Defense

What is Sack in college football?

In college football, Sack means: A tackle of the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage on a passing play. Sacks create negative yardage, disrupt drives, and can affect field position and turnover chances.

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Quick Answer

In college football, Sack means: A tackle of the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage on a passing play. Sacks create negative yardage, disrupt drives, and can affect field position and turnover chances.

Definition

A sack occurs when the defense tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage during a passing play.

Why It Matters

Sacks create negative yardage, disrupt drives, and can affect field position and turnover chances.

How CFB Track Uses It

CFBTrack uses Sack context to connect glossary definitions with the stats, schedules, teams, players, and rankings that use the term.

Related Glossary Terms

Sack RateThe percentage of passing dropbacks that result in sacks.Pressure RateThe percentage of opponent dropbacks where the defense pressures the quarterback.Tackle for LossA tackle that stops the offense behind the line of scrimmage.3-4 DefenseA defense with three defensive linemen and four linebackers.4-3 DefenseA defense with four defensive linemen and three linebackers.A-GapThe gap between the center and guard.

Last reviewed 2026-04-24