Chris Jacobs is an active participant in the gaming community. An admin at Utopia College Sports, he is also a member of numerous gaming websites under his screen name 'cdj.' A huge college sports fan, he spends a lot of time playing NCAA Football and NCAA Basketball, but also enjoys all types of video games. To keep up with cdj, follow him at www.twitter.com/cdj80

The NCAA Tournament field was announced Sunday night. Have you filled out your bracket yet? Who are your "sleeper" picks?

Historically, the #5 vs. #12 match-up has produced a significant number of upsets with the #12 seed winning 33% of the time. Most years, there has been at least one win by the #12 seed. Last year three of the four #12 seeds won in the first round. In 2008, two #12 seeds won in the first round, but in 2007 all four #12 seeds lost to the #5 seed.

Typically, this match-up involves a Top 25 caliber squad (the 5-seed) versus a team from a non-power conference, whom is usually a team under the radar nationally and much better than most would presume (the 12-seed). In a one-game battle, anything can happen and we often find out that the 12-seed has some great, but little known talent.

Here are this year's four #5 vs #12 games in the NCAA Tournament:

Midwest: #5 Michigan State vs #12 New Mexico State

West: #5 Butler vs. #12 UTEP

East: #5 Temple vs. #12 Cornell

South: #5 Texas A&M vs. #12 Utah State

Which #12 seed has the best chance of pulling an upset? Will any of them?

Taking our NBA LIVE rivalry to NCAA Basketball, here is an online battle between JBHuskers and myself using one of the #5 vs. #12 match-ups from this year's field - UTEP (cdj) vs. Butler (JB).

Click here to watch Part 1 of the matchup!

Click here to watch Part 2 of the matchup!

Interested in becoming an EA SPORTS Game Changer? Check out http://bit.ly/bdfJEB for more information! 

Chris Jacobs is an active participant in the gaming community. An admin at ncaaStrategies.com, he is also a member of numerous gaming websites under his screen name 'cdj.' A huge college sports fan, he spends a lot of time playing NCAA Football and NCAA Basketball, but also enjoys all types of video games. To keep up with cdj, follow him at twitter.com/cdj80

In what I like to call the 'offseason' - the period of time where we get info on the next version of NCAA Football but are still playing the previous version - it is a good time to work on some specific aspects of the game that can be carried over to the next iteration.  One such area is passing routes & timing. In this blog, we will look at some of the keys to the passing game and for newcomers to the franchise; learn the terminology for passing routes.

Just like a quarterback in the offseason, working with receivers and perfecting the proper time to pass the pass on each route is pivotal in establishing an aerial attack.  Hitting a receiver in stride can be the difference between a completion and an interception, or the difference between a short-gain and a touchdown.

In order to work on the timing, I go into Practice Mode (Offense Only) and select different plays focusing on the routes I want to work on.

The two main keys to keep in mind:

- Try to hit the receiver in stride, meaning you may need to lead the ball with directional passing.  Hold/move the left stick in the direction you want the ball to go, typically slightly ahead of the receiver on most routes.  If your receiver has to stop, jump, or wait for the ball, you lose a valuable opportunity for yards after the catch.  On some routes, you may want to hold down the pass button to fire a quick pass. 

- On some routes (such as a comeback route), you will ideally want to pass the ball before the receiver has turned around.  Once you get the timing of the route down pat, the ball will hit his hands as soon as he turns around.  If the receiver has to stand and wait for the ball, that likely means a defender is standing and waiting for the ball as well.

Let's take a video look at some routes to learn the terminology.  For those new to NCAA Football, these may be terms you've seen on message boards and were unsure what they meant. 

Here is an excellent resource from The Football Times that I recommend to players of all levels to read and perhaps print out as a handy reference guide. 

This has been a crash course on the basics of the passing game.  If you have any questions or personal tips on how to improve the passing game, please leave them in the comments!

Interested in becoming an EA SPORTS Game Changer? Check out http://bit.ly/bdfJEB for more information! 

Chris Jacobs is an active participant in the gaming community. An admin at ncaaStrategies.com, he is also a member of numerous gaming websites under his screen name 'cdj.' A huge college sports fan, he spends a lot of time playing NCAA Football and NCAA Basketball, but also enjoys all types of video games. To keep up with cdj, follow him at www.twitter.com/cdj80

This is the time of the basketball season where you can begin to toss win-loss records out the window.  No matter how great (or poor) your favorite team's season was, a team can make a run to glory in their conference tournament and land a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

In this week's 'From the Corner' blog, let's take a look at some of the conference tournaments that start action today or tomorrow and simulate them in NCAA Basketball 10. 

