timeout and replenish fatigue levels. It might be worth it if you have an impact player in the zone but he's tired.

• Utilize motion and packages to gain match-up advantages. For instance, you have scouted the opposing team and know which defenders are the weakest on the squad. Instead of lining up your best receiver against his best cover guy, use motion to spread your best receiver around the field. Or utilize formation packages to shift your best receiver into the slot or outside to move him away from the opposing team's best corner guy. This could be especially important if your opponent has an impact player in the secondary.



• Consider play selection carefully and become as unpredictable as possible. Don't run out of the Ace formation every single time you call it; don't pass out of the Shotgun formation every single time you call it. Pass out of an expected run formation, such as Ace Big or run out of an expected pass formation, such as Shotgun 4 WR. You can gain match up advantages by doing so. If your opponent calls a stout run defense then calling a pass play will match your stronger receivers against weaker cover guys, such as linebackers.



• Avoid the defense's impact players. If your opponent has an impact defensive linemen or linebacker then call your run plays toward the opposite side of the field to take that impact player out of the equation. Likewise, in the passing game avoid testing an impact cornerback every single play. You may pay the price with a costly interception. Obviously this tip is even more important if your opponent's impact defender is in the zone.

Gaining Momentum

The primary new gameplay addition to NCAA Football 07 is the momentum meter. The meter looks a bit different between the Xbox 360 and current gen systems but the concept remains the same. To put it simply: you want the momentum! You've seen it before watching any college football game. One team is in control the game. Perhaps they're just running down some clock and protecting their lead. But then all off the sudden, a big time linebacker puts a bone-crushing hit on the running back, jars the ball loose, and scoops it up and returns for a game changing touchdown. That's a momentum shift!

That's essentially how it works in NCAA Football 07. Good plays provide momentum and bad plays remove momentum. With momentum on your side, your players are a bit better, a bit stronger, a bit faster, etc. You can gain momentum by scoring the first touchdown or intercepting a pass on your opponent's first possession. It doesn't matter how it's done but you want to try and keep the momentum for as long as possible--ideally the entire game!

It's a cool concept that really mirrors real life college football. If you have momentum and the lead but are careless with the ball and toss a costly interception, the other team gains the momentum, which translates into player confidence (in game terms: boost to stats). You may now find the opposing offense a bit harder to stop than last time when you were in control of the momentum meter!

There's no real rhyme or reason on how to manage the momentum meter other than take advantage of it. When you have the momentum, grind it out and don't take chances with the ball. Don't toss the ball into triple coverage just because you think you have a confidence advantage. An interception could shift momentum. If you lack momentum, you may have to take more chances because safe plays may not work against a momentum-juiced defense. Or you could choose to try and build that momentum through successful, high-percentage plays like screen passes.

Scoring a touchdown first has a big impact on momentum--usually the opening scorer receives a full momentum bar. That's a big advantage in the early game and could create an uphill battle for the opposing offense. To get it back, the trailing team may need to grind it out and get some first downs to reduce the opposing team's momentum bar.

Impact Players

The impact players feature that debuted in '06 makes a return in NCAA Football 07. In short: each team features three "impact players," basically the team's most important players. It could be the quarterback, a running back, a defensive linemen, or even the kicker (teams have one on defense, one on offense, one on either). On the Xbox 360 version, spot the impact player by looking for the white star beneath his feet. With that star is spinning, the impact player is in the zone and can be even more of an impact!

Check the Top 25 Profiles section of this game guide to find the impact players' on the nation's best teams. Note that these are the default impact players. If you play in a dynasty mode, impact players can actually change during the course of the season. Perhaps your favorite team's running back isn't an impact player. However, he's having a Heisman caliber season. You may discover that he's been anointed an impact player. The team will only still have three total, however; one of your other impact players had to "give up his spot" in order to change the running back's status.

Call plays to get your impact players in the game early and often. If the defense is trying to shut down an impact receiver, then move him around with motion and packages to try and break him open to haul in a few catches. If the defense is crowding the line to shut down your impact running back, call some play action passes or screen plays where you can still get the running back the ball in a short passing game. Conversely, beware of the defense's impact players! Exploit weaker corners or linebackers by throwing or running away from the defense's strength.

Offensive Formations

The Xbox 360 version streamlines offensive play calling. You can bypass formations altogether and instead focus on particular players or play types. For instance you may want to get your impact receiver the ball, so instead of calling the play by formation, call the play through the player. Even with these tweaks to play calling, it's important to know the strengths, weaknesses, and importance of each offensive formation. The following reveals offensive formations and how to utilize them.

• Ace: The term "ace" refers to the single running back behind the quarterback. Ace is a very flexible formation and available in a bunch of varieties. Ace can be run-focused with double tight end sets or pass-focused with three wide receivers. The lack of a fullback does decrease blocking but impact running backs can still thrive.



• I-Form: Running back and fullback lined up in an "I" formation behind the quarterback. Strong running formation, though there are more pass-oriented variations. Pass catching fullbacks can thrive in passes to the flat.



• Strong and Weak: These formations are similar to the I-Form but the fullback is offset to either the strong or weak side. The strong side is the same side as the tight end. Also provides a strong short passing game with backs out of the backfield. Force your opponent to think short while you mix it up and go long to a receiver or tight end.



• Split Backs: Also called the "Pro Form" formation. The backs are split behind the quarterback, essentially perpendicular to the quarterback or parallel to the line. It's an intriguing formation for teams with two good running backs (use packages to use dual HB) or good pass catching backs.



• Shotgun: The quarterback lines up several yards behind the center taking the snap away from the line of scrimmage. This typically affords the passer more time to find the receivers. A typical passing formation but can be a disguised run formation. Shotgun offers many variations and alignments. Mix it up and move an impact receiver around the formations to open up new routes and mismatch possibilities.



• Pistol: Check Nevada's playbook for the Pistol formation. It's Shotgun but a running back lines up behind the quarterback adding to run potential.



• Flexbone, Full House, Wishbone, Jumbo T: These are typical option formations with three backs lined up in a variety of formations behind or adjacent to the quarterback. Flexbone is closer to the line and Wishbone (so named because the formation looks like an upside-down wishbone) is away from the line. Obviously ideal for option plays, runs, and short passes.



• Goal Line: Tight formation intended to gain short yardage. Typically subs wide receivers for tight ends for better run blocking at the line. This formation can be a tricky pass formation if you can withstand the pass rush.



• Hail Mary: Desperate passing situation! You have no other choice but to get the ball downfield! There actually may be better options in Shotgun formation but the Hail Marry formation is here if you need it.

Offensive Packages

You can customize formations by using offensive packages. This makes adjustments to the formation's default personnel. For instance you may wish to switch out the running back for a fullback or move the primary receiver into the slot. On the Xbox 360, when selecting a formation, press the left trigger to cycle through packages. The following reveals some of the most frequent offensive packages and when to use them.

• Strong Slot: Shifts the primary receiver into the slot. Excellent for exposing a mismatch against a weaker nickel defense cornerback. Ideal for impact receivers to move them around the field to open up new routes.



• WR (or Flanker or TE) Flip: Flips the primary and secondary receiver, which could put the primary receiver against a weaker corner.



• Twin HB: In two RB sets, swaps in the backup running back instead of the fullback. Excellent for teams with at least two strong running backs. Also great for check down passes in the flat to either back.



