re: NCAA '14 defensive gameplay

A lot of the missed tackles are most likely caused by constantly attempting to hit stick. If you just flick the Right analog stick, you will dive at a player. If you hold the right analog stick, your player will "charge up" and then unload on the ball carrier. I try to stay away from hit sticking simply because the new infinity engine allows you to run into the guy and press square to initiate a wrap up tackle. Or if you want to continue to hit stick, if you wait until you are right up on the guy (as in a yard or less away), your chances at a successful hit stick tackle are increased. Also take into account who you are controlling versus who you are attempting to take down. If you are using some 5'11 160 pound corner and attempting to take down a 6'0 205 lb RB, you will have very little success as it is and will need to just slow him down and let the rest of your team swarm to the ball.

If your guy is engaged in a block, utilize the right analog stick. If you look at the game manual online, you will see various moves you perform with the right analog stick (swim, spin, bull rush). Use those to disengage from a block, or at the very least attempt to push the blocker back into the ball carrier.