Try This To Improve Your Run Game in College Football 25
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2025
- If you're struggling with your run game or offensive line play in EA Sports College Football 25, there is something you can do in game to make it better. I cover what is, and show in game at the highest difficulty how manually identifying the Mike helps your offensive line play better in game. Identifying the Mike is a real life football term that allows you to set the blocking for your offensive line. Since doing this in College Football 25, my run game has become drastically better overall.
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I ended up learning how to use the whole pass protection menu because of this video. I went into practice on all American in practice and ran HB dive every different way I could with that menu- it was like discovering fire
Nice!! It does feel like a night and day difference huh?
what other takeaways you got for me? Slide and half-slide...
I am excited to try this out.
@@CrackaSlapYaAlmost always go half slide when in empty. It’ll help out a ton against blitzes
Since 2018
I felt like I was in a room with teammates watching game film and planning our blocking for the upcoming game... Great work my guy!
Drawing the assignments when you were explaining it was really nice
I love doing this kind of stuff. When I’ve streamed NCAA14 in the past I would stop and do play breakdowns. I also do IRL play breakdowns on this channel as well
I know. It reminded me of Madden. He just missed saying BOOM lol
One tip I picked up is that you don't always want to hold RT to sprint right away when you take the hand off. Some plays like power o require a short time for blocks to setup. Be patient for a moment, find the hole, then slam RT to sprint through the hole.
Yes, hitting RT or R1 too early will lead to the o line leaving too early to climb to the next level. Good tip.
Yup. Only use RT turbo when your at the second level
Even without turbo my pullers are always SUPER slow to get moving. Probably a ratings thing but it’s why I’ve mostly stayed away from power runs which stints because I like them in theory. Just hate running into the ass of my linemen.
@@Mrjbdet20 if that’s the case you need to run plays for your team scheme since you’ve noticed that. But pressing RT in the backfield is a no no.
Also when you hold sprint the d front 7 can shed blocks easier
Dont forget to use empty protection in empty sets and half slide your pass protection. Really helps atainst overload blitzes
What’s an empty set cause I’m so lost bro I’m still looking for Madden names
Empty is any formation that doesn’t have a back in the backfield.
@@BiggienSportsNetwork I'm aware I'm telling you look at your protection screen you have an empty protection you can set. That's what I was referring to.
Half slide with the right thumb stick where as empty is the left.
@@BiggienSportsNetwork bet
@@andrewstar21 I was replying to cartrellbouknight410 lol. It's a good hint.
Been a decade since I've played a football video game.... this once tidbit has made the offense run smoother. Good video
Of all the videos I’ve watched about improving offense this is by far the BEST I’ve seen. You took the time to EXPLAIN it and demonstrate it using numerous examples. Every other video it’s been like listening to a tobacco auctioner as they blow through it so quickly you 1) Don’t get it 2) Don’t understand it and likely 3) All of the above. So I reward you with a subscriber and hope you’ll continue to deliver content like this
Thanks! I have some other videos with this game if you want to check them out. Here is the playlist: th-cam.com/play/PLlZpMV_aUem2mfdxCVatkBwVntthUQqaA.html
@@BiggienSportsNetwork Thanks. I will DEFINITELY check those out
I had to subscribe after watching this as well. Most helpful content I have seen
The first game in a long time where I can see OC at high school level (and beyond probably) able to go in the game and teach gamers how to be more effective.
Great stuff
This completely changed the game for me. I have a dynasty with michigan st, year 1, on heisman. Averaging just under 4.5 ypc. 4 games after watching your video, 170 180 180 290 yards, averaging 7-8 ypc. Just finished my quarterfinal game against ole miss, 27-328 3td's. Duo 26 or power from I formation, switch run to weak side and id strong backer, almost guaranteed to break one off.
Glad to hear it!!
What I’ve noticed is the running game is truly effective on this game. You can basically build a power run team and pretty much dominate. A few running backs and a decent line and you’re golden.
I’ve only being ID’ing the Mike on pass plays smh. Appreciate you for this. Had to subscribe.
I think this might be placebo effect. Because if you hold L2 and push the right stick to the right it shows you the blocking and targeting on run plays. If you re declare the Mike this doesn’t change anything on that. And when you run the play they still target the same people on the diagram rather than the newly declared Mike.
If you audible to a different run you can get more favourable blocking targets so it’s worth looking at the blocking targets diagram pre play.
