Throwing Out of Condensed Sets with South Dakota State

Part 2 on SDSU's condensed sets versus Sacramento State

In Part 1, we looked at how South Dakota State used condensed sets to dominate the run game. But the real value of these formations shows up when they begin layering the pass game on top of them. Condensed formations are not just for running outside zone and pin and pull. They stress coverages, force communication from the defense, and create natural leverage for route runners. SDSU leaned into that against Sacramento State, using tight splits and motion to generate traffic, isolate defenders, and attack space through play action and quick game concepts. This is where spread ideas meet structured violence.

Heavy Bunch Squeeze

On this play, the Jackrabbits used the look for max protection, bunching to the field and then flooding the boundary off play action. It is a smart design that sells the run and creates a layered shot opportunity against zone coverage.