For background, I am 3-1 in Season 2 with UTEP (Heisman), having just finished 12-2 in Season 1. My losses in Season 1 were to Nebraska and Liberty (#18 at the time), but I beat Tennessee at their stadium 20-19. In Season 2, I lost to Texas 28-21. But I have beaten #12 Rutgers at their Stadium.
I would consider myself a competent player, but at the same time, I know my strengths and limitations, and maximize that skillset. The purpose of this post is to share some things I do, that might help others be 10% better, and have a better experience against the CPU.
Why UTEP
UTEP are historically a poor team, and I believe start as a 74 OVL. Their QB’s are 75 & 74 OVL, with the star being a 77 OVL SR Guard. On defense, they have a stud RE SR Westmoreland who I think started at 84/85, and ended as a 91. 4+ wins would be expected based on OVL. I chose them as I wanted to try a Veer & Shoot team, and they had some plays and formations I know, and some I wanted to learn. On defense, I wanted to try the 335 Mint formation, most famously used by Kirby Smart. It emphasises speed, and if anyone wants to understand it more, this is a great read:
Offensive Strategy
The Veer & Shoot Wide Bunch emphasies simple reads and makes a defense choose. It is largely RPO based, and on most downs so simply count the defenders in the box, and run the ball if you have a 5 OL v 4 Def advantage. If you have a strong OL, you can even run on 5 v 5. If you have a 5 v 6, you pass the ball to the WR, and at worst you have a 1 v 1 match up. If CBs are pressed, we might go deep, but the RB must stay in to Block.
I personally have pretty average stick skills, so I rarely make a defender miss, but if I pick the right option, its generally 5+ yards either way, with a few 10-15 yd runs, or 15 yard catches sprinkled in.
I run this Set 80% of the time, as it suits our strengths, and means we don’t get sacked. Outside of this, I might run Verticals out of Empty Bunch Flex if the Defense is trying to play deep. Happy to take 8-10 yards at a time to get into scoring range late in halves.
The other critical thing to do as an underdog, is manage the clock. If you can Chew Clock in the last three minutes, do it. Leave them no time to hurt you if you score (or don’t score)
Defensive Strategy
The 335 Mint out of the 335 Tite playbook is incredible once you optimise your lineups. In an average game I only use 4-5 different plays, and even then, I’m using 2 plays 90% of the time. Why? Because I understand what they do, and I understand what each player is responsible for. With repetition you can become an expert, rather than aimlessly bouncing between different sets and formations you may not have the correct personnel for. By simplifying my defense, I’ve improved from allowing 35 points a game, to maybe 20.
I use 335 Mint Cover 3 Sky about 70% of the time, Always on 1st and 2nd down. Sometimes on 3rd down depending on how desperately I need a stop (vs how desperately they need points).
I use Nickel Dbl Mug Mid Blitz 0 20% of the time. Pretty much if CPU is within the 10, or 3rd and short, I always use it. If 3rd and long, I might if I really need a stop, and a blown coverage won’t lose me the game.
Other than that, I might use a couple other 335 Mint plays, and maybe a really heavy set if I’m getting constantly ran on.
Optimise Your Offense
While this relates to my UTEP save, this applies to every save. The single most important thing that you need to align is “What can my players do and what am I asking them to do”. If these things are out if synch, you are losing before you even begin.
Forget about OVL for the skill positions, and pick players who can do the things you need. A 77 OVL TE Vertical Threat isn’t what you need if all your TE does is Block. Pick the 70 OVL blocking TE instead.
In application for UTEP as a Veer and Shoot team, this means my QB must have great SAC above all else. Ideally I want some THP so the ball gets there faster, and some Deeper Accuracy if possible. As it turned out both QB’s had 87 THP, and 80+ SAC. 90% of my throws are 10 yards or less anyway and he’s not asked to use his legs, other than QB sneak, which I will use when within the 1 yd line, and on 3rd/4th and Inches.
At HB, anyone works for me. All my HB’s were 88ish SPD/ACC. And as long as you don’t sprint too early, you read the box, and take 4-5 yards everytime. I probably lean towards Power Back as you can simply truck into the contact and take an extra yard. My receiving back was slow, but all he needs to do is not drop the ball on screens.