Does this work in madden25 ( after the snap, hold L2 and move the right stick in the direction your offensive line is blocking)
This video shows that’s a lie whoever he identified as the Mike on the run got blocked he made a great video ima about to use it I’m run heavy and this about to make me a problem in my online dynasty
@@Andy-69-69no, op’s comment is correct. Basic football knowledge lets you know that the guy in this vid was using the mechanic but it wasn’t doing anything because that’s already where the blockers were to go.
Definitely subscribing and liking the vid. If you got time you should do a breakdown showing the differences of not ID'ng the Mike and selecting different Mikes, so we can have a better understanding of what the o-line is going to do with each mike thats assigned. So we can pick the best mike in any scenario. Also pass protection would be pretty cool to see as well
Agreed
I need better pass blocking. Running the ball is pretty easy. Not getting clobbered right after faking the hand-off in the PA is the hard part
Mine thing I learned on heisman is that the defense will always get instasheds I have a 90-95 all pass protection archetypes and I still get pressured WAY more than the cpu it's just the difficulty spike it's not like you can double team every d line man every time with pass blocking schemes, so what I do is I always end up having a dump off route just in case
If I see a pass play has a fake handoff I immediately just put the rb in pass block that way I save the wasted time and get an extra blocker
How. I can't run at all since the update in August.
@@jonahmcclaine1635the play doesn’t work as well without the play action
Get linemen with Pa shield gold or better
I absolutely love how my interior lineman block for 1 second and release just when my back hits the hole with 10 yards of clear field ahead and then gets wrapped up by the d lineman from behind. 🤷🏽
Can’t hold sprint button until you’ve cleared the hole, hitting it while still in the backfield leads to instasheds
Don't hold R2 behind the line and they won't shed
Gold, looking forward to adding this to my my heavy spread run attack. Really enjoying all the presnap checks and adjustments available in this game, and you can immediately see when it makes a difference because you made the right check. Calling a good hit route to beat the AI is fun, but checking into a screen or the right run fit and ripping off a gimme 10 yards into a questionable alignment is as satisfying as it gets.
Edit: this is such a big deal, like 1/3 the time the Mike is set just wrong by the CPU, often crazy wrong. You get so much more consistently sound blocking if you make sure it’s correct.
I went into practice to try this. You can also see the blocking scheme by holding LT/L1 and pressing right on the RS. Changing the Mike didn't seem to make any difference on run plays. Everyone was going to the same play no matter who was ID'd as the Mike. It makes a big difference in the passing game, but I think it's just placebo in the run game.
Yeah it's crazy to have a video about run blocking schemes in this game without showing the built-in blocking scheme overlay that identifies exactly who each player is going to block.
I'd been hearing "ID the Mike" as a meme for a while now but nobody would explain what it actually did. This video was so thorough! I just peeked at your channel to see what other gems you got, and man, insta sub. Looking forward to seeing more of your content man!
My issue is getting sacked and throwing picks (on offense), but I can't wait to get in there and try this out tonight! Awesome video.
It would have been nice if you showed what happens when the game chooses the mike for you.
Great video!
Brother... this is amazing. We have all been complaining in our dynasty that it's damn near impossible to get ANY effective runs, and I think it's because of this the entire time. Playing on Heisman with sliders turned up I think this is important. I will come back to you later and update this comment.
Probably the most useful video I've watched. Coming from 14/Revamped IDing the Mike wasn't a thing, so to speak. If you listened the game would shout "51's the Mike. Mike 51", or whatever number the LB had and you just ran. Thank!
It doesn't matter what I do, I can ID the Mike I can slide my line, It does not matter. When I play on Heisman I don't care who I play, It can be Florida against Wyoming. And as soon as I snap the ball my running back is getting hit, I have less than 1 second to pass the ball before I'm sacked. It's absolutely insane I can't do shit. And shit don't dare try to play someone like Georgia or Alabama or even Auburn or Tennessee on Heisman with Florida. You won't have a half a second to throw the ball and you're running back won't have anywhere to run. But to tell you the truth it really don't matter who I play, I can't do shit on Heisman.
Thank you, this will be super helpful. All I've known to do before is use a hat count and flip the side the run is going to. Being able to ID the MIKE on the play side will make run game way more fun...except when OSU's Tyleik Williams is just ragdolling my guards into the RB's path on every snap. Pro tip: When playing Ohio State, use a more agile RB who will automatically jump over the RG who's been tossed at his feet.
ID the Mike is only for the pass to identify the 5th rusher not the run. Try this. Hold L1 and hold Left on the Right Stick. You’ll see the actual blocking assignments. Now ID the Mike of your choice. Lastly, Hold L1 and Left on the Right Stick. Did the blocking assignments change? I’m pretty sure they didn’t because I labbed this day 1. ID the Mike is a pass protection thing just like in the NFL and college. I’d the Mike is never used in run game.
