Blitz and Stunt Highlights from Montana State versus South Dakota State
In a recent breakdown, we covered the top offensive concepts from Montana State vs. South Dakota State. But you can’t talk about this matchup without tipping your cap to some of the defensive highlights. Both staffs brought creative ways to generate pressure, and there were a few standout calls that deserve a closer look.
Triple A Gap Pressure
This pressure look rose to prominence thanks to Brent Venables, who made a living bringing three defenders straight up the pipe. Montana State channels that same philosophy here, walking up both inside linebackers into the A gaps then bringing the weak safety. It’s paired with man coverage across the board and both defensive ends drop into the hook zones. I’m a big believer in double A-gap pressure, and this is just that, amplified. It overwhelms protection rules and forces the quarterback to make a decision fast.
Coffee House Rush
Montana State mixed in some creative pressure looks, including this six-man "Hot Quarters" call late in the fourth quarter. At its core, the pressure path feels a lot like the classic “Magic” concept we’ve seen over the years. The Mike backer sells a drop, what we call a Coffee House rush, then slips through an open gap as a free runner. It’s a great example of showing zone before bringing pressure. The quarterback feels it, speeds up his process, and ends up sailing the throw to avoid taking the sack.
Pop Stunt
This might be the most common stunt in football right now. We keep seeing it on tape, and for good reason. The 3-tech works vertically to set the pick, while the defensive end wraps tight into the interior A gap. It’s clean and effective. What’s interesting is how often the defender who sets the pick ends up making the play. That’s exactly what happens here. The looper grabs the attention, but the penetrator finishes the job.
Double B Gap Pressure
Similar to double A-gap looks, this is a six-man pressure that attacks both B gaps. These types of pressures are great against the run, and that’s exactly what we see here. The Mike is initially responsible for the running back, but when the Sam or Nickel gets picked up by the back, the Mike exchanges and triggers on the quarterback. It’s a clean read-and-react situation, and it reminds me of an old saying I used to hear a lot at practices in Tallahassee: “Green dog the back!”
“Tom” Stunt
This is a straightforward interior pick stunt by SDSU that’s executed well, but it lacks a finish. The defensive tackle at the bottom does a great job setting the pick, occupying both the guard and the center. The looper comes through with a clean path to the quarterback. The problem is on the edge. The defensive end loses contain and lets the quarterback escape. The design is solid. The execution up front is sharp. But in the end, you’ve got to finish the play.
Montana State and South Dakota State both showed they can bring the heat with timely and creative pressures. Whether it was simulated looks, classic stunts, or six-man pressures built to create confusion, each defense had answers when it mattered most. These were not just aggressive calls for the sake of being aggressive. They were calculated designs meant to influence the quarterback and disrupt rhythm. For coaches looking to add variety to their pressure package, this film has plenty of valuable teaching tape.