• Jumbo (or Fullback): Swaps in fullbacks to the halfback position.



• TE Slot: Shifts the tight end into the slot receiver position. Excellent for team's with impact tight ends as it opens up new pass patterns.



• HB Sub (Spell HB) or WR Sub: Give your running back a breather and sub in the backup for a few plays. Or your wide receiver in one receiver sets.



• HB Slot (or Flanker or Split End or Wideout): Shifts the running back into the receiver position. Awesome for team's with impact running backs with high catch ability.



• 3 WR or 4 WR: Removes a tight end in a two or three receiver set and replaces with a third or fourth wide receiver.



• CB Slot (or Flanker): Insert a fast cornerback into the WR position! He may not be the best at catching the ball but it's sure to keep your opponent off guard.



• WR Wing: Inserts the primary receiver into a goal line formation instead of one of the tight ends. TE Wing is the opposite.



• HB/FB Flip: Flip these positions, perhaps in an option offensive set. Effective for teams with a strong fullback.



• Backup QB: Get the backup in there in case your QB is fatigued or you just want to mix it up.



• TE/HB Flanker Left/Right: Shifts TE left or right or HB to the flanker position left or right.



• FB/TE Swap: Swap the fullback and tight end positions.



• TE Backfield: Move a tight end into the backfield. Good for strong blocking tight ends or to mix up pass routes for excellent pass catching tight ends.

Pre-snap Reads and Adjustments

You've selected your formation and offensive package and are approaching the line of scrimmage. It's time to execute to the play. However, there are still reads and adjustments to make that could determine the play's success or failure. By making the correct read or adjustment you could turn a minimal gain into a momentum-shifting touchdown.

The first thing to look for is how the defense is lining up against your play call. Let's say you called a run play up middle, such as HB Dive. However the defense has pinched the line and linebackers--this stacks the interior of the line. Your play's chance of success has diminished greatly. That doesn't mean it can't be successful but you have to play the odds. In general it will fail more than it will succeed.

Likewise, perhaps you called an outside run like a pitch play but the defense is in a 4-4 with spread line and linebackers to cover the outside run and give little concern to the inside play. In these situations you may need to adjust your play call through audibles, hot routes, motion, and flipped plays.

Utilize motion to move a receiver to the other side of the field or to send a running back out of the backfield and toward the line of scrimmage. You can use motion to create match-up problems against zone defenses (in man-to-man coverage, expect to see the defender follow your receiver). To use motion, hit "B" to select the player then press a direction to send that player in motion. Here's a tip: you could hit "B" to cycle through all options but it takes time, especially if you overshoot a guy. Instead, hold "B" down and move the stick toward the player you want to select.

You'll use "B" to select a player for a hot route. Use hot routes to adjust a wide receiver (or running back) pass route. Perhaps your fastest receiver is running an out route toward the sideline. But when you reach the line of scrimmage, you see that your fastest receiver will be in single coverage. You may want to test that cornerback deep. Use the hot route to alter the receiver's route from an out to a go (a straight route toward the end zone). You can use hot routes to provide outlet or dump off receivers. For instance, use a hot route to send your running back out into the flat in case the deeper receivers are covered.

Change the play entirely with an audible. You may have called a running play in the huddle but you can always switch to a passing play if the defense has stacked the line. Expect defenses to call an audible as well. The game could change very quickly if the defense stays in run prevent and you have just called an audible to a long pass!

Flipping a run play could also pay off big. Perhaps the defense has shifted players left or right to protect the outside run to that side. You could flip your outside run to the weaker side of the defense.

Attacking through the Air

Becoming a good passer is much more than just hitting the correct button. Elements such as team selection, play calling, pre-snap adjustments, reading coverage, and quarterback movement can affect the success or failure of the pass play. And don't forget momentum or impact players! It's about combining all of these into a consistent routine that mixes small and large gains to control the game.

As mentioned previously in the offensive section of this guide, an effective offense begins at play calling. Not necessarily which play, since any can work effectively, but it's about being unpredictable. Certainly when it's 3rd and long, there isn't much choice if you want to get a first down. Percentages say you are unlikely to run for a first down in that situation. However, on first down, there's not a rulebook that says you must run the ball! Open up the offense with a pass on first down. Or perhaps it's second and short--the perfect time for a pass!

Consider the same concepts when choosing your formations. You want to take advantage of match-ups so it's important to keep your opponent off guard with your formation calls. If you are consistently calling pass plays out of 3 and 4 WR sets but always calling runs out of 1 and 2 WR sets then your opponent can call defensive formations with confidence and you will never really have a match-up advantage.

But if you start passing out of 1 and 2 WR sets, you may find your opponent so concentrated on stopping your run that you have single coverage against your best receivers. Depending on your team selection, you may choose to pass out of double or triple tight end sets. Force your opponent to guess wildly with each and every defensive decision.

After making any pre-snap adjustments (described earlier in this section), your next job is to read the defensive coverage. It's challenging work in a short amount of time. You need to quickly determine who is blitzing and who is not. Is it zone coverage or man-to-man coverage? Where are the holes in the zone? Or do you have a guy beat in man-to-man coverage for a long gain? If everyone is covered, do you have an outlet receiver to get rid of the ball? What about pass rush: are you in immediate danger or do you have time for your receivers to break open their routes? Do you need to scramble and possibly toss the ball away?

That's a lot to think about and it's those elements that make football games so fun! At the snap of the ball, take note of how certain defensive players move. For instance, watch the linebackers. If they rush toward the line of scrimmage, they're in a blitz. If they go directly toward a specific receiver, they're in man-to-man coverage. If the linebacker backpedals or moves toward the sidelines, they're in zone coverage.

If the linebackers protect the sidelines in a zone, avoid out patterns. If the linebackers backpedal in a zone, out and crossing routes should be effective. If the linebackers blitz, look for the slant route. You should also watch the safeties. If the safeties backpedal, they're protecting the deep zone, which could leave a hole for a receiver down either sideline or in a gap near the field's center (depending on the placement of the middle linebacker). Watch how defenders react at the snap and you will be able to detect where your receivers can break open.

Watch the passing lanes; this is the space between your quarterback and the intended receiver. Defenders are rather adept at leaping up and batting balls above their head--and that's a positive result because it usually results in an interception! Toss the ball into clear passing lanes to avoid an untimely momentum shift. Or be sure to avoid bullet passes and put some air under the ball to send it over the defenders.

Choose pass plays that offer multiple options. You may have a receiver on a crossing route, another on an out route, another on a go pattern, and finally an outlet receiver or running back in case all downfield options are covered. Use the sprint button to scramble out of the pocket if you're under pressure. Take note that your quarterback is much more accurate standing still than on the run.

NCAA Football 07 includes precision passing for greater pass control. Touch the left thumb stick in the direction you want to lead the receiver. Touch the right thumb stick to discover the QB vision cone, which was included in last year's Madden. It's optional, though, but if you want to use it you can move the cone around with the right thumb stick as well as hold right trigger and press a receiver button to focus on that particular teammate. In Madden, the cone increased accuracy.

How hard you press the corresponding receiver button will also have an effect on a pass play's success or failure. Holding the button down fires a bullet pass, best used in hitch, comeback, or slant routes. Essentially if the ball needs to get there quickly (perhaps your receiver is entering a defender's zone), then fire a bullet pass. Tap the button (from soft to medium) for a lob pass of varying degrees. Using this type of pass allows time for your receiver to run under the ball and move away from pursuing defenders--ideal for out and go routes.

