1. Use Play-Action to Draw Linebackers and Safeties In
One of the most effective ways to deceive linebackers and CFB 25 Coins safeties is with play-action. If your run game has been successful and the defense is keying in on stopping it, a well-timed play-action pass will pull the linebackers and safeties toward the line of scrimmage.

How to Leverage It: After a few successful runs, call a play-action pass. The linebackers will bite on the fake handoff, and safeties who are focused on run support may move closer to the line of scrimmage. This will leave receivers open for quick throws over the middle or deep passes downfield. Look for seam routes, post routes, or crossing routes that exploit the space vacated by the defenders.
2. Hit Quick Slants and Crossing Routes
Slant and crossing routes are designed to get the ball to your receiver quickly while the defense is still reacting. When linebackers and safeties are keying on the run, they are often slow to react to quick pass routes.

How to Leverage It: Run quick slant routes to your receivers, especially after a successful running play. The linebackers and safeties will often be drawn closer to the line of scrimmage, and these quick routes can exploit the space in front of them. The ball will get to your receiver quickly, allowing them to gain yards after the catch.
3. Attack the Middle of the Field
When linebackers and safeties are focused on stopping the run, they often crowd the box, leaving the middle of the field more vulnerable. You can exploit this space with quick, intermediate throws over the middle or deep seam routes.

How to Leverage It: Target the middle of the field with seam routes or post routes that go between the safeties and linebackers. The linebackers, caught up in stopping the run, might fail to recognize the receiver cutting across the field. Similarly, safeties who have been focusing on run support might be late to react, giving your receiver a chance to get open for a significant gain.
4. Use Misdirection to Distract the Defense
Misdirection can be an effective strategy when the defense is heavily focused on stopping the run. By making it appear as if you’re running in one direction and then quickly changing to another, you can catch the linebackers and safeties off guard.

How to Leverage It: Run motion to shift the defense’s focus and create confusion. You can then run a counter or a misdirection play, which can leave defenders out of position. Misdirection forces linebackers and safeties to take an extra second to read their keys, and that brief hesitation can lead to big plays down the field.
5. Use Quick Out Routes to Exploit the Outside
After running the ball successfully, safeties and linebackers will often crowd the middle and inside, leaving the outside open. Quick out routes can take advantage of this, catching defenders out of College Football 25 Coins position and allowing your receiver to get into open space.