How to Chew Clock in College football 25? Mastering the Art of Time Management

One of the strengths of EA Sports' College Football 25 is the game's realism. Some of that realism can come into play in managing the game clock.

Whether it's limiting possessions against a superior team, trying to preserve a lead or just keeping your offense on the field and your defense off, managing the clock is a key strategy in College Football 25. Here's a brief deep dive on the topic.

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What is Clock Management in College football 25?

Having a talented running back like Oklahoma State's Ollie Gordon can help a clock-chewing strategy on CF 25. (Photo credit: IMAGN)

As in real life, College Football 25 will require players - for one reason or another --to be able to control the clock. That can be as simple as preserving the final possession of a half or as complex as besting a top-ranked opponent with superior offensive firepower.

The thing about clock management is that no two situations are exactly the same. While there are some overarching principles that can help with the strategy, there are few hard and fast rules in figuring out controlling the clock in College Football 25.

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How to Chew Clock in College football 25?

Essentially, the most thorough version of clock management will require running the football or throwing safe, easily completable passes on most plays, draining the play clock and converting first downs intead of trying to dial up massive gains.

Offenses trying to control the clock will likely favor inside runs between the tackles both to prevent going out of bounds (and stopping the clock) and running into the risk of big losses that can dictate passing situations.

Don't overlook the role of the pass in clock management, though. A safe, simple pass, usually a check-down to the running back, can be your best friend in clock management. After all, it prevents the defense from littering the middle of the field with defenders while still keeping the clock rolling.

As an aside, CF25 includes a "Chew clock" feature that will automatically run the playclock down to 10 seconds after an offensive play is called.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid in Clock management

Perhaps the biggest problem with clock management strategies is that they can frequently backfire because they become predictable.

It can be a fine line between sticking with a safe and reliable offense strategy to keep the clock running and finding yourself punting the ball after running three straight predictable plays.

Again, one misconception is that only running plays will keep the clock going. Granted, long drop backs with desperate heaves downfield will often result in incomplete passes that stop the clock. But safe and reliable short passes will function in much the same way as a running play, and yet keep defenses honest.

Another issue is failing to account for opposing time outs. Even a late lead might require some aggressive play calling if your opponent is sitting on a full complement of time outs. Don't forget to factor that into a clock management strategy.

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How have you done in clock management on College Football 25? Share your stories below in the comments section: