First and foremost, establishing a solid ground game is more effective than ever before. Last year, I recommended running the ball; it often came with frustration, particularly for smaller programs going up CUT 26 Coins against the sport's powerhouses. My own experience, managing just 46 rushing yards with UTSA in a College Football Playoff matchup against Georgia, made it clear that breaking through elite defensive lines was a daunting task. This year, however, EA Sports has fine-tuned the offensive line mechanics, making the run game much more satisfying.

The biggest improvement comes in the way offensive linemen handle their blocking assignments. Linemen now do a much better job of disengaging from double-teams to open up running lanes and climb to the second level to neutralize linebackers and safeties. It's a joy to watch your blockers peel off a defender and deliver a crushing block on a charging safety. Although you'll occasionally still need to adjust your running angle to assist your linemen, the overall experience is far more consistent than in the past.

Inside zone runs and dive plays have particularly benefited. Last year, there were too many frustrating moments when offensive linemen would inexplicably ignore oncoming defenders. That issue has largely been corrected. If you find yourself struggling to move the ball offensively, I strongly recommend focusing on the inside zone from a shotgun formation and securing a reliable running back. You'll notice a significant improvement in both offline and online matchups compared to the prior edition.

With the improved running game comes the need to master a ball-carrier move that can turn a good run into a great one. Enter the stiff-arm. While the spin move dominated last year's meta, especially with backs like Ohio State's Quinshon Judkins, the stiff-arm takes center stage this year. It's currently so powerful that I expect it may be toned down in future patches, as even smaller backs can pull it off with ease.

To use it, simply press the A button on Xbox or X on PlayStation when a defender closes in. The timing of your input determines whether you'll send the tackler to the ground, break free of the contact, or simply gain extra yardage. The stiff-arm works so reliably that I've developed a habit of using it proactively, even before contact, to ward off would-be tacklers bursting through CFB 26 Coins the line. While you won't succeed every time, the odds are heavily in your favor.