Top Ten Rated Quarterbacks

Here are NCAA Football 07's top ten quarterbacks sorted by overall rating. The chart also lists important quarterback stats: speed, awareness, throw power, and throw accuracy.

TEAM	PLAYER	IMPACT	OVR	SPD	AWR	THP	THA
Notre Dame	#10	Yes	97	62	95	94	95
Ohio State	#10	Yes	95	86	85	90	88
Michigan State	#5	Yes	95	76	86	94	90
Florida	#12	Yes	94	70	88	90	93
Iowa	#5	Yes	93	65	90	93	90
Louisville	#12	Yes	92	62	85	95	93
Arizona State	#9	Yes	92	62	86	95	90
West Virginia	#5	Yes	91	85	76	89	87
Nevada	#3	Yes	91	65	88	89	92
Houston	#4	Yes	91	72	85	92	87

Top Ten Rated Wide Receivers

The following chart reveals the best wide receivers in NCAA Football 07. The players' are sorted by overall rating but include speed, awareness, catching, and jumping statistics.

TEAM	PLAYER	IMPACT	OVR	SPD	AGI	ACC	AWR	CTH	JMP	BKT	ELU	BCV	SFA	SPM	JKM
Georgia Tech	#21	Yes	98	93	93	95	90	97	97	72	92	97	66	94	93
USC	#8	Yes	96	94	92	95	88	96	98	59	92	90	55	80	85
Notre Dame	#83	Yes	96	90	90	92	93	96	95	68	88	92	75	80	85
Washington State	#83	Yes	94	92	92	93	93	93	93	59	91	95	61	88	89
USC	#2	Yes	93	95	94	96	90	92	90	56	93	89	50	85	92
South Carolina	#4	Yes	93	92	92	94	84	94	97	62	91	90	60	80	90
Ohio State	#7	Yes	93	99	99	99	87	90	92	48	99	96	35	97	98
Texas Tech	#88	Yes	92	90	88	94	90	92	94	65	75	80	60	70	75
Oregon	#18	Yes	91	90	89	92	88	92	88	65	80	80	60	70	80
Michigan	#15	Yes	91	95	96	97	88	88	88	59	98	97	35	90	95

Top Ten Rated Tight Ends

Don't forget about the tight end! He can play a vital role in an effective passing game. The following chart lists the best tight ends in NCAA Football 07 sorted by overall rating.

TEAM	PLAYER	IMPACT	OVR	SPD	AWR	CTH	JMP	BKT	TRK	PBK	RBK
Minnesota	#89	Yes	95	78	82	82	76	65	70	59	65
Arizona State	#86	Yes	95	84	82	88	84	68	60	48	56
Rutgers	#81	Yes	94	80	87	88	76	65	75	52	56
Oregon State	#89	Yes	93	76	87	82	74	65	77	59	65
Michigan	#89	No	93	74	85	78	70	62	75	62	68
Miami	#82	Yes	93	84	76	85	82	68	70	56	59
Missouri	#82	Yes	92	84	78	85	85	68	70	52	56
BYU	#89	No	92	84	85	87	87	56	69	52	56
Boise State	#91	Yes	92	82	86	84	80	62	65	56	59
Oregon	#44	No	91	72	80	72	59	65	70	68	72

Grinding on the Ground

There's something satisfying about trucking over defenders in route to a huge ground gain. A well-established rushing attack is an effective gameplan in NCAA Football 07. Like the passing game, there are certain fundamentals to follow to gain consistent yardage. However, a lot of yardage can be gained through effective maneuvers, such as the array of special moves like spins, jukes, and stiff arms.

Know your selected running back's strengths. Is he a fast, speedy back with elusiveness or is he a strong back with trucking power. Faster backs can excel in outside runs because they can outrun defensive ends and outside linebackers to reach the outside. Turning the corner at the sidelines can lead to huge gains. More powerful running backs are better suited for the inside run where they can pancake defenders and break tackles with power moves. They lack the speed to get outside but have the strength to bust through linebackers and reach weaker secondary defenders.

A big part of a running back's success is his blocking. Check your team's offensive line and know which side is the strongest in terms of run blocking. Does your team have a good fullback? If so, consider using I-Form, Strong, or Weak formations that feature a fullback who can provide additional blocking. Use motion pre-snap to provide additional blocking in the run direction. For instance, move a WR to the run side of the ball. Call a hot route on the WR and adjust his blocking scheme.

Look at each running play in the playbook. It has a specific design. The running back is shown running in a particular direction and the line blocks in a particular fashion. Perhaps some linemen pull outside or open a hole in the middle. Follow the play's design and allow your blockers to open holes and push defenders out of the way. Avoid using the sprint button until you've broken through the line. Using the sprint button seems to aid defenders (they have their own burst). Also the sprint button seems to minimize the effectiveness of special moves. Pulling a juke, spin, or stiff arm through the line can be more effective before the sprint; once you're past the initial defenders, start your sprint.

You'll find additional player ratings on the Xbox 360, including specific ratings for special moves like the juke and spin. You'll want to utilize these moves when in the open field. Time a stiff arm when you collide with a defender. Note that the stiff arm button also moves the football to the opposite arm--a wise idea when you're near the sidelines so if you do fumble, it has a higher chance of going out of bounds. Perform a juke or spin move when you're approaching a defender to avoid the tackle. Note that the juke move can be performed with the right thumb stick to the left or right. Don't forget to use the cover ball button to protect the football!

Also, pressing the right thumb stick up is the "truck stick". Basically the opposite of the hit stick! Use the truck stick to level a defender and run him over (it's in the statistics as trucking). Be wary or abusing special moves when you're surrounded by defenders. You have a higher chance of fumbling when you're performing special moves. Use the shoulder button to protect the ball to avoid a costly, momentum-shifting fumble.

Top Ten Rated Running Backs

The following table reveals the best 10 running backs in NCAA Football 07. It's sorted by overall rating but also includes other important statistics, such as speed, agility, acceleration, carrying ability, break tackle, and new 360 ratings such a trucking, spin move, juke move, and stiff arm.

TEAM	PLAYER	IMPACT	OVR	SPD	AGI	ACC	AWR	CTH	CAR	BKT	TRK	ELU	BCV	SFA	SPM	JKM
Oklahoma	#28	Yes	98	93	92	96	87	62	97	98	98	90	97	97	85	85
Cal	#10	Yes	95	92	89	92	84	65	92	96	96	87	93	95	70	80
Northern Illinois	#1	Yes	94	94	96	96	90	68	88	85	86	97	97	87	96	98
Louisville	#19	Yes	94	89	90	93	87	74	90	93	95	85	88	92	80	85
Auburn	#23	Yes	94	93	92	95	92	68	87	87	90	92	71	92	90	91
West Virginia	#10	Yes	92	94	93	96	78	68	89	87	89	95	97	88	94	97
Notre Dame	#3	No	92	93	92	94	84	78	86	85	87	93	95	84	85	80
Michigan	#20	Yes	92	90	91	93	84	76	91	87	85	90	97	60	75	80
Arkansas	#5	Yes	92	94	95	96	78	65	88	88	91	94	92	87	98	96
Alabama	#34	Yes	92	90	87	92	90	68	90	90	90	88	98	91	75	75

Top Ten Rated Fullbacks

A great running back is usually only as good as his blocking and fullbacks open a lot of those holes. And many are pretty good runners themselves! This table lists the top rated fullbacks in NCAA Football 07 sorted by overall rating. Other vital statistics are also listed, such as break tackle, trucking, and run blocking.

