Lack of Option Run
Has anyone else been surprised by the lack of option runs? I know we have other "option" plays, like the read option and the run pass option that Tate scored on against ND, but what about the more classic option with the QB and RB rolling out together? I was expecting to see that some, and thought that last year we just didn't see it because of our lack of running talent at QB. But I really thought that with Tate and Denard we'd start seeing it.
September 20th, 2009 at 9:10 AM ^
I'm no expert, but in my opinion that version of the option run puts the QB in more danger of taking a big hit; as his decision is made (to pitch or keep) at a later moment and often he takes a hit from the DE either way.
The reason to not run this play may be to avoid DEATH by keeping Tate and Lace as healthy as possible.
Or, maybe they're just saving it, as I believe there is much of this offense that has yet to be revealed for the b10 season.
Just my $0.02...
September 20th, 2009 at 9:21 AM ^
as tate and denard get a little stronger and the depth at the position improves its used more frequently. i think it will be used a ton when DG becomes part of the picture
September 20th, 2009 at 9:59 AM ^
Odoms TD (the reverse) looked like it was an option run - you had Shaw rolling out with Tate (and actually calling for the ball) and Odoms coming across the back at the same time.
September 20th, 2009 at 11:27 AM ^
much of the veer/wishbone/flex bone type upback dive read/D-end optioning if that's what you mean by "classic." RR's running attacks have typically put up great numbers without it (at least I don't recall guys like Pat White and Steve Slaton running a lot of this stuff, but I could misremembering, to quote the Rocket). What's the return on investment? Minimal I think, given how much time this requires in practice.
September 20th, 2009 at 11:31 AM ^
I, too, am longing to see the traditional option run. Robinson and Shaw speed coming around the corner is freakin' crazy-scary. But, that sort of play has a much higher risk of turnover (on the pitch). It may be that the traditional option play will be increasingly used as the game experience and play of the QBs progress. I'm sure it is on the horizon, in that part of the offense not yet deployed that R-Rod always refers to. One glimpse (as JediLow states) was during the reverse pitch that went to Odoms for the TD. I watched that play about 50 times just this morning.
Brian, can you maybe do a breakdown of that play for the blocking, lanes, and what other options were present on that play? You know, spell-it-out-for-us kind of thing....
September 20th, 2009 at 11:51 AM ^
I agree. The danger and risk of turnover with an option pitch, even with a freshman QB as poised as Tate, is something they should use with caution.
September 20th, 2009 at 1:07 PM ^
i think we should make sure that tate doesn't get seriously injured by doing it, but with d-robs speed with brown or shaw or even minor rolling out he could pitch it or even take it himself, they could do some damage. Maybe, they are waiting and saving it for a tougher opponent (Penn State) as a sort of element of surprise.
September 20th, 2009 at 1:19 PM ^
At the lack of coherent threads on Mgoboard.
September 20th, 2009 at 3:02 PM ^
for someone with a fat, ugly wife, (and trouble in the bedroom); I'd be a little less critical.
September 20th, 2009 at 2:54 PM ^
I'm not surprised. That's not how Rodriguez got to this point.