Jan. '23 Blitz of the Month - San Diego State's Torch Stunt

San Diego State's TORCH stunt

Though technically not a blitz, the TORCH stunt is a great way to apply passive pressure on an offense. Regardless of zone or gap based, the Troch stunt can be a valuable tool against any offense. Unfortunately, the concept makes the Center wrong, and it is usually run from a four-down front. Below is a diagram depicting both base movements: NOT/TON.

Torch uses the offenses blocking against it. The interior defensive lineman (iDL) away from the Center’s block will work to close the opposite A-gap. The iDL to the face of the Center will loop into the opposite A-gap creating a twist stunt inside. The objective is to waste the interior blocks and allow the ILBs to fit off the RB. The stunt is even helpful on passing downs.

Most teams that utilize a Torch stunt do so from a Jet Front (below). A Jet alignment places the two iDL as 3 techs. The width is designed to “float” the Center and force him to work in a specific direction. On the snap, both iDL work to face their Guards or get head-up with their eyes to the Center. If the Center works his way, they will cross-face into the opposite A-gap. If they get the butt of the Center, the iDL will work to close the A-gaps. Same process as the run fit, but versus a pass set.

Against San Jose State, which features a zone-centric Spread attack, the Aztecs utilized what I refer to as a NIC Front. In Nic, the defense will align with both iDL in 2i’s. The presentation places both defenders on the Center and forces him to choose. Unlike a Jet Front that uses width to float the Center, the Nic front causes the use (below).

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