A Run-Pass Option (RPO) pass in college football involves the quarterback making a pre-snap or post-snap read on a defender to decide whether to hand off the ball to a running back or throw a pass. This is a fundamental question for any offensive coordinator or quarterback looking to leverage modern offensive strategies.
College football offenses have evolved dramatically, and the Run-Pass Option (RPO) has become a cornerstone of many successful schemes. Mastering the RPO pass isn’t just about calling the right play; it’s about intricate offensive line blocking schemes, precise quarterback reads, and strategic defensive adjustments that offenses must anticipate. Let’s dive deep into the world of RPOs and explore how to excel in this dynamic area of the game.
The Core Components of RPO Success
At its heart, an RPO is designed to create a numbers advantage for the offense by forcing a defender to commit to either the run or the pass. If the defender bites on the run, the quarterback pulls the ball and throws. If the defender stays back for the pass, the quarterback hands off to the running back. This simple concept, however, is built upon several critical elements.
Deciphering RPO College Football Schemes
RPO college football schemes come in various flavors, each designed to stress specific defensive principles. The goal is to isolate a defender responsible for defending both the run and the pass.
- The Basic Slant/Bubble RPO: This is a foundational RPO. The offense runs a conventional inside or outside zone play. The quarterback reads an unblocked defensive end or outside linebacker. If that defender crashes down on the run, the quarterback pulls the ball and throws a quick slant or bubble screen to a receiver or slot receiver.
- Blocking: The offensive line typically blocks the run play. The linemen on the play-side of the run are responsible for blocking defensive linemen. The backside offensive tackle might be tasked with a “reach” block or to seal the backside, depending on the specific play call.
- Quarterback Read: The quarterback’s primary read is the outermost defender on the side of the run.
- The Stick/Flat RPO: In this scheme, the offense runs a traditional handoff. The quarterback reads a linebacker or a nickelback who is responsible for the flat area. If this defender aggressively attacks the line of scrimmage to stop the run, the quarterback throws a quick pass to the flat.
- Blocking: Offensive linemen block the run. The key is that they don’t block the defender the quarterback is reading.
- Quarterback Read: The read is typically a linebacker or a safety aligned over a slot receiver or in the hook/curl zone.
- The Hitch/Out RPO: This variation involves a run play with a pass option that attacks the intermediate or sideline area. The quarterback reads a defender responsible for this specific zone.
- Blocking: Standard run blocking.
- Quarterback Read: The read is often a defender in the alley or a cornerback playing man coverage who is expected to support the run.
The Art of RPO Play Calling
Effective RPO play calling requires a deep understanding of defensive tendencies and a willingness to adapt. It’s not enough to simply run the same RPO repeatedly.
- Exploiting Defensive Weaknesses: Analyze opponent film to identify defensive players who are consistently late to react, over-aggressive, or out of position. Target these players with your RPO reads.
- Creating Uncertainty: Call RPOs against various defensive fronts and coverages. This forces defenders to hesitate and makes their reactions more predictable.
- Situational Awareness: RPOs are particularly effective in short-yardage situations, on third downs, and against defenses that favor aggressive run support.
- Combining RPOs: Introduce multiple RPOs within a game plan. This keeps defenses guessing and prevents them from honing in on a single read. For instance, you might run a slant RPO against an aggressive defensive end and a flat RPO against an over-pursuing linebacker on consecutive plays.
RPO Blocking Schemes: The Foundation of Deception
The offensive line’s role in RPOs is crucial. They must effectively block for the run while deliberately leaving a defender unblocked for the quarterback’s read. This is where specific RPO blocking schemes come into play.
- Zone Blocking: Most RPOs are built off zone blocking schemes. This allows the offensive line to move as a unit, creating natural seams and allowing them to account for interior defenders.
- Playside Zone: Linemen block down on defensive linemen, creating a wall.
- Backside Zone: Linemen execute reach blocks or pin blocks to seal off defenders on the back side, preventing them from getting upfield.
- “Clear” or “Ghost” Blocking: This is a technique where certain offensive linemen intentionally do not block the defender the quarterback is reading. This is vital for the RPO’s success. For example, on a slant RPO read by the defensive end, the offensive tackle on that side will execute a reach block or a “ghost” block, meaning he doesn’t actively engage the defender but positions himself to potentially cut him off if he penetrates.
- Keying the Defender: Offensive linemen must be coached on which defender they aren’t blocking. This communication is paramount. A center might yell “Read man!” to alert the tackle that the defensive end on his side is the read key.
RPO Read Progression: The Quarterback’s Decision Tree
The quarterback is the conductor of the RPO orchestra. Their ability to quickly and accurately process information and make the right decision is key to maximizing RPO advantages.
- Pre-Snap Reads: Quarterbacks can gain valuable information before the snap.
