Trick plays can be quite a bit of fun to run in NCAA Football 08. In addition to being fun, sometimes they're needed to keep your opponent off balance. As we all saw last year in the Fiesta Bowl, Boise State understands the importance of trick plays and used them effectively to defeat the Oklahoma Sooners. In this tip I'm going to show you how to execute a Hook & Ladder play that will give you the potential to score a touchdown from anywhere on the field.
Play Type - Pass - Hail Mary - Circus
Console(s)
XBOX 360 / PS3Play Breakdown
Ironically enough, this offensive play is somewhat "tricky" to find. This play is from the Shotgun Slot Strong HB Weak formation in Boise State's playbook - but you can't actually call this play by navigating through the Shotgun Slot Strong HB Weak formation??? The only way to find this play is to navigate by PLAY TYPE, then by HAIL MARY.
In the image to the left you can see the play art for this play. The WR to the left of the screen is running a Deep In route. These routes are very effective against man to man coverage this year, which makes this play even more effective against man. It will also work against zone but there is more risk involved. Notice the RB's route. As an option you can hot route him either to stay in and block or to another right to the right side of the field. This pulls the RB's defender away from the play. In this example we left the RB's route alone, so this is a personal preference. In the iamge to the right the play is developing and the QB is about to throw the ball. The defense is running a Dime Man Cover 2 defense, which is a fairly common defensive alignment for this offense personnel. Notice that the WR to the left of the screen is breaking to the inside and has separation from the defense. In addition, the slot receiver is coming across the middle of the screen underneath the play.
Notice here that the ball has been thrown. The WR is about to make the catch and the slot receiver is coming underneath. In the image to the right the WR has made the catch and is being tackled. As players are taught, once the player has the ball, everyone should attack the ball carrier. Highlighted is the defender that is supposed to be guarding the slot receiver. He's going to help with the tackle which will leave the slot receiver wide open for a lateral. *To Lateral the ball - Hit LT (360) / L2 (PS3)
The pitch has now been made in the image to the left. The execution of the pitch takes timing and practice. You will not always be able to pitch the ball based on the tackle animation. Make sure to practice this in Practice Mode before you take it onto the field. *To Lateral the ball - Hit LT (360) / L2 (PS3). There is one defender in the screen but he is still reacting to the gang tackle and is trying to jump on the pile. This defender is guarding the RB, so this is why you might want to hot route your RB away from this area of the field. However, the defender typically will react too late to swat the ball to the ground. Notice in the image to the right that the WR has the ball and the defender is still chasing the tackle. Even he can't believe that the offense is trying a hook and ladder play. Also notice that the RB is already moving into position to make a lead block to make your road to the endzone eaiser.
The WR has an open road to the endzone now and the defense is kicking themselves for being beat on such a "playground" style play.
Final Thoughts
The Hook and Ladder play is a high-risk, high-reward play. It's not going to work every time, but it will definitely catch your opponent off guard if used properly. NCAA Football 08 really captures the spirit of college football by adding trick plays like this to the game. Make sure to practice this play over and over so you understand the timing that it's going to require to pull it off. The key is taking what the defense is willing to give you. Even if you can't pitch the ball, you will still gain 12-15 yards on the Deep In route against man coverage. If you're at the end of the game and need a touchdown to win - this is a great option because of it's home run ability. Will any NCAA team try a trick play like this in a BCS Bowl game this year? We're all rooting for a team as bold and exciting as Boise State to emerge this year during Bowl season.
