The N.C.A.A.— “an open field block against an opponent that is initiated from outside the opponent's field of vision, or otherwise in such a manner that the opponent cannot reasonably defend himself against the block”

Was watching Northwestern victory today and the QB scrambled out of the pocket with a rusher in pursuit and a lineman pealed back and bumped the rusher away from the ability to tackle the QB. It was ruled a blindside block and clearly the rusher didn't have a chance to defend himself even though it wasn't a very hard hit.

My question is, why is this a penalty? A receiver catching a ball or a running back is often hit with tremendous force without seeing the tackler. It is still considered a sack when the left tackle missed the block and the up-field looking QB gets decapitated by the defensive end. So why is it not merely FOOTBALL when a player takes a good clean shot when in the action of a play?

Or does it simply mean offensive players are studs and must take the shots while defensive players needing blindside protection are not studs?

A person being blocked has to have the opportunity to brace for or defend themselves, therefore the block must come from within the field of vision. Runners are legal to hit as long as not in violation of 9-1-3 and 9-1-4 and are expecting contact. Receivers do have protections until they become runners. IMO, it’s a great rule.

And Blindside blocks is NOT just an offensive rule, you can and do have them on the defense.

There used to be a video of Tyler Futrell delivering a devastating block on an EMU linebacker to spring Tyler Tettleton for a big run.

Would that block now be illegal?

Yes