TEAM	PLAYER	IMPACT	OVR	SPD	AGI	ACC	AWR	CTH	CAR	BKT	TRK	RBK
Georgia Tech	#40	No	95	72	72	74	80	65	68	65	67	72
Arkansas	#22	No	95	86	82	88	72	76	85	84	90	52
Rutgers	#23	Yes	94	87	85	88	87	74	90	88	92	44
Nebraska	#41	No	94	76	72	78	78	68	62	68	85	68
West Virginia	#35	No	93	84	78	84	70	65	74	85	91	62
Navy	#22	Yes	93	85	78	85	72	62	85	88	92	59
Florida Atlantic	#35	Yes	92	80	76	80	76	74	76	78	77	56
Virginia Tech	#37	No	92	72	68	70	88	56	65	65	70	72
Northwestern	#44	No	92	68	65	70	80	65	72	78	85	68
Hawaii	#45	No	92	62	59	62	70	62	62	72	74	78

The Option

The option play is so named because you have options! In its basic form, the option play consists of the quarterback scrambling out of the pocket and choosing to run up field or pitch it to a nearby running back. In more complex forms, the quarterback could also hand off to the fullback before scrambling outside or even remain behind the line of scrimmage and toss a pass (hit "A" to open the pass windows on an option play on the 360).

The quarterback's option choice depends on the defenders' reactions. If defenders crash toward the quarterback, pitch it to the running back. If the defenders guard the running back, turn up field with the quarterback. On an option pass play, if the defenders leave receivers open, go for the pass instead of the run.

Several teams focus their offense primarily on the option. For instance, check out Air Force. Their playbook is dominated by the Full House, Flexbone, and Wishbone formations: all of these are primarily option formations. But the option isn't left for the smaller schools. Teams like Ohio State and West Virginia with their extremely fast quarterbacks (86 and 85 respectively) can run lethal option plays. The biggest danger is your quarterback's health. A lot of the time you'll be turning up field with the quarterback and taking some bone-crushing hits. Hit the dive button to slide and avoid getting crushed.

When executing the option, watch outside defenders. Does the defensive end and outside linebackers move inside or outside? These defenders will likely be the first "line of defense" for your running back or quarterback. If they move outside, you can turn inside with the quarterback. If they're inside, then pitch to the running back. Utilize WR motions and hot route blocking for additional help to clear the outside running lanes. The option can certainly bust open long gains but it's equally important to advance with consistent yardage with good decision making.

Chapter 5 - Defensive Playbook

Prevent your opponent from scoring and it becomes much easier to win games. A strong defense can win games all on its own. Keeping your opponent in an endless cycle of "three and out" is as satisfying as breaking a long run on offense. And putting a huge lick on a quarterback or nabbing a key interception can quickly shift momentum.

This section provides tips on executing a strong defense. We'll cover defensive playbooks, formations, packages, how to adjust your defense before the snap, and how to execute your defense after the snap.

Defensive Formations

Each team features a specific defensive playbook; each playbook in turn features a different collection of formations. The list below reveals each playbook and included formations.

• 4-3: 4-3 Normal, 4-3 Over, 4-3 Under, 46 Bear, 4-4 Split, 5-2 Normal, Nickel Normal, Nickel Strong, Nickel 3-3-5, Dime Normal, Dime 3-2-6, Quarter 3 Deep, Goal Line



• 3-3-5: 3-3-5 Stack, 3-3-5 Cougar, 3-3-5 Split, 3-3-5 Bear, 3-4 Under, 5-2 Normal, Nickel Normal, Nickel 3-3-5, Nickel 2-4-5, Dime Normal, Dime 3-2-6, Quarter 3 Deep, Goal Line



• 4-2-5: 4-2-5 Normal, 4-2-5 Over, 4-2-5 Under, 4-2-5 Bear, 4-4 Split, 5-2 Normal, Nickel Normal, Nickel 3-3-5, Nickel Strong, Dime Normal, Dime 3-2-6, Quarter 3 Deep, Goal Line



• 3-4: 3-4 Normal, 3-4 Over, 3-4 Under, 3-4 Solid, 4-4 Split, 5-2 Normal, Nickel Normal, Nickel 3-3-5, Nickel 2-4-5, Dime Normal, Dime 3-2-6, Quarter 3 Deep, Goal Line



• Multiple D: 4-3 Normal, 4-3 Over, 46 Bear, 3-4 Under, 3-4 Solid, 5-2 Normal, Nickel Normal, Nickel 3-3-5, Nickel 1-5-5, Dime Normal, Dime 3-2-6, Quarter 3 Deep, Goal Line

Each defensive formation has its advantages and disadvantages. Some are better geared to stop the run, while others are better suited to shut down the passing game. Using each formation effectively will dramatically improve your defensive game. The following chart reveals all defensive alignments in NCAA Football 07 and provides advantages and disadvantages for each. The types column refers to the different subsets of each formation. This generally refers to the placement of certain defenders. For instance, "under" and "over" refer to the placement (either left or right) of linebackers.

