How to play

Starting the Game

1. Highlight the "NCAA Football 09" icon on your phone's Game Menu.
2. Once the game is highlighted, press the "OK" button to start the game.
3. After splash screens, the game's Main Menu will appear.

Game Objectives
Play as one of 32 top NCAA teams in a single game, or compete over an entire season for a BCS bowl bid.

Game Modes
New Game - Choose between a Single Game, or a 7 or 12 game Season as your favorite team.
Play Now - Take to the field instantly.

Main Menu

• New Game: Choose between a Single Game or begin an entire Season. Choose your team and customize the length of the game's quarters.
• Play Now: Start an exhibition game after choosing your team.
• Help & Stats: Get information on Controls, Game Tips, Rosters and Stats.
• Options: Set sound, vibration, penalties, favorite team and other settings.
• About: Get customer support directions and legal information.
• More Games: Information on more exciting EA games.
• Quit: Exit the game and return to the phone's menu.

How to Play

MOVEMENT

Up-Left = 1

Up = D-Up/2

Up-Right = 3

Left = D-Left/4

Right = D-Right/6

Down-Left = 7

Down = D-Down/8

Down-Right = 9

OFFENSE

Snap the ball = OK or 5

Activate Field Vision Passion (FVP) = Press OK/5 on passing plays

Pass = While in FVP mode, press Up/Down/Left/Right to pass to corresponding receiver

Action while running with ball = OK or 5 for Juke/Stiff-Arm/Dive (context sensitive)

Pitch Ball (on Option and QB Choice plays) = press OK or 5

Call Timeout = #

DEFENSE

Switch Player = *

Tackle/Leap = OK or 5

Call Timeout = #

PASSING

On passing plays, eligible receivers will all have an OK icon above them to start the play. Pressing OK or 5 will activate Field Vision Passing (FVP) mode. This will slow the game down, allowing the quarterback to read the field better, and will also activate passing by changing the receiver icons to directional arrows. To pass the ball, press the direction (Up/Down/Left/Right) that corresponds with the intended receiver. The user can also pass to the primary receiver by pressing OK/5 within FVP as well as with 2/4/6/8 in place of the directional pad.

RUNNING

While running with the ball the user can press the OK or 5 key to perform an action. The action performed is context sensitive and includes various moves such as Juke, Stiff-Arm, and Dive.

PITCHES

NCAA Football 09 includes multiple Option running plays as well as QB Choice. These plays give the user the option of pitching the ball to an eligible pitchman, or having the QB keep the ball and run with it. Pitching is performed by pressing OK or 5 when the pitchman is in range, which is signified with an OK icon above their head.

DEFENSE

Press the OK or 5 key to tackle/leap. Press the * key to switch defensive players.

Tips and Hints

• Jukes and Breaking Tackles - When running with the ball on offense, check the ball carrier's status disc color. If it's green, keep running ahead. When it's yellow or red, press the OK or 5 key to juke an opposing player who is about to tackle you. Sometimes opposing players will grab you, but not complete their tackle. As the opposing player holds you, press the OK or 5 key as you continue to hold D-Up to run forward and you might be able to break their tackle.
• Pass Completion - When the eligible receiver icon is green, press his icon symbol to pass immediately because icon color can change from green to red quickly. This will improve your completion chances. To complete more passes and minimize interceptions, throw to receivers running pass routes to the sideline.
• Options Plays and Pitches - When attempting options plays, timing is the key to success. The quarterback should delay the pitch to the trailing back long enough to draw defenders away. Wait until a defender is just about to tackle the quarterback before pressing the OK or 5 key to pitch the ball to the back.
• Tackling - First, chase the opposing player until you get close enough to turn his status disc yellow or red, then press the OK or 5 key to dive tackle. If you do not dive tackle, your opponent may break free from your grasp and keep on running, so be prepared to continue chasing him.
• Recovering Fumbles - After a ball is fumbled, quickly press the "*" key to select your player nearest to the loose ball to quickly recover the fumble.
• Playing Defense - Before the ball is snapped, press the "*" key to change to a defensive player of your choice. The game will wait for you to toggle through players and make your selection before snapping the ball.
• Fight Song - Make your favorite team's fight song the in-game music by going to the Options section of the Main Menu to change the Favorite Team setting (audio capability may vary by handset.)

FAQ

What's the quickest way to get right into the game?
Select Play Now from the Main Menu to choose your teams and instantly take the field.

What other game modes are there?
In addition to the Play Now mode, selecting New Game will give you a variety of options. You can choose to play a single game, or start a 7 or 12 game season. Quarter length is also adjustable. Season play allows you to fight your way up the rankings for a chance to earn the #1 spot.

Can I play as any team I want?
NCAA Football 09 includes 32 top NCAA teams from around the nation.

Are there rankings displayed when playing through a season?
Yes. After each week completed in a season, Top 25 rankings will be displayed. Win games and move up the rankings.

Can I hear my team's fight song?
Yes, fight songs are included for each team in the game. Make your favorite team's fight song the in-game music by going to the Options section of the Main Menu to change the Favorite Team setting (audio capability may vary by handset.)

What does the Penalties setting do?
You have the option of playing with or without certain penalties being called. With penalties turned off, pass interference, offsides, and other penalties will not be called. You also won't be able to move your player offsides before the snap, so don't expect to cheat your way to victory.

How do I perform Option plays?
NCAA Football 09 includes various offensive plays that allow the user to pitch the ball. There are several Option plays, as well as QB Choice. These plays can be found under the Run plays in a team's offensive playbook. When calling one of these plays, the quarterback can pitch the ball to the designated pitchman when he is in range by pressing the OK or 5 key. You can have the QB keep the ball and run up the field, or execute a well-timed pitch to confuse the defense. Some Option plays allow for more than one running back to receive the pitch. During certain time sensitive moments, NCAA Football 09 slows the action to give you time to make the decision.

How can I improve my passing?
On passing plays, pay attention to the color of the receiver icons. Try to throw to receivers with green icons, as they are the most open and most likely to catch the ball. Avoid passing to receivers with red icons, as they are well covered and an incompletion or interception is likely. The icons can change colors quickly, so stay alert and pass to a receiver as soon as they are open. Also, be sure to vary your play calling. Keep the defense guessing by sending receivers to all parts of the field and mixing in run plays.