Big East Conference Tournament - March 9-13, New York, NY

The most grueling conference tournament structure for teams seeded ninth or lower.  For them to get the automatic berth to the Big Dance, they will need to win five games in five days.  In the first round games beginning today, USF and Seton Hall need wins to get inside the proverbial bubble, while the other teams sport high RPIs for playing in such a tough conference but will need to advance very far - if not win the whole thing - to make it into the NCAA Tournament.  Let's sim the games and see what NCAA Basketball 10 thinks will happen.

First Round

South Florida 88, DePaul 76

Connecticut 87, St. John's 77

Cincinnati 98, Rutgers 71

Seton Hall 98, Providence 66

Second Round

Georgetown 101, South Florida 77

Connecticut 85, Marquette 69

Notre Dame 79, Seton Hall 76

Louisville 85, Cincinnati 77

Quarterfinals

Georgetown 74, Syracuse 68

Villanova 86, Connecticut 58

Pittsburgh 78, Notre Dame 63

West Virginia 70, Louisville 61

Semifinals

Georgetown 67, Villanova 62

Pittsburgh 88, West Virginia 83

Championship

Pittsburgh 95, Georgetown 76

Recap:

In the NCAA Basketball 10 simulation, Georgetown wins three games to advance to the Big East Championship, only to run out of gas and lose to second-seeded Pittsburgh.

Big 12 Conference Tournament - March 10-13, Kansas City, MO

It took until the final Saturday of action to determine the top four teams who will get a first-round bye and which teams will have a longer route to the championship game.  The two teams most in need of a solid showing are Texas and Oklahoma State.  The Longhorns looked like a national championship contender early in the season, only to limp across the finish line.  Oklahoma State is a very talented squad, but finds itself on the bubble with a 9-7 conference record.

First Round

Texas Tech 98, Colorado 68

Missouri 74, Nebraska 65

Oklahoma State 105, Oklahoma 72

Texas 92, Iowa State 81

Quarterfinals

Kansas 86, Texas Tech 40

Texas A&M 98, Missouri 58

Kansas State 69, Oklahoma State 67

Texas 80, Baylor 66

Semifinals

Kansas 88, Texas A&M 40

Texas 83, Kansas State 78

Championship

Kansas 88, Texas 65

Recap:

Needing a strong tournament showing, Texas puts it together and makes it all the way to the Big 12 Championship before falling to Kansas.  After falling from the top spot in the polls after a loss at Oklahoma State, the Jayhawks put on a dominant performance and routed all three foes.

Pac-10 Conference Tournament - March 10-13, Los Angeles, CA

In a down year for the Pac-10, performances in the conference tournament will decide how many teams make it to the NCAA Tournament.  Cal seems like the only lock for the Big Dance, but three bids seems like the most the conference will receive heading into the Pac-10 tournament.  Arizona State and Washington cannot afford to lose in their first game.

Opening Round

Oregon 91, Washington State 67

Quarterfinals

Arizona 82, UCLA 78

California 88, Oregon 60

Oregon State 92, Washington 87

Arizona State 83, Stanford 71

Semifinals

California 94, Arizona 74

Arizona State 98, Oregon State 75

Championship

Arizona State 79, California 78

Recap:

In this simulation, the only school that hurt their cause was Washington, getting upset in the quarterfinals.  Arizona State and Cal played a classic in the championship game, ensuring at least two bids for the conference.  The Huskies sit firmly on the bubble.

ACC Tournament, March 11-14, Greensboro, NC

It's been a wild year in the ACC with defending national champion North Carolina struggling and Maryland winning its last seven games to claim a share of the conference championship.  Keep an eye on Georgia Tech as they look to make a run at the NCAA Tournament.  The Yellow Jackets need a strong conference tournament showing if they hope to get into the field of 65.

First Round:

Virginia 82, Boston College 77

Wake Forest 88, Miami 77

Georgia Tech 97, North Carolina 62

Clemson 87, NC State 71

Quarterfinals:

Duke 89, Virginia 53

Wake Forest 85, Virginia Tech 70

Maryland 93, Georgia Tech 63

Florida State 76, Clemson 73

Semifinals:

Duke 91, Wake Forest 73

Maryland 98, Florida State 65

Finals:

Duke 90, Maryland 71

Recap:

After falling at Maryland late in the season leading to a tie for the regular season title, Duke exacts revenge on the Terrapins by winning the ACC tournament.