FORMATION	TYPES	DESCRIPTION	ADVANTAGES	DISADVANTAGES
Goal Line	N/A	Short yardage formation. A package can keep an impact safety on the field.	Tightly packed to counter short yardage and goal line situations. Shift the line and linebackers to plug expected run direction.	Watch the play action! Easily burned by a long pass. Even a quick pass if the defense isn't in alignment. Be prepared to audible out of goal line.
5-2	Normal	Five defensive linemen, two linebackers, four defensive backs. Use packages to swap in an impact linebacker if he's off the field.	Strong for teams with defensive line depth. Run stopping defense at the line, especially inside runs.	Weaker against outside runs unless the defensive ends are especially strong. Runs that penetrate the line can be big gains cause of lack of linebackers. Not a strong pass defense.
4-3	Normal, Over, Under	Four defensive linemen, three linebackers, four defensive backs.	Standard base defense. Best if you have a strong line over linebackers and fast ends. Covers inside run well and short to medium passes.	Beware of the 3+ receiver sets. Outside and option run can be difficult without proper linebacker alignment.
3-4	Normal, Over, Under, Solid	Three defensive linemen, four linebackers, four defensive backs.	Four linebackers offer a variety of blitz packages. Best if you have strong linebackers over line. Good mobility along the line for outside runs and options. Decent against medium pass as linebackers can cover lanes in zone.	Beware of pass-heavy offensive sets. You don't want linebackers covering wide receivers! Somewhat susceptible to inside run depending on what your linebackers are doing and their abilities.
4-4	Split	Four defensive linemen, four linebackers, three defensive backs. Use packages to swap in an impact safety if he's off the field.	Additional linebackers can protect outside run. Many blitzing options. Strong against runs and short passes.	Only three defensive backs will put a lot of pressure on your corners and safeties. Beware of trip WR sets or greater or play a safer zone defense.
46	Bear	Six at the line, two at the linebacker position, three in coverage.	Puts pressure on the quarterback and can defense runs at the line. Lots of blitz opportunities and coverage disguises.	Vulnerable to quick passes with so many at the line. Avoid using against pass-heavy formations unless you have the pass rushing skills to get at the quarterback.
4-2-5	Normal, Over, Under, Bear	Four defensive linemen, two linebackers, five defensive backs. Use packages to swap in an impact linebacker if he's off the field.	Nickel secondary to cover pass plays (three WR sets) and a good defensive line could still get pressure on the QB. Linebackers can blitz or be in their zone.	Can be weak against a run that gets through the line--only a couple linebackers between the ball carrier and secondary. Stay in zone if you think opponent may run.
3-3-5	Stack, Cougar, Split, Bear	Three defensive linemen, three linebackers, five defensive backs.	Five defensive backs to cover the pass with three linebackers available to cover run or provide additional pressure on quarterback.	Unless you use some LBs or DBs blitzing, the three man line may not get much pressure on quarterback. Can be vulnerable to inside runs with the lack of line defense.
Nickel	Normal, Strong, 3-3-5, 2-4-5, 1-5-5	Five defensive backs. Use packages to swap in an impact linebacker if he's off the field.	Added defensive back to protect against the pass. Use against 3 WR sets. Other nickel formations add additional linebackers if your group is particularly skilled or deep.	More vulnerable to run plays. Defensive backs are generally worse tacklers.
Dime	Normal, 3-2-6	Six defensive backs. Use packages to swap in an impact linebacker if he's off the field. The 3-2-6 removes a defensive linemen and adds a second linebacker.	Strongest against the certain passing situations. Six defensive backs can cover a lot of area, particularly in zone. Use against four and more WR sets.	Watch for the run audibles at the line and beware of quarterback scrambles, especially if your defensive backs are in man coverage and moving away from line of scrimmage.
Quarter	3 Deep	Seven defensive backs.	When you're certain your opponent is going to pass! Combine with pass commit at the snap.	With so many defensive backs, you are vulnerable to an unexpected run play. But often you will be in long yardage situations anyhow.

Momentum and Impact Defenders

Momentum factors in defensive situations as well. You can turn the tide of momentum with a key interception, fumble recovery, or help it along with a crushing quarterback sack. Return an interception or fumble for a touchdown and the momentum will likely shift completely. Similar to the offensive side of the ball, if you have momentum in your favor, strive to keep it while on defense. Avoid giving up the big play or any points. You don't need to take huge chances; then again, since momentum is on your side, your players are performing with the utmost confidence.

If you are on the wrong side of the momentum meter, you may need to take more chances on defense. Call an extra blitz or two to try and sack the quarterback or force a turnover. Utilize the hit stick on defense to try and jar the ball loose from a careless ball carrier.

Impact players play a big role on defense again this year. As stated before in this guide, each team features three impact players; at least one of those will be on the defensive side of the ball. Depending on where your impact player lines up, use packages to keep him on the field no matter which defensive formation you choose. An outside linebacker might sit in certain formations; use packages to keep him on the field, especially if he's in the zone.

Defensive Packages

Use packages when selecting a defensive formation to switch or flip player positions. It's especially useful to ensure an impact defender (especially a defender in the zone!) is on the field during a particular formation (for instance, perhaps your LOLB is an impact player and isn't on the field during a Dime formation). The list below reveals some packages and their uses.

• LB, CB, or Safety Flip: Flips the outside linebackers, corners, or safeties. If an opponent is running or passing heavily to one side to avoid your impact player, flip them!



• DT and DE Flip: Same as above, just the defensive linemen.



• MLB or OLB Flip: In four linebacker sets, this flips the outside or middle linebackers.



• LOLB Left or Right: In Nickel defense, subs in your LOLB. Important if that's an impact player you'd rather have in the current formation.



• ROLB/LOLB: Inserts this player into the Dime formation. Useful if that's your impact player.



• LB Pass Rush: Positions a LB on the line to rush the quarterback.



• SS (in 4-4): Inserts strong safety instead of the free safety.



• FS (in Goal Line): Inserts free safety instead of strong safety.



• LB Ends: Positions linebackers at the end of the line.



• 46 Swap: Swaps position of the linebackers in the 46 defense.



• 4th CB: Switches in a fourth corner into Dime. Good for teams with depth at the position.

Defensive Pre-Snap Adjustments

There are some new features to the pre-snap (and at the snap) adjustments on the defensive side of the ball for NCAA Football 07. It's very similar to when you're on offense. The quarterback surveys the defense to see if the current playcall will work or if it needs adjusting. The defenders also must gauge the offensive formation and make adjustments before the snap to better ensure an effective defense of the called play.

Both the defensive line and linebackers can shift laterally, tighten up, and spread out. Before the snap, press the shoulder buttons to activate the Line Shift or LB Shift. Use the left thumb stick or the directional pad to shift the line or LB left, right, down (tighten up), or up (spread out). Shift the line or linebackers left or right to guard against an expected outside run in the same direction (obviously susceptible to a run in the other direction). Pinch the line or linebackers in to guard against the inside run or spread them out to protect against the outside run. But pinching inside can open up the outside run and spreading out can open up the inside run.

Change the defensive line or linebackers' assignments using the right thumb stick after activating Line Shift or LB Shift with the shoulder buttons. You can assign the defensive line to crash left or crash right. The line will push left or right which can disrupt those running lanes. Assign the defensive line to crash in to pinch the inside run and rush out to help protect against the outside run or the option play.

Press the LB Shift shoulder button to change linebacker assignments. You can make the LOLB or ROLB blitz by moving the right thumb stick in the left or right direction respectively. Pressing the right thumb stick down changes all linebacker assignments to a blitz; pressing the right thumb stick up changes all linebacker assignments to zone coverage.

You may want to alter linebacker assignments when you notice the offense has weak protection on a particular side and the blitzing linebacker may be able to get into the backfield for the sack. Or you may expect a run in that direction and the linebacker would essentially be in a "run blitz" trying to plug the gap of the expected run play. You may need to call off the blitz and retreat to zone coverage if you suspect a crossing route or quick slant pass play--blitzing linebackers would leave the area open.

You can adjust secondary coverage pre-snap. Shift corners and safeties into press coverage to jam receivers at the line; effective against slower receivers and could shut down quick routes. However, press coverage could get burned by speedy receivers on deeper routes. Alternatively you could shift the secondary coverage back to protect against the deep ball (useful in any long yardage situations). Of course this leaves the shorter passes open.

Additional coverage audibles include showing a blitz and aligning to the offensive formation. Showing blitz can force the offense out of their current play or cause the quarterback to hurry a throw. It also keeps the coverage close to the line in case there's a run play but could also open the deeper play if the offense doesn't by the fake. Use the align audible to position your coverage against the offensive formations receivers (including tight ends) to better cover against quicker routes. Also, when you're in zone defense, your defenders don't automatically align with the offensive personnel. Quickly use the align audible to move into position so you don't tip off that you're in zone coverage.

Executing your Defense

NCAA Football 07 offers a few new options at the snap of the ball. You can try to "jump the snap" (Y button on the 360) to get defensive linemen and blitzing defenders an edge against their offensive counterparts. Hit the button too soon (before the snap), though, and your defender will jump offside.