Except draw is literally pass blocking principles so it does matter…
I use ID the Mike on run plays all the time and it works
It definitely does snd pass protection does changed based on who you chose as the Mike
Just bc you see the blocking assignments doesn’t mean it works the way the play art says. You clearly haven’t labbed it if you think that. Don’t predict if it works or not
Id the mike helps the line shift and will set the blocking assignments and potentially block the linebacker.
My man, this was huge for me. Thank you so much for the great explanation, my results have been excellent
I really really appreciate everything that you did here, but without you showing the difference between the cpu identifying the mike and you changing it, I can’t tell what’s the difference is in the blocking scheme.
I run this in practice mode and change the mike and it changes nothing in the blocking scheme.
It also doesn’t change the blocking play art preplay.
ID the mike in the game is for pass protection, EA has said this when the feature launched.
That said if you only use it on pass plays against a human opponent it would be a tell so best to use it more often
This is funny to me because in real life, not ID’ing the mike correctly is more harmful in the run than the pass.
Been doing this for a few years. I believe it’s been in before 24. It is effective . People never believed me lol. Community gonna get more toxic as game gets harder 😂
Out here doing gods work
This felt like a film session back in highschool. Hudl sessions every day in playoffs.
Wow this is next level adjustments. Thank you so much for showing us this.
Thanks for also explaining the exceptions for counter
I knew about pass protection so I just want to say I swear people want the game to play for them.
Most people don't even know anything about this menu which is the most important part of the game, it's wild, I use max protect and ID the Mike often on Heisman and it's game changer.
on the left hash for those who like to slide slide to the right and on the right hash slide left practice this on a flood concept and you will see how to roll out stepup in pocket throw on the run roll out and stop then throw it opens up a new way to put some drags at 5 yards or even 10
Great video, I had to subscribe just because of how clear you explained lots of the concepts. Do you have videos showing how each run concept works and how can different fronts you deal with can impact what run concept works better depending on the DLine front from the defense?
Thanks.
W mans this video is like opening up a whole new world never will I run any play ever again without setting my line
Feels like the film room all over again
This is great Biggien, thanks man. I shared to a large discord group I hope it gets you some views!
Thanks man!! I’m glad you enjoyed it! I am trying to incorporate this with also the IRL breakdowns I do.
This is great! I will definitely be trying this when I get on the game and mess around with it. I didn't know this was a feature.
Yeah until Tyler told me I was super frustrated. Not every play will be perfect cause of who you are against but for me it’s been a night and day difference on Heisman difficulty
You will break some good runs and if you’re better on the sticks than me, you’ll probably get longer runs.
This is a great explanation of how this works. I feel the creators tried to make this game too technical, when they should have eased everyone into it. A lot of people who play this don't have general football knowledge, so they wouldn't know any better about how to set up plays, ect.
This isn't meant to be a negative comment, but I noticed every play was in shotgun. Same with all of the demo plays shown before the game was released, and a lot of people I see posting videos. I run the flexbone / wishbone. So primarily a run-based offense that's under center. Even with highlighting the Mike, it still doesn't make a difference when you're snapping under center. A lot of the plays still get blown up at the o-line. I even stepped down from Heisman, to all American, now at varsity, and the same issues still persist.
So coach I’ve learned that HB draw allows you to do something no other run formations can. That’s use pass protection in run situations. You can half slide/ full slide etc which I think can be useful if it’s broken down properly If you get time can you please breakdown the draw.
This has literally been a game changer for me. Thank you
It would be interesting to see the before and after switching the mike in action and how it improves the run blocking
Game changer. Thank you for the knowledge brother
NEVER KNEW ABPUT ID THE MIKE. Life saver ‼️
Good ole Jville. The city you always know when your passing through, cause everyone in the car says, WHATS THAT SMELL???!!???
BROTHER’S!!!
Thank u 🙏🏿 the key to this game is pre snap adjustment just figured that out on defense now this
My favorite run formation, outta singleback, is TE bunch. There's a ton of good motions and audibles that'll allow you to use it all the way down the field. But it has no slide adjustments 😢
Ive been trying to get familiar with TE bunch outta the gun, which obviously is way better for passing, but i haven't really figured out the running yet.
This helped out a ton. Can we get a vid of ID the Mike for under the center formations, for run plays?
AMAZING video! I never knew any of this...and I thought I knew all the tricks of the run game.
