I hear what you're saying but, and I'm not being argumentative, isn't an RPO an 'option' play in much the same way as a true triple option is? Read the dive play and either pass or QB takes off. While there isn't a 3rd option to pitch to, we certainly run enough jet sweeps to bring another potential ballcarrier into the picture. I'm absolutely not saying run the triple option full time - no way. But, instead of the vanilla WC, why not a more varied triple option package of a handful of plays? Surely it couldn't be that much more difficult to learn than the WC and it would have to be harder to stop than a direct snap, up the middle play. If there is something I'm missing that's more technical, please inform me as I truly don't know how the blocking schemes would have to change but I'm only guessing that it's not much different than an RPO play.
Thanks.
The base triple option is a run all the way play. The QB either gives to the dive back or keeps himself or pitches. It takes time to learn the reads and ball handling.
The RPO is really a clever option variation of a play action pass; you simply "add" the option of actually giving the ball rather than simply faking the handoff.
The key to the RPO is the OLs basically run block and the QB must make a very quick read and get the ball out very quickly. Otherwise it may well be "illegal downfield". BUT the defense reads the blocking as a run play and reacts accordingly.
The play concept takes advantage of the fact, in college ball, OLs are allowed to go 3 yards downfield before being illegal. By and large, refs are "reluctant" to make the call unless the OL is 5 yards or so downfield. In the NFL the rule is 1 yard beyond the LOS. FWIW, it would not surprise me to see the college rule tightened up.
There are basically 2 ways to run the play, both from a shotgun set with an offset RB.
In the first approach you put 2 or 3 WR on the RB side of the formation. You run the basic backside read so if the QB keeps he is running toward the WRs, one of which does nothing more than a very short hitch. The QB has the option to keep it if the DE has crashed down or sealed off by the OT or throw to the hitch receiver (this is essentially a bubble screen throw to the opposite side of the RB flow).
The other way takes advantage of the defense reading run. Lets say same set with twins on the RB side. We block it like a give to the RB, maybe even pulling a backside OL. That action, especially a backside pull should move the LBs at least a few steps to that side and open up the short slant to the #2 WR on the backside. Furthermore, it basically keeps all of the OLs blocking down or along the LOS minimizing the illegal downfield possibility. If nobody moves with the handoff action you give it up since that is really the play you are really blocking. Again, very quick read/release by QB. You could also create a defensive move with JET motion. This way is not really a QB run option; it is give or throw. If he keeps it is a scramble more than a designed run.
Regarding UK's use of the Wildcat set...
This is stuff (i.e., RPO, basic zone read stuff, etc.) that you can teach your QB to do but, IMHO, it is asking
A LOT of a full time RB who moves to QB in the Wildcat set. The Cats could probably do some "QB stuff" with Bowden in the Wildcat, not so much Snell. FWIW, I think most guys on any team that step into Wildcat roles are "keep first" guys.
Some say UK uses the Wildcat too much. IDK. But UK average only 66 snaps/game. Has anyone ever counted up how many are Wildcat snaps?
Peace