This is a set of notes i've compiled from my SingleGame% PB in 2018. I decided to reorganize and post them here for anyone else who might be interested in speedrunning this game. TecmoGeek.com is a brilliant resource that you can use to research all player stats and is what i've used in compiling my notes.

-Know that the in-game clock varies when you're in-play and out of play. During a play on the field, the game clock runs approximately 3x as fast as real time. So 10 seconds of game clock is around 3.33 - 3.5 seconds on your timer. When you're calling a play, the game clock slows down (much closer to real time), so the goal is to maintain possession as much as possible (ideally keeping the other team from possessing the ball at all) and to run a single play as long as possible (an entire quarter). Keep an eye on the timer so that you can go out of bounds as soon as the clock winds to 00:00, there will be an auditory cue when the last 10 seconds tick off.

-You're going to want a fast running back: ---Bo Jackson is by far the #1 here, his Maximum Speed is 75 which is the fastest in the game for an offensive player. If he is in excellent condition, nobody can touch him. There are 2 others that I would consider "viable" in this category as well: Jerry Rice (#2) and Barry Sanders (#3). ---Rice has one small advantage in that his Rushing Speed is higher than Bo (44 to 38), otherwise equal Ball Control (81), tied for 2nd in the game with a Maximum Speed of 69 but horrible hitting power (13 to Bo's 31). ---Barry is also 2nd in Maximum Speed (69), solid Rushing Speed (38), improved Ball Control (89), and so-so Hitting Power (25).

-There are two ways to start the game that I consider viable strategies: ---First option is to attempt an onside kick. This strategy works well for SingleGame% as you'll be able to reset as soon as you fail to recover. Doing this, you can prevent the other team from ever getting possession of the ball for the entire game. ---Second option is to attempt a deep kick. This strategy works better for SuperBowl% as it's just more reliable. This will may also afford you the opportunity to score a safety, which brings us to the next point...

-Do NOT pour on the points. Score once, either a field goal or a safety but not a touchdown. The reason here is that scoring adds a lot of animation time (not to mention change of possession, etc) that do not count against the game clock and will hurt your PB. ---A field goal is a fairly reliable scoring option and won't require you to turn over possession of the ball. It is much faster than a touchdown, but it isn't the fastest option. ---A safety is the fastest option for scoring having the shortest animation by a significant margin. At this point, I would only recommend it for SingleGame% right after a deep kick attempt. If you can get it on the first or second play of the game, it may end up saving time. If the CPU has possession for any longer than that, it's a waste. Reset and try again.

-Best teams to play against: Indianapolis Colts, or Tampa Bay Buccaneers. ---Indianapolis Colts: Worst rated secondary. Eugene Daniel and Chris Goode combine for a paltry Rushing Power (31), Rushing Speed (25), Maximum Speed (38), and Hitting Power (38). Keith Taylor is the single fastest player on the defense with a Maximum Speed of 44. ---Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Worst rated linebackers. Eugene Marve and Kevin Murphy's Rushing Power / Maximum Speed (31/31 and 31/38). The only concern is CB Wayne Haddix, who is by far the best player on the defense with a Maximum Speed of 75 (and the best-rated CB in the game). Aside from him, this defense is toast.