Time it correctly and you'll see a "Great Jump" appear at the bottom of the screen. The CPU, especially on Heisman difficulty, is pretty adept at jumping the snap. Jumping the snap successfully can punish an offensive line. Your defenders will be in the backfield sooner and be in better position for a quarterback sack or a tackle for a loss.

Another feature is run and pass commit. At the snap of the ball, move the right thumb stick down to commit to the run or right stick up to commit to the pass. This move is often a high risk reward option. If you call it correctly, you could get the running back behind the backfield or pick off a pass. But if you get it wrong, you could give up a huge run or pass play (more often the pass). Committing to the pass can be very effective on 3rd down and long situations (5 to 6 yards or more). Be very careful committing to the run. Your defenders really pull up and deep receivers gain several steps--making it very easy to connect on a big pass play.

Choosing which defender to control can play a big role in a successful defensive series. Make sure you know the defender's assignment. If he's in man coverage and you decide to blitz, you're going to leave a receiver wide open. You need to follow the player's assignment to maintain your defensive call. There's no rhyme or reason to which player you select. You could be a lineman, a backer, or a secondary defender. You could play as the impact defender or allow the CPU to control him. Pay attention to the assignment!

Consider the following tips when selecting and executing your defensive plays:

• Always check the offensive formation package before selecting defense. You don't want to select 46 when the offense is sending out 5 WRs. Although the offense could be unpredictable you have to play the odds and line up your best chance to stop the current play call. Become unpredictable through blitzes.



• Pressure, pressure, pressure! If a computer or human opponent has all day to hit receivers, then they're going to hit receivers! Mix up your blitz packages to keep your opponent's quarterback off guard. Forcing the quarterback to hurry throws is good strategy because it could lead to overthrown receivers or an interception. If you're faced against an opponent who likes to roll out a lot (expect this tactic online), then use corner or nickel back blitzes as well as containment defenses (LB Contain, DE Contain).



• Apply pressure in man coverage defenses because the longer the quarterback has to throw, the more likely the receivers can finally get open. In zone coverage, you can afford to sit back a bit, especially with a team with a stronger defensive line that can put pressure without extra blitzing defenders.



• Defenders on the 360 version feature more unique statistics. Make sure you check your favorite team's defenders and examine their abilities in zone and man coverage. Block shedding is also important, especially for linemen and linebackers.



• If you're trying to swat the ball as a defender, hold down the swat ball button. You don't press it at the time of the swat; instead, you hold it down and the player will automatically swat when the time is right. For instance, when the pass is in the air, switch to the closest defender and hold down the swat button. Move the defender in the position to make a play. It works similarly for catching the ball.



• Corner routes (essentially a flipped post pattern where the receiver runs a diagonal route toward the corner) have always been a money route in NCAA or Madden. They're stoppable but it's often dangerous to leave them open. Protect these routes by playing a safety and covering the outside receiver when he breaks to the corner. Players using the corner routes typically roll outside so use containment or blitzes to pressure the quarterback.



• When selecting your player on defense before the snap, you can hold the button and move the left thumbstick toward that player to select him. You don't have to hit the button until you finally reach that player.



• When tackling, concentrate on containment. Instead of always charging the ball carrier, make sure you charge correctly and force the ball carrier to dodge toward other defenders. It's better to keep a ball carrier toward the middle of the field where help is than push the ball carrier outside where there's usually nothing but open field and sideline.



• Don't forget the impact stick! Use the right analog stick to lay on the big hit. This is your best chance to cause a fumble--especially damaging if the ball carrier is trying some special moves.



• If you recover a fumble or pick off a pass, try and get outside toward the sidelines and away from offensive players. It'll likely be your best chance to score. Don't forget you're now a ball carrier and can try special moves, though don't expect the player to be particularly skilled with them!



• Help shut down an impact receiver by calling some double-teams. Look for defenses that double X or double Z, for instance. These formations will double a receiver with a corner and safety. Note that this could of course leave other receivers open!



• If an opponent is abusing you with flat routes, call plays with linebacker man coverage for the backs or zone coverage that protects the flats (like a cover 2 defense).

Top Ten Defensive Linemen

The chart below reveals the top ten defensive linemen in NCAA Football 07. These top defenders are sorted by overall rating. Other stats include power and finesse moves and block shedding.

TEAM	PLAYER	TYPE	IMPACT	OVR	SPD	STR	AWR	TAK	PMV	FMV	BSH	PRS
Clemson	#93	RE	Yes	99	84	82	88	85	85	98	85	85
Nebraska	#90	RE	Yes	95	74	87	87	86	93	75	80	92
Miami	#98	LE	Yes	95	78	84	80	84	75	96	80	80
Central Michigan	#93	LE	Yes	95	80	78	84	84	66	64	79	76
Tennessee	#92	DT	Yes	94	62	95	80	95	90	65	96	75
Ohio State	#90	DT	Yes	94	65	92	85	88	97	85	96	80
Florida	#44	DT	Yes	94	65	89	85	90	92	93	85	65
Cal	#52	DT	Yes	94	65	88	86	88	85	75	80	80
Georgia	#94	RE	Yes	94	84	72	85	74	85	97	80	80
USC	#96	LE	Yes	94	84	80	76	76	85	99	85	90

Top Ten Linebackers

Here are the top ten linebackers as rated by NCAA Football 07. The linebackers are sorted by overall rating. Other stats include block shedding, pursuit, play recognition, and coverage skills.

TEAM	PLAYER	TYPE	IMPACT	OVR	SPD	AWR	TAK	BSH	PRS	PRC	MCV	ZCV
Penn State	#31	LOLB	Yes	98	82	94	94	98	98	99	60	70
Ole Miss	#49	LOLB	Yes	98	87	90	90	83	99	98	85	72
Oklahoma	#42	ROLB	Yes	96	84	88	91	97	96	98	60	70
Virginia Tech	#11	LOLB	Yes	96	89	84	88	85	95	85	60	70
Florida	#40	MLB	Yes	95	87	87	95	96	97	94	50	70
West Virginia	#43	ROLB	Yes	95	82	90	90	81	95	95	81	67
Florida State	#7	ROLB	Yes	95	82	90	92	85	96	95	50	60
Georgia Tech	#35	LOLB	Yes	95	87	87	86	87	82	93	80	75
Alabama	#42	ROLB	Yes	95	86	88	87	85	96	85	45	60
Pittsburgh	#51	MLB	Yes	94	84	92	89	96	85	97	81	70

Top Ten Defensive Backs

A skilled secondary is key to shutting down an opponent's aerial attack. The following table lists the top ten defensive backs as rated by NCAA Football 07. These defenders are sorted by overall rating and include statistics such as play recognition, and skills in man and zone coverage.

TEAM	PLAYER	TYPE	IMPACT	OVR	SPD	AWR	JMP	TAK	PRC	MCV	ZCV
LSU	#30	FS	Yes	99	90	90	92	78	97	89	98
Miami	#19	FS	Yes	96	91	87	87	80	90	90	94
Cal	#13	CB	Yes	95	93	94	92	62	75	97	97
Arizona	#5	CB	Yes	95	95	88	93	65	88	98	95
Notre Dame	#9	SS	Yes	95	93	85	84	74	85	85	96
Virginia Tech	#36	SS	No	94	86	86	84	80	86	70	85
Utah	#32	CB	Yes	93	91	94	85	78	97	95	92
Michigan	#29	CB	No	93	93	88	93	65	90	96	93
Memphis	#45	FS	Yes	93	87	87	88	74	92	82	88
West Virginia	#41	SS	No	93	88	87	85	80	80	85	88

Chapter 6 - Online Tips

Playing NCAA Football 07 online is unpredictable. You may have picked up on tendencies of the CPU but anything goes against another human opponent (and that's not always a good thing). You may battle against a quality opponent that attempts to emulate realistic play or face off against the guy who calls the same play every single down. In this section, we've compiled some tips for competing against your online friends and foes.

