re: NCAA '14 defensive gameplay

Pay attention to the routes that the WR is running that you are continually getting beat on. If they are slants, streaks or out/in routes, it's because your secondary or perhaps that corner is pressing him and the WR is beating the press coverage. If you are being beat by comeback routes, it's because your corner is playing too far off (most likely a zone coverage assignment). Also, if the CPU is throwing to the same WR who is continually getting open, you can spotlight the WR to put more attention on him. The flip side to the spotlight is that it COULD leave someone else open.

I don't know what defender you control, but I normally control the MLB or a Safety and will play to my assignment, but if I am the MLB, I watch the middle of the field like a hawk for slant routes, etc. Especially if I am in press coverage. I know what you mean though about the QB always somehow finding the open WR. It's happened more than a few times to myself as well.

I know speed plays a huge part in videogame football, but i've noticed that guys with high awareness ratings and play recognition seem to not fall victim to certain things. So when I recruit, I don't necessarily always go after the high OVR guys. I'll find guys with certain attributes that fit my team and run with that.