Special teams are the forgotten third of football, and College Football 27 Special Teams will punish you for that neglect. A blocked punt returned for a touchdown, a kickoff return to midfield, a missed 35-yard field goal—these moments swing games as decisively as any offensive or defensive play. Here is how to turn special teams from a liability into a weapon.
Field Goal Kicking Mechanics
The kick meter in CFB 27 uses a two-click system: one click to set power, one click to set accuracy. Mastering both is essential, but understanding the variables that affect each is what separates reliable kickers from unreliable ones.
Power Variables
Kicker Kick Power rating: A 90+ kick power extends maximum range to roughly 57 yards (no wind)
Wind: A 10 mph headwind reduces effective range by 7-8 yards
Temperature: Below 40 degrees reduces power by roughly 1 yard per 5 degrees
Altitude: Playing at Colorado or Wyoming adds approximately 5 yards to maximum range
Accuracy Variables
Kicker Kick Accuracy rating: Controls the size of the accuracy sweet spot
Distance: Accuracy sweet spot shrinks as distance increases. A 55-yard attempt has roughly half the sweet spot size of a 30-yard attempt
Pressure Situations: Game-winning and game-tying kicks apply a “clutch” modifier that shrinks the accuracy window based on the kicker Clutch rating
Weather: Rain and snow expand the accuracy penalty beyond what the visual meter suggests
Strategic Field Goal Decision Making
When to Kick (Go Zone):
4th and 4+ from the opponent 25-35 yard line with a reliable kicker (80+ KPW, 80+ KAC)
4th and 10+ from the opponent 32-38 yard line in a tight game
Anything 4th and 5+ from inside the 30 if leading by 1-7 points in the fourth quarter
When to Go For It (No-Go Zone):
4th and 1-3 from anywhere inside the opponent 40-yard line
Any 4th down when trailing by 14+ in the second half
4th down and the kick distance is beyond your kicker reliable range
Punting Strategy
The Coffin Corner
Directional punting toward the sideline inside the 20 is the most valuable skill in the punting game. The coffin corner punt forces the returner toward the boundary, limiting their options and often resulting in fair catches. Master the coffin corner by aiming slightly inside the numbers and using about 70 percent power—full power with directional aim often sails out of bounds too early.
Sky Punting
When punting from your own territory with a return threat, the sky punt (maximum hang time) is superior to the distance punt. A sky punt gives your coverage team time to surround the returner, limiting yards after catch. Use roughly 85 percent power with maximum trajectory (hold up on the aim stick).
Fake Punt Situations
The fake punt is viable in CFB 27 when:
You are on your opponent side of the field (your 45 or better)
It is 4th and 5 or shorter
The defense shows a return formation (not a block formation)
You have an athletic punter (75+ speed)
The fake punt pass is the most reliable fake because linebackers often vacate the middle on punt returns. The tight end or up-back is usually uncovered in the flat.
Kickoff Strategy
Placement Options
Touchback: Kicking through the end zone eliminates return risk. Use when facing an elite returner or protecting a late lead.
Sky Kick to the Goal Line: Forces a return but gives your coverage team time to arrive. Ideal against average returners.
Directional Kick: Aim toward the sideline inside the 5-yard line to constrict the return. The sideline acts as an extra defender, limiting cutback lanes.
Squib Kick: The low line-drive kick is useful in end-of-half situations to prevent a big return, but the short field position (opponent 35-40) makes it a desperation tactic.
Onside Kick Mechanics
CFB 27 onside kicks are difficult but not impossible. The success rate is approximately 15 percent with the standard onside kick and roughly 25 percent with the surprise onside (only available if you select it from the play-call screen rather than the special teams quick menu). The surprise onside can only be attempted once per game—use it wisely.
Return Game Strategy
Punt Return
Fair catch inside your 10-yard line unless you see an obvious lane
Return punts between the 10 and 30 aggressively—this is where house calls happen
Use the “return middle” alignment to give your returner maximum options
Identify the gunner (outside coverage player) on each side—these are the most dangerous tacklers
Kickoff Return
Take a knee in the end zone if the kick is more than 3 yards deep. The 25-yard line is a fine starting position.
Return kicks caught inside the 5-yard line to avoid being pinned deep.
The reverse return is a high-risk, high-reward call. Use it once per game maximum as a surprise element.
Blocking Strategy
Punt and field goal blocks are possible but require specific techniques:
Punt Block
Align your fastest defensive back on the edge and use the speed burst to turn the corner. The AI protection scheme occasionally leaves the edge unblocked. The timing window is tight—you must arrive within 2.2 seconds of the snap.
Field Goal Block
Jump the snap count. The field goal block is much harder than the punt block because the kick is released faster. Your best chance is to overload one side and hope for a missed assignment. Do not count on blocks—treat them as a bonus.
For complete special teams analytics, kicker scouting reports, and the CFB 27 gameplay mechanics guide, visit the strategy hub. Special teams will not make your highlight reel, but they will absolutely decide how many games you win.