- Alignment: Observing defensive backs and linebackers for any indicator of their responsibility. Are they stacked, showing run support, or shaded to cover a specific route?
- Formation: How does the defense align relative to offensive formations?
- Post-Snap Reads: This is where the real decision-making happens.
- The “Hat” Count: A simplified way for quarterbacks to assess the numbers. How many defenders are outnumbering offensive blockers in the box?
- Defender’s Reaction: The quarterback watches the defender they are reading.
- Run Commitment: If the defender aggressively attacks the line of scrimmage or shows strong run-stopping posture, the quarterback pulls the ball and throws.
- Pass Commitment: If the defender stays put or backpedals, showing pass coverage intent, the quarterback hands off.
- Reading the Defender’s “Shoulder”: Often, the quarterback looks at the defender’s shoulders. If the defender’s shoulders are square and they are attacking downhill, it signals a run read. If their shoulders are turned to the sideline or they are backpedaling, it signals a pass read.
RPO Advantages: Why They Work
The RPO has become so prevalent because it offers significant advantages when executed correctly.
- Puts Defenders in Conflict: The primary RPO advantage is forcing defenders to make impossible choices. They can’t simultaneously defend the run and the pass effectively.
- Simplifies Reads for the QB: By reading one or two specific defenders, the RPO simplifies the quarterback’s decision-making process compared to complex full-field reads.
- Creates Explosive Plays: A well-executed RPO can turn a routine run into a big gain if the defense bites on the run action, or a short pass into a touchdown if the defense is caught out of position.
- Utilizes Athleticism: It leverages the athleticism of both the quarterback and skill position players.
- Forces Defensive Adjustments: Defenses must alter their alignments and play calls to account for the RPO threat, opening up other offensive opportunities.
- Effective Against Aggressive Defenses: RPOs thrive against defenses that are designed to stop the run aggressively.
RPO Disadvantages: The Risks Involved
While powerful, RPOs are not without their drawbacks. Awareness of RPO disadvantages is crucial for balanced offensive planning.
- Misreads and Turnovers: The biggest risk is a quarterback misreading the defender, leading to a turnover (fumble on a handoff or interception on a pass).
- Inconsistent Blocking: If the offensive line’s blocking schemes aren’t executed perfectly, the run play can be stuffed, and the pass can be disrupted.
- Defensive Adjustments Can Neutralize: Sophisticated defenses can develop strategies to limit RPO effectiveness, such as defenders “keying” the offensive line instead of the ball carrier or defender.
- Vulnerability to Specific Blitzes: Certain blitzes, especially from the read defender’s side, can put the offense at a disadvantage.
- Patience Required: RPOs often require a certain level of patience from the quarterback. If they pull the ball too early or too late, the play can be blown up.
RPO Offensive Line Technique: The Nuances of Blocking
The offensive line’s technique is foundational to RPO success. It’s not just about blocking; it’s about how they block.
- Playside Linemen: These linemen execute their zone blocking assignments as they would on a standard run play. Their goal is to create a running lane and seal off interior defenders.
- Backside Linemen: The backside tackle is often the most critical lineman in an RPO. On a play where the read is the defensive end, the backside tackle might:
- Reach Block: Securely block the defensive end from the inside out.
- Cut Off: Block the nearest defender inside the read key to prevent them from pursuing the ball carrier if the handoff occurs.
- “Ghost” Block: Position themselves to cut off any defender who might try to loop around or pursue from the backside. This requires a delicate balance of staying engaged without committing fully, allowing the QB to see the read defender’s commitment.
- Alignment Adjustments: Coaches might subtly adjust the offensive line’s stance or alignment based on the RPO they are running and the defender being read. For example, a slightly wider split for the offensive tackle might give the quarterback a better view of the defensive end.
RPO Quarterback Reads: Mastering the Decision
The quarterback’s ability to read the correct defender at the right time is the linchpin of the RPO.
- The “Read Key” Defender: This is the defender the quarterback is taught to focus on. It’s usually an unblocked defensive end, outside linebacker, or an inside linebacker responsible for the flat.
- Eye Discipline: The quarterback must keep their eyes locked on the read key, not the running back or the receiver running the route.
- Timing the Pull/Throw: The decision to pull the ball or hand it off must be decisive and timed perfectly with the action of the read key defender.
- Pulling: If the defender attacks the run, the quarterback pulls the ball decisively.
- Throwing: If the defender stays put or moves to cover the pass threat, the quarterback’s eyes go directly to the receiver and they throw.
- Simultaneous Reads: Some RPOs involve reading two defenders. For instance, a quarterback might read a defensive end for a run/slant option and a linebacker for a run/flat option. This is more advanced and requires exceptional processing speed.
