Tai Felton eagerly watched the countdown to the release of one of the most anticipated video games from his College Park apartment. The Maryland football receiver couldn’t contain his excitement, screaming at his television when the clock hit five minutes.

It was an understandable reaction. Felton had waited a decade for this moment. The popular EA Sports College Football 25 video game released to the public on July 19. Before that, NCAA Football 14 was the last college football video game fans could play.

“My dad actually has a picture when I was like five months old, I was sitting in his lap while he was playing Madden,” Felton said. “So I’ve been playing video games my whole life. It’s my stress reliever. Anytime I come home, I get on the game.”

The game has become a phenomenon. EA Sports made $500 million before the end of July, and five million people played the game in its opening week, according to On3. A majority of the Maryland team frequently plays, Felton said.

Players heard about the game a month prior to its release through a name, image and likeness app, Felton said. Now that collegiate student-athletes are able to profit off their name, every player in the game received $600.

“It’s definitely crazy seeing my name up there, seeing my player up there, seeing the little star up there. My dad was mind blown when he [saw] me up there,” Felton said.

To understand Felton and other users’ love for the game, I challenged him to a College Football 25 faceoff. I played from my basement, Felton from the Terps’ team lounge. He used Maryland, while I used the Oregon Ducks.

First quarter: 7-0 Terps

The Terps are an 80 overall — one of the lowest-rated teams in the Big Ten. Felton’s character is an 83.

Immediately after he received the opening kickoff, Felton tried his own luck. He completed a 53-yard reception to himself. Felton could easily force himself the ball in the game, but he tries to play realistically.

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“It’s growing my knowledge on football itself. I usually treat the game like I’m a defensive coordinator or I’m an offensive coordinator,” Felton said. “I look at the game through a different lens … I can read defenses, read coverages, read routes and stuff like that.”

Felton plays the video game different than a casual player, he said. It’s a visual simulation of his playbook. Coach Michael Locksley’s offense includes option routes for wide receivers, which gives them more freedom. The game helps receivers understand how to better execute those, Felton said.

Second quarter: 14-7 Ducks

The trash talk began. Oregon has a star-studded receiving group, and Maryland’s secondary is inexperienced.

Oregon’s Traeshon Holden scorched past Maryland defensive back Lionell Whitaker for a 74-yard-touchdown. Former five-star Evan Stewart then grabbed a 36-yard-touchdown.

“Lord, have mercy bro, come on, Lionell,” Felton said.

Maryland will travel to Oregon, Minnesota and Virginia this season. Road games are difficult in the game and real life. A user’s screen will shake and jumble receivers’ routes when they are on the road.

“One of the most realistic things [in the game] … third down especially [during] away games, you can not hear anything,” Felton said.

Third quarter: 27-21 Ducks

Both offenses exploded in the third quarter. Stewart continued to impress, adding to his 192-yard day with a pair of deep touchdown catches. But Felton and the Terps roared back with 14 consecutive points, including a DeJuan Williams 101-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

“Yeah Juan, Yeah Juan!” Felton screamed. “We’re going to the crib, Juan.”

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Multiple television screens line the walls of Maryland’s team lounge. On a Tuesday evening, Stewart’s second touchdown of the quarter got a room-wide reaction.

As the fourth quarter neared, the only noise became the clicking of the PlayStation controllers.

“Now we both locked in,” I joked.

“Yeah, it got quiet,” Felton said.

Fourth quarter: 35-27 Terps

Oregon looked primed to win after a fourth down stop with 1:57 left.

“I might got something right here for you, man,” Felton said before failing to convert. “Let me throw the ball.”

Then, Whitaker redeemed himself. The junior intercepted Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel and returned it for a touchdown, giving Maryland a narrow lead.

The ensuing drive was intense. Felton pleaded with his defense to make a final stop.

A Stewart fumble allowed for Felton to have his moment. He found himself for a 61-yard touchdown, essentially ending the game.

“Oh, yes sir, [No. 10] is going to put it on ice, 10 going to put it on ice,” he said.

A last-ditch Oregon effort ended at the Terps’ 14-yard line, with two seconds remaining.

“I need the defense to make a stop,” Felton said. “I can’t sell this.”

Gabriel drifted in the pocket before throwing an interception to sophomore defensive back Kevis Thomas.

A stunning 35-27 Maryland win.

“That’s game time!” Felton said. “Hopefully we make this happen in real life when we go out to Oregon.”