At WR, Catching is king,If we make the right read, we get positive yards. One thing I lacked in Year 1 was size, and I recruited a couple Physical WR’s to play Slot. In the RPO Zone Read, the Slot WR blocks the CB, so adding guys with even 50+ IBK and RBK has created extra yards for me. I actually have a fast WR as well, so some of the 5-6 yard gains, have turned into 20+ yard gains because of the blocking.
TE and FB are really just there to block in this system. We don’t use a FB in the VnS plays, but there is Singleback set we use as a time killer. In Year 2, I had a undersized OL I was otherwise going to cut, with 75+ SPD, so he’s reborn. I do like some Speed at TE, but 78ish is plenty.
Understanding the Offensive Line might be the most important piece of the puzzle though, and there are a couple things to highlight. To get forward push, you need STR and Weight. Height doesn’t matter. If you have a 275lb Centre, with 80 Strength, he’s getting pushed back. Ideally you want 300+, but 285+ will suffice is the guy is Strong. When I recruit for any scheme, I target 300+, and 88,86,84 STR for C,G,T respectively. Ideally as well 60+ for ACC, SPD, AGI will allow you to run any scheme. I love running screens, so I need athletic guys so I can have blockers in space. A 45 SPD guy simple won’t get in front of my HB
It does not matter what position they are - you could have a line of 5 LT’s and if their skills are in the right places, they will be fine.
In my Veer and Shoot, I basically build inside out. At Centre, I want 88+ STR, and 80+ AWR. A Centre’s Awareness affects the entire Offensive Line, and limits false starts.
At Guard, I do sometimes ask them to Pull, and I generally Run Left, Again, I want the STR, and I want good RBK attributes. As I am running left more often, I want my most athletic guy on the right, in case he’s pulling.
That leaves Tackle. I want balanced guys who are athletic. As long as they are 60+ SPD and 84+ STR, I’ll choose the 2 best Pass Blockers. I normally use the better one on the Left, but its not really your blindside as you’re looking at a TV.
Optimise your Defense
I mentioned OVL not mattering on offense, and i’ll double down on that for defense. Most positions you can look at 3-4 attributes and choose based on that.
As I said, I use 33 DBL mug to blitz, and 335 Tite Mint 3 Sky most other plays, so I can set my lineups based on this, and know that I will have the right guys on the field.
The 33 DBL Mug uses RRE, RLE, RDT1 & 2, SUBLB 1 & 2, CB 1 & 2, SS 1 & 2, and FS. The front 6 all rush, and everyone else is essentially in Man. If they use an RB, a S is responsible for him. I user the safety, and sit on the first down line. If the RB is on the move, I’ll shadow him. If not, I’ll cover the middle and force a harder throw outside or a coverage sack.
The 335 Cover 3 Mint uses RE,LE, DT, LOLB, MLB, ROLB, CB 1 & 2, SS1 & 2, FS. The Front 3 are there to stop the run, The LOLB is the Edge Rusher and really they key to being successful. The MLB stops the run, and covers sideline to sideline. The ROLB is really a do it all hybrid. The SS’s both play down, and the CB’s and FS cover the deep zones.
Depth Chart wise, this means
DT - Big Boy Run Stopper (STR and BSH)
RE LE - Smaller Run Stopper, 275+. Needs BSH to set the edge, and some ACC to do so
LOLB - Best Rusher but needs some size, 240+. Good Athlete
MLB - Great ZCV, and good tackler. Height helps
ROLB - I user it. You want an all rounder otherwise who can defend side to side, and rush a little. I’m using a 64 OVL fast guy I want to develop. The OVL is super low because he has like 40 AWR. All that matters really is tackling, as i’m controlling the coverage. So OVL is irrelevant.
CB - ZCV first, but must be capable at MCV (70+). 88+ SPD/ACC is enough
SS - 70+ ZCV is my baseline, then just athletic guys who can tackle
FS - I want my best ZCV player here, hes the safety blanket. Needs good PRC/AWR
RRE RLE - They only play the blitz, so I look at PMV/FMV + Speed. I need them there quick
RDT - PMV only
SUBLB - This role is blitz only in my system, but really they are just there to create an overload. So I just use fast guys in case one of them sneaks through. Sometimes I will drop one back in to coverage when the ball is snapped and user him
SLOT - not used, but I put my SS2 here
To conclude, the common theme here is to understand what you are trying to achieve, and that by putting the right people in the right places, you will make it a lot easier to do so.
