The Speed Option is one of the most effective plays in College Football 25, providing you with CFB 25 Coins the opportunity to either keep the ball with your quarterback or pitch it to your running back depending on how the defense reacts. Unlike the Read Option, the Speed Option is a bit more straightforward but requires precision, timing, and quick decision-making to make it work effectively. Here are some essential tips to help you master the Speed Option and maximize its potential in the game.

1. Understand the Key Read: The Defensive End
In the Speed Option, your primary read is the defensive end or the unblocked defender on the outside. By focusing on his movements, you can determine whether you should keep the ball with the quarterback or pitch it to the running back.

If the defensive end crashes toward the quarterback: This means he's coming after you, the quarterback. In this case, you should pitch the ball to the running back using the L1 (PS) or LB (Xbox) button. This gives your running back the chance to get to the outside and gain significant yards.

If the defensive end stays wide or contains the quarterback: He’s likely playing the quarterback and not the running back. This is when you should keep the ball and run with your quarterback, taking advantage of the open space.

2. Use the Right Timing When Pitching
The timing of the pitch is critical in the Speed Option. You don’t want to pitch it too early, which will risk an interception or give the defense time to adjust. Likewise, pitching it too late could result in a sack or loss of yards for your quarterback.

Wait for the defender to commit before you make the pitch. Let the defender make his move toward either the quarterback or the running back, and then make your decision.

Press the pitch button (L1 or LB) right before the defender closes in. The faster you press the button, the quicker the pitch will happen. You want to ensure that the ball is pitched in time for the running back to catch it and move downfield.

Double tap L1 (PS) or LB (Xbox) to fake the pitch. This move will freeze the defender for a split second, allowing your quarterback more space to run or buy time to make the pitch.

3. Take Advantage of Your Quarterback's Speed
Your quarterback’s speed plays a huge role in the Speed Option. A faster quarterback can execute the Speed Option much more effectively because he can react quicker to the defensive movements and get away from defenders more easily.

Use a fast quarterback: If you’re playing as a team with a mobile QB (like a dual-threat), this will be one of your most dangerous plays. Speed will allow you to get the corner faster, and your quarterback will have more room to either gain yards himself or pitch it at the last possible second.

Use your speed to set up the pitch: If your quarterback is fast enough, you can wait a little longer to decide whether to keep the ball or pitch it. This extra time allows you to read the defense more effectively and wait for the right moment.

4. Watch the Pursuit Angles
The pursuit angles of the defenders are key to knowing when to pitch and when to keep. As the quarterback, always keep an eye on the angle at which defenders are approaching you.

If the defenders are closing in on you from a direct angle, you need to make the pitch fast, as you won’t have time to run around them.

If the defenders are being stretched out wide, it’s usually an indication that there’s room for the running back to take the ball, or you may be able to take off running yourself without any defenders closing in quickly.

5. Be Ready for the Option Keeper
The Option Keeper is the other option in the Speed Option if the defense gives you the space to run. If the defensive end or outside linebacker doesn’t commit to the running back, you can take the ball yourself.

Don’t hesitate. If you see an opening or the defense is playing the running back, take off with the quarterback and make the most of your speed.

Be aware of the pitch timing. Even when you’re keeping the ball, defenders can still close in on you fast. Make sure you’re ready to either cut inside or slide if necessary to avoid a big hit.

6. Use the Speed Option in Goal-Line Situations
The Speed Option is incredibly effective near the goal line. Defenders are more likely to commit to stopping the quarterback at the goal line, making the pitch to the running back an even more potent weapon.

Near the goal line, defenders are forced to be more aggressive, and by using the pitch, you’ll exploit their overcommitment to the quarterback.

Look for mismatches: If you have a speedy quarterback and a strong running back, the goal-line defense may struggle to contain both. The Speed Option allows you to read the defense and capitalize on this mismatch.

7. Master the Pitch Mechanics
The pitch mechanics are simple but essential to getting the ball to the running back. You need to press the L1 (PS) or LB (Xbox) button when the defender commits and the quarterback is in position.

Loft the pitch: If you press the pitch button lightly, the quarterback will loft the ball to the running back, giving them a better chance to catch and protect the ball from being knocked loose.

Quick pitch: Pressing the pitch button harder will result in a faster, more direct toss. This is useful if the defender is closing in fast and you need the ball to get to the running back immediately.

8. Stay Calm Under Pressure
Finally, one of the most important aspects of the Speed Option is staying calm when executing the play. The defenders are going to close in quickly, and the pressure is going to mount. Take a deep breath, focus on the defender you're reading, and trust your instincts.

Don’t rush the decision: Even when things get tense, make sure to assess the defense’s movements and make the pitch or keep the ball with confidence.

Practice makes perfect: The more you run the Speed Option, the more natural it will feel to recognize when to pitch and when to keep.

Conclusion
Mastering the Speed Option in College Football 25 can significantly improve your offensive game and put pressure on the defense in ways that can lead to big gains and easy touchdowns. By understanding the key reads, timing your pitch correctly, and using your quarterback’s speed to your advantage, you’ll make the most out of this explosive play. With practice and attention to the defense’s movements, you’ll be able to execute the Speed Option like a pro and keep the defense on cheap NCAA Football 25 Coins its heels.