Blitz Pick Up with the Bison
North Dakota State has been especially sharp in blitz pickup through the 2025 season, continuing the physical, detail-oriented dominance they showed in 2024. When you’re the Bison, you live with a target on your back, and Saturday was no exception. No. 6 Illinois State emptied the clip, throwing pressures from every angle and trying to force mistakes. But NDSU’s offensive line showed veteran-level patience, staying square and composed through simulated pressures and late movement. Their ability to sort out the picture post-snap, identifying who is a threat and who is bluffing, lets them consistently get hats for hats and even double-team at the point of attack. Add to that a backfield full of running backs who are not just willing, but smart in pass protection, and you get a unit that is hard to rattle.
Versus Creepers & Simulated Pressures
North Dakota State faced a six-man pressure look from Illinois State, with the Redbirds crowding the line of scrimmage to muddy the picture. Before the snap, NDSU brought the tight end into the core and checked the protection. With seven in protection, they had the numbers to handle it. Illinois State ran a simulated pressure, dropping both defensive ends while bringing a cross-dog stunt with the defensive tackles and linebackers. The Bison slid the protection away from the tight end, effectively creating a half-slide scheme. This setup allowed them to create three separate double teams across the line.
The patience from the offensive line stood out, especially from the center and right guard, who let the stunt develop before landing a firm double team. The running back worked into the core and fit up inside to support the left guard against the looping linebacker, giving the quarterback time and space. On the edge, the left tackle set with inside leverage, forcing the defensive tackle to bubble his rush. With the defensive end dropping into coverage, the tight end was free to help, forming yet another double team and solidifying the pocket.
In an 11 personnel Y-off Trey set, North Dakota State now releases the tight end into the route, which removes a potential pass protector. Illinois State brings a field-side creeper and drops the Jack into coverage. While it is difficult to confirm the exact direction of the protection, it appears to be toward the field based on the Center’s eyes. On the backside, the offensive tackle initially sets out for the Jack before recognizing that he has dropped. The tackle then redirects inside to help on the 4i. The running back does an excellent job identifying the pressure and steps up immediately to handle it. As the tackle checks the 4i and then works back outside, the protection remains intact. Across the front, the Bison offensive line consistently finds work when their assigned defender drops out. This is a core principle in elite offensive line play. Well-coached units do not stand around. They stay active, scan for threats, and ensure the pocket stays clean.
Here the Bison are in a 12 personnel 2x2 formation before shifting into another Trey set. Illinois State brings an interior creeper, sending a linebacker through the tight end side and pairing it with a “Ton” stunt to the opposite side. North Dakota State is in six-man protection look, and the tight end only chips before releasing into the route. That initial chip creates enough of a delay for the offensive tackle to land a shot on the linebacker before redirecting out to handle the defensive end. The key detail on this rep is the work from the center and the right side of the line. When the nose peels off and vacates the A-gap, the center stays disciplined and keeps his head on a swivel. He waits patiently for the looping defender to come into his lap and is in perfect position to take it on. With the right guard momentarily uncovered, he scans inside and helps clean up the twist. It is another great example of offensive linemen staying engaged, understanding the protection rules, and playing with eyes and awareness.