• If your alma mater is the Rice Owls, you may find online play an uphill battle. You should play prearranged games or unranked for comparable competition. Otherwise you'll likely run into the gangs of players using Ohio State, Texas, or USC. The highest ranked teams are certainly fun (and there's no denying they're good) but these NCAA powerhouses overpower the smaller schools. Watch your team selection and avoid getting rolled over by the guy who only wants to play as the #1 ranked Buckeyes.



• Quarterback rollout passing seems pretty effective again this year (in last year's version, it was Vince Young rolling out play after play and connecting on deep receivers). "I only call one play every time!" players are out there and while you will suffer some of their big gains, these types of players are beatable. Make sure you get pressure on the quarterback. You can't allow these players to run around in the backfield and wait for the open man. Mix up your blitzes. If he's rolling out, call a corner blitz. Play some containment defenses. Force the quarterback to throw earlier to hopefully snag an interception and build the momentum. Manage the clock effectively to keep his defense on the field.



• Utilizing your impact players is the same whether offline or online. These are your good to guys, both on offense and defense. While on offense, use your impact receivers or running back, especially when they're in the zone. But avoid running toward at an impact defender's area. Or perhaps avoid testing an impact defensive back. You could also use offensive impact players as decoys. If you notice an opponent concentrating heavily on your in the zone impact receiver, mix up your play call and get other receivers into the mix.



• Momentum is the biggest new feature in NCAA Football 07. The team that has the momentum receives a boost to overall statistics. Build momentum on offense by consistent play, long gains, and, of course, scoring (get the first TD for a nice momentum bar chunk). With momentum established, you could call higher percentage plays to keep it in your favor or take chances with the added player boost provided by the new feature. If you're on the momentum short stick, you could call safer plays to help build it or take risks to get it back in one big shift.



• Defensively you can build momentum through sacks, big hits, turnovers, and defensive scores. Just like offense, you could play the momentum meter two ways. With momentum in your favor, you could take fewer chances to avoid losing the edge. Then again you could take advantage of the edge and call more blitzes. If you lack momentum, you may need a big play to shift it back into your favor; that means more blitzes and bigger chances on defense to try and pick off a pass.



• While on offense, mix up your play calling to keep your opponent's defense off guard. Most players will wait until you choose an offensive play to select their defense. This is because offensive personnel are revealed to the player on defense. The player on defense will see how many receivers, tight ends, and running backs are in the formation. Your opponent can use that information to call the defense. So it pays off to run out of pass-oriented formations (3+ WR sets) and pass out of run-oriented formations (multiple TE or 1 WR sets).



• While on defense, wait for the player on offense to pick their play before you choose your defensive formation. Use the information provided by the offensive personnel to make your decision. Try to gauge your opponent's tendencies. Does he always run out of 2 WR, 1 RB sets? Does your opponent like to mix it up on 4 WR sets? Against an unpredictable opponent, you may have to avoid calling strictly pass or run defenses and instead call defenses that offer a little bit of both. Against a 4 WR set, you may call a Dime defense but with blitzing to try and disrupt a run play.



• The clock can be your best friend or your worst enemy. With the lead, it's in your best interest to keep the clock moving. In a close game that's nearing its end, don't accidentally run out of bounds. Force your opponent to burn time outs. Take your time getting to the line and don't snap the ball until the play clock gets very low. Don't wait until "1 second" every time, though; if you do, your opponent could just use jump snap at 1 second and may get a big stop. Mix it up. Hike at 3 seconds, 4 seconds, etc.



• If you're trying to make a comeback, realize the clock stops briefly with each first down. If you get a first down you can probably save your timeout and instead hurry to the line with a hurry up offense. Work the sidelines and try to get out of bounds but if your opponent is protecting the edge, take the open middle 10 or more yards downfield and utilize the brief stoppage of clock to get up to the line for the next play. Consider burning a timeout if your entire offense is exhausted after several hurry up plays.

Chapter 6 - Xbox 360 Achievements and Mini-Games

This section provides tips on unlocking the Xbox 360's NCAA Football 07 achievements and winning the 360's exclusive assortment of mini-games. We've included the entire achievement and offer tricks to unlocking some of the tougher feats. Strategies for winning Tug-of-War, Bowling, and Option Dash achievements are also featured.

Achievements

Naturally, NCAA Football 07 on the Xbox 360 includes an assortment of Achievements to unlock. Many of these achievements can be unlocked within a single game (or at most, a couple games). Certainly you could unlock these achievements during normal gameplay but if you're looking to elevate your gamer score quickly, there are a few tricks to easily achieve.

The table below reveals all NCAA Football 07 Xbox 360 achievements, their descriptions, and associated gamer points.

NAME	DESCRIPTION	GAMER POINTS
Throw 4 TD Passes in a Game	Throw four touchdown passes in a single game.	15
350 Total Passing Yards	Pass for 350 or more total yards in a game.	15
200 Total Rushing Yards	Rush for 200 or more total yards in a game.	15
No Fumbles in a Game	Do not fumble in a single game.	15
No Interceptions in a Game	Do not throw an interception in a single game.	15
Win by 21	Win a game by 21 points or more.	10
Pass to 5 Different Receivers	Complete a pass to 5 or more receivers in a single game.	10
100 Yard Receiver	Gain 100 or more receiving yards with a single player.	10
100 Yard Rusher	Gain 100 or more rushing yards with a single player.	10
Complete a 30 Yard Pass	Complete a pass for 30 or more yards.	10
Complete a 60 Yard Pass	Complete a pass for 60 or more yards.	20
Break a 30 Yard Run	Break a run for 30 or more yards.	10
Break a 60 Yard Run	Break a run for 60 or more yards.	20
Allow No Sacks	Do not give up any sacks in a game.	15
Intercept 2 Passes	Intercept 2 passes in a single game.	15
Recover 2 Fumbles	Recover 2 fumbles in a single game.	15
Return Interception for a TD	Return an interception for a touchdown.	20
Return Fumble for a TD	Score a touchdown after recovering a fumble on defense.	20
Make 4 Sacks	Sack the opposing quarterback 4 or more times in a single game.	20
Held Under 200 Yards	Hold the opposition to under 200 total yards.	10
Held Under 100 Yards	Hold the opposition to under 100 total yards.	25
2 Sack Player	Make 2 sacks in a game with the same player.	10
Score a Safety	Score a safety on defense.	30
Shutout	Prevent your opponent from scoring any points in a single game.	30
Punt Return for a TD	Return a punt for a touchdown.	15
Kickoff Return for a TD	Return a kickoff for a touchdown.	20
50 Yard Field Goal	Kick a 50 or more yard field goal.	25
50 Yard Punt	Punt the ball 50 or more net yards.	15
Block a Punt	Block a punt	25
Block a Field Goal	Block a field goal (or extra point)	25
Score 35 Points	Score 35 points or more in a single game.	15
500 Total Yards	Gain 500 total yards or more in a single game.	25
#1 Offense	Have the #1 ranked offense in a dynasty season.	25
#1 Defense	Have the #1 ranked defense in a dynasty season	25
Undefeated	Go undefeated during a season in dynasty mode.	10
Conference Champs!	Win a conference championship game.	10
Heisman Memorial Trophy	Win the Heisman Memorial Trophy with a player on your dynasty team.	25
5 Star Recruiting	Sign 8 or more 5 star prospects in your recruit class.	25
Bowl Win	Win a bowl game in dynasty mode.	10
National Champions!	Lead your team to a BCS championship in dynasty mode.	25
Dynasty Trifecta!	Win the National Championship in three back-to-back seasons in dynasty mode.	50
Mr. February	Have the #1 ranked recruiting class in a dynasty season.	25
60 Year Dynasty	Complete 60 years of dynasty.	100
Perfect Game	Bowl a 300 game.	40
High Score Option Dash	Score 15,000 or more points in Option Dash.	40
Win Tug-of-War	Win the Tug-of-War mini-game.	40
Junior Varsity Level	250 Gamerscore in NCAA Football 07	0
Varsity Level	500 Gamerscore in NCAA Football 07	0
All-American Level	750 Gamerscore in NCAA Football 07	0
Heisman Level	1000 Gamerscore in NCAA Football 07	0