Big 10 Conference Tournament, March 11-14, Indianapolis, IN

The Big 10 tournament should stand to be a proving ground for the top four teams in the conference.  With one game separating first place from fourth, if one of the top four wins (Purdue, Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Michigan State) they should earn the top NCAA Tournament seeding of anyone in the conference.  Illinois and Minnesota need strong showings if they wish to make the Big Dance.  While Cinderella Northwestern's bubble appears to have popped, they may have a solid path in the conference tournament.  In the opening round they play a beatable Indiana team and should they win that match-up, they will face a Purdue squad recently hit with the injury bug.

Opening Round:

Michigan 104, Iowa 68

Northwestern 102, Indiana 69

Minnesota 98, Penn State 57

Quarterfinals:

Ohio State 71, Michigan 61

Wisconsin 88, Illinois 75

Purdue 97, Northwestern 59

Michigan State 93, Minnesota 85

Semifinals:

Ohio State 96, Wisconsin 79

Michigan State 84, Purdue 76

Championship:

Michigan State 78, Ohio State 75

Recap:

The Spartans rallied from a 12-point halftime deficit to defeat the top-seeded Buckeyes.  Both will be tough draws for anyone in the NCAA Tournament.

SEC Tournament, March 11-14, Nashville, TN

Kentucky has been one of the top teams in the nation since the start of the season and will be looking to secure a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament.  Two teams to keep an eye on are Tennessee and Florida.  The Volunteers defeated Kentucky and Kansas this season, proving they have the talent to play with anyone in the country.   Florida needs a strong tournament showing if they wish to return to the NCAA's for the first time since winning back-to-back national championships.

First Round:

Auburn 74, Georgia 64

Tennessee 110, LSU 61

Florida 104, Alabama 67

Arkansas 90, South Carolina 80

Quarterfinals:

Kentucky 96, Auburn 57

Ole Miss 73, Tennessee 61

Florida 104, Mississippi State 68

Vanderbilt 102, Arkansas 73

Semifinals:

Kentucky 94, Ole Miss 54

Vanderbilt 91, Florida 75

Championship:

Kentucky 101, Vanderbilt 51

Recap:

As expected, the Wildcats rolled to the SEC Tournament Championship.  With two impressive wins, the Gators played themselves back into NCAA Tournament contention.  By making the championship game, Vanderbilt will likely improve their NCAA Tournament seeding.

Interested in becoming an EA SPORTS Game Changer? Check out http://bit.ly/bdfJEB for more information! 

Chris Jacobs is an active participant in the gaming community. An admin at ncaaStrategies.com, he is also a member of numerous gaming websites under his screen name 'cdj.' A huge college sports fan, he spends a lot of time playing NCAA Football and NCAA Basketball, but also enjoys all types of video games. To keep up with cdj, follow him at twitter.com/cdj80

The game-planning feature in NCAA Football 10 is a pretty powerful weapon with plenty of risk and reward. While it may be tempting to set all of the settings to 'Aggressive,' these items should primarily be used in specific situations and not for long periods of time.



The following are brief explanations of what each aspect does for the Defensive Game-Planning options and when you should change them.

Big Hits

Aggressive - Set to Aggressive, defenders will routinely go for big hits, leading to more fumbles and wearing down the opponent. However, it will also result in more missed tackles and big plays for your foe. This is best used when trailing late and needing a turnover.

Conservative - This will lead to fewer attempts at big hits which in turn means there will be less fumbles forced, however your defense will have less missed tackles. Use this setting if your team is missing a lot of tackles or if you are trying to hold onto a lead.

Strip Ball

Aggressive - This setting will have your defenders attempting to strong arm the ball on every tackle attempt, leading to more fumbles forced. It will also result in an increased number of facemask penalties. I recommend using this setting when trailing late and needing a turnover or randomly when the opponent has the ball deep in their own territory. This way, should you receive a facemask penalty; it will not put them into scoring position.

Conservative - The Conservative setting will see few (if any) facemask calls being made against your team; however there will also be fewer attempts at stripping the ball loose. This setting is best-used when trying to cut down on penalties or when holding onto a lead.

