NCAA College Football 25: The As For Football Guide to Playing Army
With the release of NCAA College Football 25, EA Sports has delivered a game that brings college football back to life with stunning graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, and more dynamic football strategies. If you're a fan of Army football or just want to run the ball like a true service academy team, this game offers you an incredible opportunity to do so.
However, playing in the Army is no walk in the park. The offense, particularly the Triple Option, may seem simple on the surface, but it's a much more complicated system that requires a deep understanding of reads, play-calling, and the strategic use of the entire playbook.
Overview
The game's graphics are gorgeous, with 4K upgrades for next-gen consoles, bringing the stadiums, players, and atmosphere to life. The players are incredibly well-designed, and the commentary is diverse, offering a unique feel for each game based on the broadcast team.
However, beyond the aesthetics, the core gameplay is what truly matters. Army's playbook in NCAA College Football 25 captures the essence of the team's real-life strategy, where running the ball is the primary goal. If you're planning to play in the Army, here are some tips that will help you dominate the field.
Run the Damn Ball
As any Army fan knows, the motto is simple: Run the damn ball. This is a running game, and you'll want to embrace that wholeheartedly. Army's offense in real life is centered around powerful running schemes, and in NCAA College Football 25, this translates directly to your gameplay.
First Tip: Don't Rely on a Few Plays
When playing in a service academy like the Army, it's easy to fall into the trap of running the same few plays over and over again. While it might work at first, it won't be long before the defense catches on. To succeed, you need to keep the defense guessing by using the full playbook and constantly varying your attack.
The triple-option offense, which the Army is known for, is all about misdirection and deception. If you rely too heavily on a few plays, you'll lose that element of surprise. Be prepared to call a variety of runs and utilize the full range of plays available in the Army's playbook.
Designed Runs: Your Starting Point
For newcomers to Army football or the triple-option offense, it's a good idea to start with designed runs. These plays simplify the reads for you and are foundational to the Army's strategy. The Fullback Dive is the bread and butter of the offense, and you'll want to start here. Once you get comfortable with the basics, you can begin expanding to more complex runs.
Key plays to incorporate into your offense include:
Fullback Dive: A staple play in the Army offense. It's a quick and effective way to gain solid yardage.
Quarterback Zone Runs & Quarterback Follow: These plays give the quarterback more control and allow you to adjust based on the defense's movements.
Fullback & Quarterback Counters: These plays can create confusion for the defense, as they shift direction suddenly and exploit any gaps in the defense.
Rocket Sweep: A quick play designed to exploit the outside edge of the defense.
Reverse: A play that looks to confuse the defense by flipping the action to the other side of the field.
Mastering the Option: Make Your Reads
While designed runs are a great starting point, mastering the triple-option requires reading the defense and making split-second decisions based on how the defense reacts. Here's a breakdown of how to manage your reads:
Fullback Dive: If the defense crashes down on the quarterback, hand the ball off to the fullback.
Quarterback Option: If the defensive end takes the quarterback, pitch the ball to the running back on the outside.
Pitch Option: If the defense focuses on the fullback, keep the ball with the quarterback and look to pitch to the running back as you approach the edge.
The key to success in the option game is decisiveness. You need to make your reads quickly and execute the right play in the right situation.
Mismatches at the Line of Scrimmage
A new feature in NCAA College Football 25 is the ability to see mismatches at the line of scrimmage. This is crucial when running the ball, as mismatches at key positions like offensive tackle versus defensive tackle can impact your ability to run effectively.
To take advantage of these mismatches:
Look for favorable matchups along the offensive line. If your offensive linemen are overpowering the defenders in front of them, you'll be able to run the ball with ease.
Adjust your play calls based on the mismatch. For example, if you have a mismatch on the edge, try running plays that focus on the outside, like the Rocket Sweep or Quarterback Follow.
Learning how to spot these mismatches and adapting your plays accordingly can be the difference between a successful drive and a stalled one.
Stay Balanced
While the Army is known for its rushing attack, don't be afraid to mix in the occasional downfield passing play. Army may not be known for its passing game, but it's still important to keep the defense honest. A well-timed play-action pass can open up opportunities for big plays, especially when the defense is expecting a run-heavy attack.
Conclusion
Playing as Army in NCAA College Football 25 is a challenge, but with the right approach, you can dominate the field. Embrace the running game, use a variety of designed runs, and master the triple-option by making quick reads. Don't forget to pay attention to mismatches at the line of scrimmage and adjust your strategy accordingly. By staying balanced and keeping the defense guessing, you'll have a successful run with the Army and bring home victories on the field.
For an edge in the game, don't forget to manage your resources wisely and use CFB 25 coins. They can help you upgrade your team, improve your gameplay experience, and enhance your overall strategy. Enjoy the journey to football glory!
———— Jan-08-2025 PST ————