Really HB? I thought it was completely settled when the PSU Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, Quarterback, and Running Back all called it a running play.*
*See quotes and links up-thread
Yes , those words were said. But never was it said that the zone read/RPO formation, which is on film, and movements, which are on film and not disputable as proven by the expert analysis I have now seen on three websites, were instructions to run and ignore both the keep and throw options.
What I take from those comments is they thought that first option, the run option, would specifically be wide open, specifically based on OSUs previous defensive alignment and movements against third down passing situations.
Now, is it possible that McSorley was told to handoff regardless? Yes. But nobody has actually said that.
My original point, that the play was not just a dive or draw, is proven beyond any doubt. They ran the alignment and movements of a zone read with an RPO. It may have been a decoy- we will never know. I highly doubt even that though, as the comments combined with common sense tell me that they just assumed the run would be there big time. I don’t find it credible that the instructions given to McSorley would be to eliminate your other options on purpose.
I find interesting that comments, which are open to tons of interpretation, are being used as evidence to make a point, versus actual film proving the opposite.
Again, just watch the film, or listen to the experts breaking down the film.
Also, it was a running play. That has never been in question. That’s what a zone read is. If the RPO is never triggered, or if that part was nothing more than a decoy, then is was “ intended” to only be a running play.
But if someone says it was a “designed” running play, that is not accurate. You could say it was intended to be a running play, from a play designed to give the qb 3 options.