Thank you, rice!

I discovered my answer on I-form vs pro also. On a forum where the developer discussed eliminating one or the other. Appears definitely a fluke that I form passing has been best for me. So pro it is.

I’m still drawn to 4-4, but great to know about not deeper than medium, and that does cause some more doubt for me. I suppose I’ll continue practicing 4-4 and 4-3 and switch fully to whichever one I have better freshmen and sophomores for after the coming recruiting session.

And, although I’ve found my offensive answer, feel free to sitemail about defense or anything else if you don’t want to post publicly. with how recruiting looks easier to get LBs than DL and DB (in my experience), perhaps I should go the 3-4 route.

further, I’ve noticed that with my whole team on 95% fresh for subs, the db’s and the DL sub regularly, but the LBs do not as much, in the 4-3, interesting…..

So I think I’d be best with a 3-4, but is it really worth overhauling from a 4-3 to a 3-4 for these differences? I doubt it.

do sims always start with a 4-3? I’ve been looking for sim teams with 3-4 and don’t see any. Thanks again. You guys have all been so helpful…

3-4 is worth it in my opinion if you plan on being there >4 years. LB's in D3 through 1AA are definitely less expensive than DL. There are also advantages to how you can scheme players. I think it's the most multiple defense. Any defense can work but 3-4 is my strong pref.

No SIM schools start with 3-4 form IQ.

Perfect, thanks Rice. Incorporating the 3-4 into the practice plan today to start the transition

It ALL depends on the players you have/recruit and their attributes. I have won NC's with every defensive formation except the 4-4 and Dime. Others I know have won with the 4-4 so I know that can be done too.
My most fun formation was the 5-2. Ran it exclusive for some seasons in Kutztown Stagg winning multiple NC's .and really enjoyed that . Then I started experimenting with the others.
But like I said, It all depends on the attributes of the personnel you have , how you play them and practice them which includes your sub formations and the game plans.

I appreciate it, Mojolad. When I first signed up I was thinking I would run a NDB (former HS TE2 here)... and a 5-2. Love a 5-2 in Madden. Then I recruited before playing any games, and LBs were very easy for me to get, DBs weren't too bad. Decent DL dang near impossible. Ruled out 5-2 for me. I decided I would go with a 4-4 and that's what I've been practicing. Really wanted to stop the run before I found out that's not all that important in this game. Now suddenly the last few days I've been frightened of only having 3 DB's on the field, and also in recruiting enough good DL to keep up. So I'm finally at peace with my defensive formation of the future (3-4).

For offense, ironically, I-form has been my most efficient passing offense (and probably rushing too). But after combing through many other teams's PBPs, looks like a fluke. Going with a Pro offense - plus, the last 6 champions in the world I'm in have run pro. I'll be basic. I am still tempted to switch to a NDB like I originally wanted eventually and I do have an awesome potential FR TE and SO TE so maybe I should, but (also have 2 awesome potential WRs so) for now I'm looking at a Pro and 3-4.

Position wise there is NO difference in Pro and I. Long time ago one of the developers chats said Pro was minutely better in passing and I in running. But not enough to make a change if you were already using one of them.
Dunno if that even holds up anymore.
Anyhow, My all time fave off formation was ND here. I run Pro only because that is what I inherited and I haven't the patience to change it over. But NC's can def be won with ND. I have seen them won with every formation although I think Shotgun is rare now to win it all.
Anyhow, welcome to the game and Good Luck :)

In Hoops, freshmen playing time doesn’t count against you in conference tournament and national tournament games. it’s just the regular season that counts. Is this the case in gridiron? We have a tough matchup and opponent in our conference championship tonight, and we need all the ammo we can get to have a chance.

Yes, same thing.