The gameplay in Bill Walsh College Football is highly detailed, with a focus on strategy and tactics. Players can choose from 56 offensive plays and 52 defensive plays, each with its own unique moves and techniques. On offense, players can use running backs to dive, spin, and hurdle their way through the defense, while also passing with receivers in their own windowed boxes.
When playing on defense, players can use various tactics such as diving at the ball carrier, raising hands to block kicks or intercept passes. The game also features four weather conditions - fair, windy, rain, and snow - which affect gameplay, and three different quarter lengths - 20, 40, and 60 minutes - which add an extra layer of strategy.