Georgia Tech Football: 5 reasons the option is running on empty

Sep 26, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback

(2) is tackled by Virginia Tech Hokies defensive tackle

(98) on a run in the second half at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Virginia Tech won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

#5 – Big Athletic Defenses Neutralize an Option Attack

Generally you hear people talk about the “speed” of modern defenses, and how the option neutralizes that speed by making fast defender wait on committing until they know who is carrying the ball. While this may be true, bigger and stronger defenses have the ability to completely disrupt the flow of the option.

Offensive lines in the option rely on getting defenders on the ground (hence the use of legal cut-blocking). But defensive linemen have evolved, and getting the strong athletic ones off their feet is quite a task. Once a tackle or end breaks through and gets penetration into the backfield, the quarterback or ball carrier can become a sitting duck.

If you look at Georgia Tech’s success against some of the more athletic defenses in the conference, it’s clear that this notion holds completely true.