| | Operation Sports:NCAA Football 2005: Running Wild
By Shawn Drotar, Managing Editor, OperationSports.com
NCAA® Football 2005 takes you to college gridirons across the country to experience the most exciting style of football ever played. However, whether you’re using a top 10 team, or the littlest Division I-AA school you can find, the running game is critical to your success. While the pass is thrilling and fun, the ground game controls the tempo, wears down the defense, and can be the great equalizer for the underdog team trying to knock off Goliath. In other words, if you can’t run, it’s going to be a long day—and this year, NCAA Football 2005’s more realistic running game makes moving the rock more challenging than ever before. So let’s discuss a few ideas that can help turn that grinding rushing offense into a well-oiled machine.
“Three yards and a cloud of dust.”
Legendary Ohio State coach Woody Hayes’ offense was described as “three yards and a cloud of dust” by sports writers. When asked why Hayes didn’t call for the pass more often, he responded, “Three things can happen when you throw a forward pass, and two of them are bad.” Woody was on to something. A solid rushing attack is reliable, and allows the offense to dictate the flow of the entire game. The key to using it effectively lies in your approach to it. While Barry Sanders-style runs may make the highlight reel, a more conservative approach tends to win more games. Don’t try to break every run for a touchdown, when three tough yards up the gut will do the job. Keep pounding the ball at the defense, and, eventually, something will give. As long as you’re moving forward, you’re on the right track.
The art (and chaos) of the running game.
The speed burst is a double-edged sword.
It’s tempting to hit the speed burst button as soon as the ball is handed off, but do your best to avoid that enticement. NCAA Football 2005 has dramatically improved the momentum of its running backs, so the extra speed is often not worth the loss of maneuverability. Unless you’re in the open field, lay off the speed burst, and prepare to use the controller’s other buttons to make moves and shake the defense. The jukes, spins, stiff arms, and shoulder charges are often more effective at a slower speed, so use them to get into the open, and then use that A button as it was meant to be used—in quick bursts. 
Preparing to joust.
Hit the hole.
When running inside, your offensive line and any other blockers have specific assignments on the play, and they’ll be able to open a hole for you most of the time—but it won’t be there for long. Don’t get fancy: Just get through the gap as soon as possible. Don’t hit the speed burst until you’ve hit the hole, or you probably won’t make it there at all. Once there, simply take what’s available. On rare occasions, you may be able to break off on a run for a long gain, but most of the time, your back will get swallowed up by the defense within a second or two. That’s OK. Just point yourself forward, and take what you can get. Remember, if you run for only four yards every play, you’ll never even see a fourth down!
Use your fullback.
You may have noticed that big lug alongside your halfback. He’s the slow, friendly guy who keeps opening those nice, big holes for you. Well, he’d be the first to remind you that he can carry the ball, too. When used sparingly, running with the fullback can be a great way to keep the defense guessing. Sure, the fullback is used primarily in short yardage and goal-line situations where running hard up the middle is normally prescribed, but a few judicious handoffs earlier in the game can be very effective. Many defenses never suspect a fullback pitch or draw, but if you do it enough, it becomes yet another thing the defense has to prepare for; in other words, advantage, you. 
Last second coordination.
Don’t freelance.
Running is less art than science. Follow your blockers and hit the holes. If the play is to the right, go right—don’t try to get crafty and go left, because a linebacker’s going to be standing there ready to knock your block off. The smartest and most effective rushing attacks focus on quick hits—up the middle, pitches, and the occasional sweep. The longer it takes a running play to develop, the better a chance the defense has to sniff it out and stop it. The Practice Mode is a great place to hone your skills and get used to seeing the blocking schemes, which will enable you to find those holes quicker. Stick with the program, and you’ll experience success in no time—even with teams that aren’t among the game’s elite.
A solid running game is the foundation that all great offenses are built upon, and it’s just as critical to your success in NCAA Football 2005. It may not be glamorous or exciting, but winning is—and that’s what it’s all about. Just ask Woody.
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