Thanks bro. I'm gonna try this when I get in front of the tv. I'm sure u can use the same concept in Madden 25.
Just ran across this, and cannot wait to try it out tonight. I’m guessing this works great when running no huddle as well
Good video. I started doing this in Madden 23 and I've consistently been a top rusher in franchises I participate with. Either identifying the MIKE or double teaming the edge on the side I'm running to. I would simply your video a bit with a comment you made about halfway through.... IDENTIFYING THE MIKE tells your blocking scheme.... no matter what, make sure you block this guy. This is especially helpful against the most dangerous Blitzer (passing downs) or a LB or DB you want to make sure is blocked during run downs.
I'm surprised a lot of people didn't know most of this. Very helpful for those who don't. My run game is unstoppable. You wanna make people online scream and hate you? Wanna have them rage quit in the first half? Learn how to run the ball effectively and mix motions from the same sets.
I would also recommend that you identify star players on the DLINE and assign double teams. Most DL that play a 1 Tech should be double team on short yardage situations.
When scouting in Dysnasty. You will WANT to make sure the OLINE you scout fit your scheme. If you play as a zone scheme, you don't really want a lot of power tendencies OLINE. I run UNLV Duo Scheme and scout all Power OLINE.
Smart man 💪🏽
Really hope you put more run game tips out in the future. Idk if you do any requests but I'd like to see an RPO, specifically Wake's slow mesh/walk RPO, in your format. Pass Pro too.
Do you have a Patreon or something?
Sorry for delayed reponse. No Patreon right now. Just the memberships here on TH-cam. I enjoy breaking down film and sharing my insights from my time coaching.
@@BiggienSportsNetwork I’m new to your channel but have watched all your CFB 25 videos. This one, multiple times. In an overinflated genre, yours reminds me the most of those Sunday coaches meetings in the fall. Keep up the great work, brother!
@@cgforuf I used to coach, so part of my stuff that I'm doing is trying to explain using IRL football concepts with this game. Obviously it doesn't completely work. I also started doing IRL football breakdowns as well. With the new season coming up I will be talking about plays and such.
Now this is football!! This made my inner football nerd very happy
You deserve way more views
Mike is a VERY old term for the middle linebacker in a 43. Since no one uses the 43 anymore with the advent of spread offenses, and EA using decades old code (built from the ground up, yet using tacled from ncaa14) the cpu throws the middle linebacker all over the place. Its nice that included this system so that you can overide the old code, but they've had over a decade to just rewrite it. We shouldn't even be having to adjust it.
The run game is unbelievable in this game, in a good way! It's so much fun
Thank you! 🙏🏾
Can You Do A Defensive Audible Breakdown
I can try looking at it. What are you looking for specifically?
I was running fine till one of the updates. Now I can't more than a yard or two. Even when my o line is better. I tried this but it doesnt seem to do anything. The Mike usually is the guy i want.
Great easy to understand breakdown 💯💯💯
This video brought back memories to HS film. Great video💪
Have you encountered running inside zone and your non-playside guard pulls like your running trap? it happens to me a lot and he trips over the center's heels.
also the gun formation where you have the tight end lined up as a wing over the right guard is really powerful when running power. They seal the edge off really well for you to get a solid 8-15 yards each time.
Doesn’t matter what I do or who I play, I throw at least 5 picks and 3 are pick 6. It can be a middle linebacker who I control the pass and toss overhead but they stand on the ground and pick me. Definitely a weird bug
Really great breakdown. Thanks for the tips and now to get back in the lab.
Damn this was helpful, and I’ve been playin this and madden since Day 1.. You definitely taught me something.
I hope it helps you out like it has me!
Question: How do you decide on WHO you want the Mike to be? You didn't really address that.
Like, how do I know who to choose, what does identifying the Mike really mean?
If you are running you wanna look for the backside mike (LB,SS,FS) that’s in the box especially on counters in shotgun so if you are going left on the run you want the backer or safety on the backside as your mike. This means that your center or guard will pick them up on the second level and they won’t get through the gaps to stop you at the line of scrimmage. HB zones you want to id the mike that is going to be head on with your run play this alllows the lineman to pick up the second level. Play with this in practice mode do different formations and ID the mike differently and then run the play with out mike ID to see the difference. I recommend Heisman difficulty for a more realistic feel. Hope this helps
@@dstmart4816 thank you that is very helpful!
Appreciate you for these gems 💯
Great video! Perfect explanation with visuals! Locked in 🔐
I was wondering if it was just me having problems with blocking assignments. I had no idea this was even a thing.