Go UTEP!
I would consider myself a competent player, but at the same time, I know my strengths and limitations, and maximize that skillset. The purpose of this post is to share some things I do, that might help others be 10% better, and have a better experience against the CPU.
Why UTEP
UTEP are historically a poor team, and I believe start as a 74 OVL. Their QB’s are 75 & 74 OVL, with the star being a 77 OVL SR Guard. On defense, they have a stud RE SR Westmoreland who I think started at 84/85, and ended as a 91. 4+ wins would be expected based on OVL. I chose them as I wanted to try a Veer & Shoot team, and they had some plays and formations I know, and some I wanted to learn. On defense, I wanted to try the 335 Mint formation, most famously used by Kirby Smart. It emphasises speed, and if anyone wants to understand it more, this is a great read:
Offensive Strategy
The Veer & Shoot Wide Bunch emphasies simple reads and makes a defense choose. It is largely RPO based, and on most downs so simply count the defenders in the box, and run the ball if you have a 5 OL v 4 Def advantage. If you have a strong OL, you can even run on 5 v 5. If you have a 5 v 6, you pass the ball to the WR, and at worst you have a 1 v 1 match up. If CBs are pressed, we might go deep, but the RB must stay in to Block.
I personally have pretty average stick skills, so I rarely make a defender miss, but if I pick the right option, its generally 5+ yards either way, with a few 10-15 yd runs, or 15 yard catches sprinkled in.
I run this Set 80% of the time, as it suits our strengths, and means we don’t get sacked. Outside of this, I might run Verticals out of Empty Bunch Flex if the Defense is trying to play deep. Happy to take 8-10 yards at a time to get into scoring range late in halves.
The other critical thing to do as an underdog, is manage the clock. If you can Chew Clock in the last three minutes, do it. Leave them no time to hurt you if you score (or don’t score)
Defensive Strategy
The 335 Mint out of the 335 Tite playbook is incredible once you optimise your lineups. In an average game I only use 4-5 different plays, and even then, I’m using 2 plays 90% of the time. Why? Because I understand what they do, and I understand what each player is responsible for. With repetition you can become an expert, rather than aimlessly bouncing between different sets and formations you may not have the correct personnel for. By simplifying my defense, I’ve improved from allowing 35 points a game, to maybe 20.
I use 335 Mint Cover 3 Sky about 70% of the time, Always on 1st and 2nd down. Sometimes on 3rd down depending on how desperately I need a stop (vs how desperately they need points).
I use Nickel Dbl Mug Mid Blitz 0 20% of the time. Pretty much if CPU is within the 10, or 3rd and short, I always use it. If 3rd and long, I might if I really need a stop, and a blown coverage won’t lose me the game.
Other than that, I might use a couple other 335 Mint plays, and maybe a really heavy set if I’m getting constantly ran on.
Optimise Your Offense
While this relates to my UTEP save, this applies to every save. The single most important thing that you need to align is “What can my players do and what am I asking them to do”. If these things are out if synch, you are losing before you even begin.
Forget about OVL for the skill positions, and pick players who can do the things you need. A 77 OVL TE Vertical Threat isn’t what you need if all your TE does is Block. Pick the 70 OVL blocking TE instead.
In application for UTEP as a Veer and Shoot team, this means my QB must have great SAC above all else. Ideally I want some THP so the ball gets there faster, and some Deeper Accuracy if possible. As it turned out both QB’s had 87 THP, and 80+ SAC. 90% of my throws are 10 yards or less anyway and he’s not asked to use his legs, other than QB sneak, which I will use when within the 1 yd line, and on 3rd/4th and Inches.
At HB, anyone works for me. All my HB’s were 88ish SPD/ACC. And as long as you don’t sprint too early, you read the box, and take 4-5 yards everytime. I probably lean towards Power Back as you can simply truck into the contact and take an extra yard. My receiving back was slow, but all he needs to do is not drop the ball on screens.
At WR, Catching is king,If we make the right read, we get positive yards. One thing I lacked in Year 1 was size, and I recruited a couple Physical WR’s to play Slot. In the RPO Zone Read, the Slot WR blocks the CB, so adding guys with even 50+ IBK and RBK has created extra yards for me. I actually have a fast WR as well, so some of the 5-6 yard gains, have turned into 20+ yard gains because of the blocking.
