College Football 25: The As For Football Guide to Playing Army
EA Sports has finally released the highly anticipated NCAA College Football 25, marking the series' long-awaited return. The game brings back the excitement of college football with improvements that make it stand out, especially for fans of running the ball. As Army fans, we know that ground-and-pound football is where it's at, and NCAA College Football 25 delivers on this front, especially with the complexities of running the triple-option offense.
However, playing in the Army requires more than just knowing how to run the ball; it involves mastering the nuances of the triple-option and understanding the tactical aspects that make Army Football unique. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you excel as Army in NCAA College Football 25.
Overview
With the inclusion of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, NCAA College Football 25 features realistic rosters that closely mirror real-life players. The game has seen significant graphical upgrades, with 4K resolution on next-gen consoles and detailed stadiums, bringing the college football experience to life. The commentary is diverse, with different voices like Jesse Palmer and Reese Davis, adding to the immersion and making each game feel significant.
But enough about the presentation—let's dive into how to succeed with the Army's unique football style.
Run The Damn Ball
If you love running the football, this game is made for you. Army's offense revolves around the run game, particularly the triple-option, which is about keeping the defense off-balance. Success with this offense requires more than just spamming a few plays—you need to understand the full playbook and adapt based on the defense's alignment.
Tip: Don't get stuck running the same plays repeatedly. The key to the triple-option is unpredictability, so make sure to mix up your play-calling.
Designed Runs
Before diving into the complexities of the triple-option, start with some designed runs. Army's playbook is filled with these, and they serve as the foundation of the offense. Designed runs simplify the reads you need to make and help you gain confidence in the run game.
Key plays to focus on include:
Fullback Dive: The bread and butter of Army's offense.
Quarterback Zone Runs: Great for keeping the defense honest.
Quarterback Follow and Counters: These plays add variety and help attack different areas of the field.
Rocket Sweep and Reverse: Excellent for stretching the defense horizontally.
Understanding when to use these plays and how to read defensive mismatches is crucial. Pay attention to the overlays on your controller to see if you have a mismatch on the line, as this can greatly impact the success of your run plays.
Speed and Power Options
The double-option, often run outside the tackle box, is a staple of Army's offense. The first read is the defensive end (DE). If the DE attacks the quarterback, pitch the ball to the slot back. If the DE or a defensive back attacks the pitchman, the quarterback should keep the ball and run.
Tip: Don't pitch the ball every time. Keep the defense guessing by mixing in quarterback keepers to reduce the risk of turnovers and maintain offensive balance.
Triple Options
The triple-option is the heart of the Army's offense, and mastering it is essential for success. The play begins with a read on the defensive tackle (DT). If the DT is over the guard or in the gap, pull the ball and keep it with the quarterback. If there's a gap between the guard and tackle, run the Fullback Dive.
For both the Midline Option and Veer, your key shifts depending on the dive's direction. Reading the DE's actions after the snap is crucial. If the DE crashes the quarterback, pitch to the slot back. If the DE stays with the pitchman, the quarterback should keep the ball and run.
Tip: Make sure to pitch the ball before engaging with a defender to avoid turnovers, especially later in the game when your players are fatigued. Also, prioritize recruiting fast slotbacks to maximize your pitch game's effectiveness.
There are usually CFB 25 Coins available in the game, which can be used to unlock various features or boost your team's performance. These coins may be earned through gameplay or purchased to help you build the ultimate Army Football experience.
Conclusion
Mastering the Army's offense in NCAA College Football 25 requires patience and practice. Understanding the intricacies of the triple-option and using designed runs to keep the defense off-balance will help you dominate the field. Remember, the Army's offense is about more than just running the ball—it's about controlling the game and wearing down the defense. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to leading the Black Knights to victory.
———— Aug-19-2024 PST ————