Montana State’s outside zone run game continues to be one of the most consistent and creative in college football. Last weekend against Idaho State, the Bobcats piled up 384 yards on the ground, and a huge chunk of that came from their OZ package. What stood out wasn’t just the execution. It was the variety. They’re not just running it. They’re dressing it up, sequencing it, and hitting defenses with multiple looks off the same base concept. Here’s a breakdown of a few variations that jumped out on tape.
In this variation, Montana State runs outside zone off jet motion with a bluff block from the off-line tight end. Bluff here means he bypasses the defensive end and climbs to the next most dangerous defender, typically in case the quarterback pulls it. The run pops thanks to the play side tackle, who does a great job getting movement on the end and eventually kicking him out, opening a clean B gap window. The bluff action from the tight end acts like slice motion and causes the linebackers to rock back just enough for the center and guard to get vertical and win their combos. That hesitation creates a crease, and the back doesn’t get touched until the third level.
This next look is a great example of the quarterback reading and pulling off a hard-squeezing defensive end. Two things stand out. First, the backside tackle works flat down the line and moves the 2i with real power before climbing to pick off a linebacker. Second, the bluff blocker shows great discipline. He bypasses both the end and the linebacker, stays patient, and secures the third level defender who poses the biggest threat once the quarterback pulls it.
Here’s an interesting wrinkle off the quarterback pull where Montana State uses the jet motion player as a pitch option. It looks intentional. The motion man glances back and works to stay in pitch relationship, although the execution isn’t perfect. He’s a little too wide and doesn’t quite maintain the right angle, but the design is clear. It adds another layer to defend and puts even more stress on the force player.
In our last example, the Bobcats go back to jet motion but change the picture by having the off-line tight end slice across and take the opposite defensive end. The motion combined with the slice pulls the linebackers out of position again. The boundary receiver does a great job sealing the nearest linebacker, who is the primary threat, and in doing so also draws the corner who is in man coverage. That creates a two-for-one block on the edge and opens up the run for a huge gain.
Like any good run play sequencing, Montana State builds in play action to keep defenses honest. In this example, they use escort motion, making it look like the tight end is going to slice across and block the defensive end. At the last second, he slips past and leaks into the flat. The defense bites on the run fake or quarterback pull, and that creates an easy throw for a touchdown.
Montana State continues to show why they are one of the best outside zone teams in the country. Their ability to build off a base concept using motion, bluff blocks, slice action, and play action off those runs creates constant stress on every level of the defense. These aren’t just wrinkles. They’re calculated tools that create leverage, disrupt run fits, and produce explosive plays. It is a smart, well-designed system that coaches at any level can study and steal from.