I love this video when it came out and I love it now. My question to you is that this information still hold through has anything has changed since the last two updates. Do you have a updated video coming out or is this video good enough?
I haven't really noticed any difference as of late. But I will definitely be looking into it.
Could you do a video on how to use the pass protection menu effectively and properly?
Outstanding, ty... soon as I get the change, I'll be signing up for ur network...
Great clean video, great explanation. No need for weird and funky faces or annoying sounds. Subscribed.
I be popping off mutliple 200 yards games a season in dynasty aint never had to iD no Mike 😂
Who do you ID on stretch and sweep plays?
I will typically id the first 2nd level defender nearest to center play side. So if it's a 4-2 look it will be the play side backer. 3-3 just ID the middle backer for that look. That's how I usually do that.
Psh how do I get them to pass block. Every 72 overall D lineman sheds his block in 1-2 seconds.
Bro thank you, I couldn’t run the ball for shii above varsity difficulty
Brooo 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 btw love the back lights. Subscribed 🎉
Appreciate it!!
I was always doing doubleteam the d tackle if hes in the a gap and id the mike thats behind him. Gets a double a shed from the guard and hits the linebacker
Love it
Brilliant! Thank you!
Great video definitely a fan subbing now
Bro the detail 🫡💯
Very helpful video 🤙🏽
This is great information. I appreciate you!
Glad it was helpful!
This was very enlightening.
Dude, that's pretty awesome! Thank you.
Thanks, glad you liked it
Excellent video. Thanks for posting. Which playbooks and formations do you utilize most?
I’ve used mostly Oregon’s and Jacksonville state’s playbooks so far. Though I will probably build my own here soon.
As for formations, lot of double Y off formation. I’ll run trips and trey formations out of gun. Also use spread formations. I like to have a lot of similar plays just out of different formation looks .
Dude I hated when they didn't block well when I really thought I called a great play only to have Oline look lost
Thanks for the great info! Honestly ive been doing okay with running but this looks to enhance it. On average how often do you change the Mike ID? Is it every run? Also i know you said you havent touched it much during passes, but in my experience that is when the blocking is the worst. Ive had countless times where ive had 6 or 7 blockers going against 4 down lineman and no blitz, and it doesnt seem like the no assignment blockers care to help, leaving 4 guys with one on ones, and more often than not at least one of those 4 is getting whipped by a swim move. Is there a way to get those other guys to engage without manually double teaming the entire defensive line?
I always check to see the id’ed Mike on run plays, and will change it maybe 30 to 35 % of the time.
As for passing I’d look at half slides to help with the blitzes. Full slides and your tackle to the away from full slide will leave DE unblocked. One thing that helps is having an idea where you want to go with the ball pre snap read wise. For example I may be running a deep crosser play with a shallow crosser underneath it by slot. If I get blitz look I will think hit shallow crossing route immediately. Also slants are good to throw quickly if getting blitz looks. How often are you getting blitzed?
@@BiggienSportsNetwork i havent been getting blitzed very often maybe 25% of the time, and it just feels like when the opps rush 4 I end up with a lineman and even the back if I have him stay to block they just stand there they don't ever engage as help. My tackles seem to get ripped by swim moves at a consistent rate
@@Moneymaker420-z3t So don't drop too deep if the tackles are getting beat, you're going to have to step up in the pocket.
Also, if an end is giving you fits, you can identify to double team them and slow them down.
Do you ever full slide or half slide at all when you ID the Mike? In certain scenarios? Or just only ID the Mike?
I'll generally do more half slide in pass pro afte ID'ing the Mike. I'll usually half slide away from the side the back is on.
Only time I really do full slide is if it's a designed rollout, and I'll full slide to the side I am rolling to.
This is really well done.
When I do the Mike my linemen are still double teaming at the line allowing LB to cover or shoot through every lane my line opens. How do I make my line not double team unnecessary players? I’ve changed the mike and nothing really changed.
You can also determine who you want double teamed. Including in pass protection
@@BiggienSportsNetwork that’s the problem. My line doesn’t get to the secondary because they’re double teaming. I’m trying to run the ball, but every lane is covered because no one blocks any linebackers, allowing them free reign to shoot through my lanes. Pass blocking isn’t an issue it’s running the ball and barely getting two yards.
@@BagelBite_Bandit Try to not hit the spring button as well while doing this. Holding sprint immediately leads to line leaving the block for second level too early. See what that does for you.
This is really helpful.
My run game is literally the only thing that I am good in this game at
W vid subbed
wow! This game is gonna take some time.