One of the most important things to remember when going for NCAA Football 07 achievements is that several must be accomplished on the default setting of five minute quarters. For example, an achievement like "350 Total Passing Yards" is rather easy on 15 minute quarters but more of a challenge when time is of the essence. You should also be on Varsity difficulty level (apart from the mini-games, which can be completed on Freshman difficulty)).

Simply looking at the achievement provides no indication of the requirement; however, just realize that any achievement that would be easier to unlock in a longer game will require the default setting. If you think you've met the goal (like you just recovered two fumbles during the game) but you don't receive the acknowledgement of the unlocked achievement, check your quarter setting and make sure it's on five minute quarters.

As stated before, you will likely earn most of these through just normal play. However, there are a few things you can do to speed the process along! You guys who hoard gamer score points know who you are!

• If you need to unlock the fumble achievements (recover two fumbles and score a TD on a fumble return), then play the game in heavy rain. There are many more fumbles during heavy precipitation. This provides many more chances to recover two fumbles and certainly many more chances to score a touchdown on a fumble return. If you need even more help, play against San Jose State!



• Holding the opposition under 100 total yards (and 200 for that matter) is a bit tricky. Notice that the achievement is "total yards". This isn't simply offensive yards; this achievement also includes kick return yards! So you could blow out your opponent 63-0 in a defensive powerhouse but still not unlock this achievement cause you simply kicked off so many times! It's better to keep the game close and avoid giving your opponent easy return yards. If you must score then kick the ball out of bounds if you can't reach the end zone to prevent return yardage.



• Need to give your kicking game a boost to unlock the field goal and punt achievements? You could select an appropriate equipped team (for instance, Colorado's superstar impact kicker). But if you want additional boost then adjust the Game AI sliders that affect human kicking and punting distance. Slide them to the max! Play a game and don't worry about first downs and such--just go for the long field goals and punts! You'll want to kick your field goal no closer than the 33 yard line for a 50 yarder. For a punt, just nail one from just beyond midfield and aim for the center of the endzone.



• Holding an opponent scoreless can be challenging: unless you play against San Jose State and eat up as much clock as possible. Keep the Spartans' offense off the field by milking the play clock to the last possible second on each and every play (5 minute quarters). You'll be surprised how much time you can burn. You should be able to score a shutout in your first attempt.



• Scoring a safety during normal play could take awhile: it's not a frequent occurrence. But you can help that along with some unusual play calling. Scoring a safety generally requires pinning your opponent deep--ideally at their one yard line. You could try a skillful punt...or you could try something easier. When driving into your opponent's territory, stop at the one yard line. You may have an easy touchdown, but don't score. Instead, run out of bounds at the one or just dive to the ground. Now instead of scoring, just call Spike Ball until you turn the ball over to the opposing team--at their one yard line. Now it's time to get that safety! Blitz your opponent wildly!



• If you're still having trouble scoring a safety, there's an even easier method. Select the Game Rules setting and adjust the Offsides slider to 0. Now you will never be called for Offsides (unless you touch an offensive player before the snap). Get your opponent on their one yard line (described in the previous bullet point) then before the snap, line one of your defensive players next to your opponent's quarterback. As soon as the ball is hiked, tackle him!



• You can use the Offsides method to block a field goal or punt. Note that you must block the kick, not simply tackle the kicker before he reaches the ball. You also can not hit the ball while it flies between the center and the holder. Just line up just to the left or right of the ball flight then charge the kicker and hit "Y" to jump and go for the block.



• Decrease difficulty without actually decreasing difficulty by adjusting the Game AI sliders. Boost your abilities by shifting the "human" sliders to 100% and decrease the computer's ability by reducing the "CPU" sliders to 0%. Hey, all is fair in love and war right? That Offsides slider could be a key in unlocking many other achievements as well. Do you want them that much? Of course you do!



• The 60-Year Dynasty achievement is easily simulated but it will take quite awhile to accomplish the task. If you don't mind your Xbox 360 playing without you, just let it ride and within several hours (go watch a couple movies) you'll have the coveted achievement.

Mini-Games

The Xbox 360 version features three mini-games linked to three achievements. The mini-games are Tug-of-War, Bowling, and Option Dash. Tug-of-War is the easiest achievement to unlock: you simply have to win the game. Bowling and Option Dash take more skill. But as with other achievements, you can tilt things in your favor with a few crafty team selections and difficulty maneuvering (the mini-game achievements will unlock on Freshman difficulty).

In Bowling, your team starts at the opponents' 10 yard line. If you score in one play, it's considered a strike. Score in two plays and it's a spare. Anything else is just points. It scores like Bowling. Strikes carry over points from the next two plays; spares carry over points from the next play. To unlock the achievement, you must score a perfect 300 in Bowling: that's scoring in 12 straight plays from the 10 yard line!

It's a challenge for sure and there are many, many ways you could achieve the task. One easy way we've found is to use a good option team (such as West Virginia) and call Power Option plays to the left and right (mixing it up). The option play provides, well, options on the way to the end zone. You could run in with the QB or pitch to the RB if necessary. West Virginia's agile QB and RB can easily smoke defenders, particularly if you select a weak team like...the good ole San Jose State Spartans!

In Option Dash, it's all about the option. You score points by gaining yardage. You boost your multiplier by performing special moves, such as juke, spin, pitch, fake pitch, break tackle, etc. The key is gaining big chunks of yardage with a big multiplier. Obviously scoring TDs is extremely important too.

Like Bowling, team selection is important. You'll want a good option team, such as West Virginia or Ohio State, and challenging a weak defense is also vital to success. Next you will need to perform different special moves every time you break into the open field. Complete a juke, spin, fake pitch, etc, every time you're in the clear. You should be able to nail 5x multiplier with each good run. Break one the distance with high multiplier and you will be very close to the 15,000 points required to unlock the achievement.