Zone Coverage

Aggressive - When set to Aggressive, you will see cornerbacks and safeties come up on the ball more in all zone defenses, contesting passes. While you will be in on more plays, there is a greater chance of getting beat deep. Again, this is another setting best used when trailing late. Also use this setting when your foe is in the red zone. You are less likely to get beat deep when there is limited space, so have your defenders tighter when foes are inside your 20-yard line.

Conservative - This setting will have your defensive backs drop back more on coverage to ensure they are not beat deep. This is best used when leading late in each half or on obvious passing situations, such as third down and long.

Defensive Line

Aggressive - By having your defensive line set to aggressive, the computer will attempt to Jump the Snap for you. This will help put pressure on the quarterback and increase penetration in the backfield. The drawback is that you are more likely to be called for an off-sides penalty.

Conservative - With this setting, your defensive line will not attempt to Jump the Snap unless controlled manually. This will also cut back on off-sides penalties by the CPU-controlled players.

Pass Defense

Aggressive - If you want your defensive backs to be more aggressive in going after interceptions, this is the setting for you. However, the drawback is that they will also give up more catches and yards should they miss on getting to the ball in time. This setting is best used when you trail and need to get the ball back late in the game.

Conservative - If you prefer a 'bend, but don't break' style of defense, this setting is for you. Defensive backs will find themselves in position to go for a swat rather than an interception that may move them out of position. This is also best suited if you are trying to protect a lead.

Option Defense

Play QB - This option works best when facing a human player whom you know prefers to use his mobile quarterback on the option - so much so that they are nearly predictable. If you run a defense where you manually control a defender on the pitch man, this setting will help the CPU defenders keep an eye on the QB.

Play Pitch Man - The opposite of the above setting, this is best used if you know your foe relies on the pitch man in his offensive attack. If you are playing against the computer and find yourself always in position to manually stop the quarterback on the option, using this game-planning setting will help the CPU step-up to key on the running back.

Conclusion

As you can see, each item in the Game-Planning feature is relatively high risk or reward, so use them for specific situations and not the entire the game.

In the comments below, post what type of defensive scheme you run and what settings you prefer to use!

Interested in becoming an EA SPORTS Game Changer? Check out http://bit.ly/bdfJEB for more information! 

Chris Jacobs is an active participant in the gaming community. An admin at ncaaStrategies.com, he is also a member of numerous gaming websites under his screen name 'cdj.' A huge college sports fan, he spends a lot of time playing NCAA Football and NCAA Basketball, but also enjoys all types of video games. To keep up with cdj, follow him at www.twitter.com/cdj80

In the NBA and college, numerous teams rely on the one of the oldest and most basic basketball strategies for their offensive attack - the pick and roll. In NCAA Basketball 10 (and NBA LIVE 10, for that matter), the Pick and Roll Control feature is a simple, yet effective offensive play. Let's take a look at how this feature works.

The pick and roll is most effective versus man-to-man defense. With a man on the ballhandler, he calls for a screen from a teammate. At this point, the defender must decide between guarding the ballhandler or the player who set the screen. If the defender guards the ballhandler, the screener can move towards the basket and may be open for a pass for a close-range shot. If the defender guards the man who set the screen, the ballhandler will now have an open shot.

Controls

Before utilizing the Pick and Roll Controls, see if your opponent is in man-to-man defense. If so, I recommend calling an isolation play. This will help to open up a path to the hoop for the screener and help to avoid the lane being clogged with players. To call an isolation play, hold down L1/LB and cycle through your playbook (R1/RB) and then hit the corresponding button for an Isolation play.

Move the left stick in the direction of the teammate you want a screen from and press and hold the O/B button. (If the left stick is not aimed in any direction, the computer will pick the best screener for you.) Pressing R1/RB will toggle back and forth between a pick and roll (gray background, white player silhouette) or a pick and fade (white background, black player silhouette). Releasing the O/B button will send the screener on either a roll or fade. (If you are in control of an off-ball player, press and hold O/B for an off-ball screen.)

The pick and fade is a variation of the pick and roll. Instead of going towards the hoop, the screener will step out for a jumpshot.

When your teammate comes up to set the screen, your reaction should depend on how the defense responds. If the defenders end up doubling the ballhandler, try to get the ball to the screener. Ideally, they will be able to get to the basket for a short-range shot or possibly draw a foul. If he is set on a fade, pass it to him for an open jumper - if he is in his range, of course. If they double or drop back on the screener, the ballhandler should look to pass to an open teammate or take an open jump shot.

Interested in becoming an EA SPORTS Game Changer? Check out http://bit.ly/bdfJEB for more information!