TE and FB are really just there to block in this system. We don’t use a FB in the VnS plays, but there is Singleback set we use as a time killer. In Year 2, I had a undersized OL I was otherwise going to cut, with 75+ SPD, so he’s reborn. I do like some Speed at TE, but 78ish is plenty.
Understanding the Offensive Line might be the most important piece of the puzzle though, and there are a couple things to highlight. To get forward push, you need STR and Weight. Height doesn’t matter. If you have a 275lb Centre, with 80 Strength, he’s getting pushed back. Ideally you want 300+, but 285+ will suffice is the guy is Strong. When I recruit for any scheme, I target 300+, and 88,86,84 STR for C,G,T respectively. Ideally as well 60+ for ACC, SPD, AGI will allow you to run any scheme. I love running screens, so I need athletic guys so I can have blockers in space. A 45 SPD guy simple won’t get in front of my HB
It does not matter what position they are - you could have a line of 5 LT’s and if their skills are in the right places, they will be fine.
In my Veer and Shoot, I basically build inside out. At Centre, I want 88+ STR, and 80+ AWR. A Centre’s Awareness affects the entire Offensive Line, and limits false starts.
At Guard, I do sometimes ask them to Pull, and I generally Run Left, Again, I want the STR, and I want good RBK attributes. As I am running left more often, I want my most athletic guy on the right, in case he’s pulling.
That leaves Tackle. I want balanced guys who are athletic. As long as they are 60+ SPD and 84+ STR, I’ll choose the 2 best Pass Blockers. I normally use the better one on the Left, but its not really your blindside as you’re looking at a TV.
Optimise your Defense
I mentioned OVL not mattering on offense, and i’ll double down on that for defense. Most positions you can look at 3-4 attributes and choose based on that.
As I said, I use 33 DBL mug to blitz, and 335 Tite Mint 3 Sky most other plays, so I can set my lineups based on this, and know that I will have the right guys on the field.
The 33 DBL Mug uses RRE, RLE, RDT1 & 2, SUBLB 1 & 2, CB 1 & 2, SS 1 & 2, and FS. The front 6 all rush, and everyone else is essentially in Man. If they use an RB, a S is responsible for him. I user the safety, and sit on the first down line. If the RB is on the move, I’ll shadow him. If not, I’ll cover the middle and force a harder throw outside or a coverage sack.
The 335 Cover 3 Mint uses RE,LE, DT, LOLB, MLB, ROLB, CB 1 & 2, SS1 & 2, FS. The Front 3 are there to stop the run, The LOLB is the Edge Rusher and really they key to being successful. The MLB stops the run, and covers sideline to sideline. The ROLB is really a do it all hybrid. The SS’s both play down, and the CB’s and FS cover the deep zones.
Depth Chart wise, this means
DT - Big Boy Run Stopper (STR and BSH)
RE LE - Smaller Run Stopper, 275+. Needs BSH to set the edge, and some ACC to do so
LOLB - Best Rusher but needs some size, 240+. Good Athlete
MLB - Great ZCV, and good tackler. Height helps
ROLB - I user it. You want an all rounder otherwise who can defend side to side, and rush a little. I’m using a 64 OVL fast guy I want to develop. The OVL is super low because he has like 40 AWR. All that matters really is tackling, as i’m controlling the coverage. So OVL is irrelevant.
CB - ZCV first, but must be capable at MCV (70+). 88+ SPD/ACC is enough
SS - 70+ ZCV is my baseline, then just athletic guys who can tackle
FS - I want my best ZCV player here, hes the safety blanket. Needs good PRC/AWR
RRE RLE - They only play the blitz, so I look at PMV/FMV + Speed. I need them there quick
RDT - PMV only
SUBLB - This role is blitz only in my system, but really they are just there to create an overload. So I just use fast guys in case one of them sneaks through. Sometimes I will drop one back in to coverage when the ball is snapped and user him
SLOT - not used, but I put my SS2 here
To conclude, the common theme here is to understand what you are trying to achieve, and that by putting the right people in the right places, you will make it a lot easier to do so.
Go UTEP!
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