RPO Defensive Adjustments: Countering the Threat
As RPOs have become more prevalent, defenses have had to develop specific strategies to combat them. Knowing these adjustments helps offenses anticipate and exploit them.
- “Spying” the Quarterback: Defenders might be tasked with watching the quarterback’s eyes or the backfield action to anticipate the RPO.
- “Pass Key” or “Run Key”: Defensive players are coached to key the offensive line or the ball carrier, ignoring the passing action until the ball is thrown.
- Zone Coverage Adjustments: Safeties and cornerbacks might adjust their depth or alignment to provide better support against the pass routes that accompany RPOs.
- Blitzing the Read Key: A common tactic is to send a blitz from the side of the RPO’s read key defender. This forces a quick decision from the quarterback and can disrupt the play before it develops.
- “Zone Blitzes” and “Stunts”: Defensive linemen might execute stunts where they rush inside or outside, aiming to occupy offensive linemen and disrupt the blocking scheme, even if they aren’t the primary read.
- Man Coverage with Help: Defenses might play man coverage on the slot receivers or tight ends who run the RPO routes, with safeties providing high-low help.
RPO Game Planning: Integrating RPOs into the Offense
Successful RPO implementation is not a standalone strategy; it must be woven into the fabric of the entire offensive game plan.
- Building from Base Plays: RPOs are often built off of proven run plays. Coaches identify run plays that are already effective and then add the pass option.
- Complementary Plays: Use RPOs to set up other offensive plays and vice versa. For instance, a successful run play can make defenses more susceptible to a run fake in an RPO.
- Personnel Usage: Design RPOs that utilize the strengths of your quarterback, running backs, receivers, and offensive linemen. A mobile quarterback can be a significant advantage in RPO execution.
- Practice and Repetition: RPOs require extensive practice. Quarterbacks need to develop muscle memory for their reads, and the offensive line needs to perfect their blocking assignments.
- Situational Calling: Knowing when to call an RPO is as important as knowing how to run it. Consider down and distance, field position, and the opponent’s defensive tendencies.
- Identifying the “Hot” RPO: Teams will often have one or two RPOs that are particularly effective against a specific opponent and will lean on those throughout the game.
The Evolution of RPO Reads
The sophistication of RPOs continues to grow, leading to more complex read progressions and variations.
- Reading the Defender’s Hip: Instead of just the defender’s overall body language, quarterbacks are coached to read the hip of the defender they are reading. If the defender’s hips turn with the run, it’s a pass. If the hips stay square or turn with the receiver, it’s a handoff.
- Reading the Defender’s Triangle: Some coaches teach reading the “triangle” formed by the defender’s feet and helmet. If the triangle moves downhill, the quarterback throws. If it stays in place or moves backward, the quarterback hands off.
- Multiple Defenders: As mentioned, some RPOs involve reading multiple defenders. For example, an offense might run a power scheme with a bubble screen option. The quarterback reads the defensive end for the handoff/bubble decision, and the offensive line blocks power, creating a situation where if the read defender chases the ball carrier, the bubble screen is open.
- The “Rhythm” of the RPO: It’s about the timing between the snap, the mesh point with the running back, and the read defender’s reaction. Everything needs to happen in a smooth, coordinated rhythm.
Key Principles for RPO Mastery
To truly master the RPO pass in college football, focus on these core principles:
- Simplicity for the QB: While the overall scheme can be complex, the quarterback’s individual read must be clear and consistent.
- Offensive Line Discipline: The O-line must execute their blocks with precision, especially the backside blocks that seal off pursuit.
- Receiver Discipline: Receivers running the routes must run them with conviction, even if the quarterback doesn’t throw the ball. A fake block by a receiver can also be a part of a complex RPO.
- Defensive Tendency Analysis: Constant film study is required to identify how opponents react to RPOs and to anticipate their adjustments.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: RPOs are not a quick fix. They require consistent repetition to build the necessary timing and execution.
FAQ: Common Questions About RPO Passes
Q1: What is the most important element of a successful RPO?
A1: The most critical element is the quarterback’s ability to correctly read the designated defender and make a decisive, accurate decision in a fraction of a second.
Q2: Can any offense effectively run RPOs?
A2: While any offense can theoretically run RPOs, they are most effective with athletic quarterbacks who are good decision-makers and an offensive line capable of executing zone-blocking schemes.
Q3: How do defenses try to stop RPOs?
A3: Defenses try to stop RPOs by “keying” the offensive line or the ball carrier, playing disciplined zone coverage, spying the quarterback, or blitzing the defender responsible for the RPO read.
Q4: What’s the difference between an RPO and a play-action pass?
A4: A play-action pass involves a fake handoff to get linebackers and safeties to step up against the run, opening up passing lanes behind them. An RPO gives the quarterback the option to hand off, pass, or even keep the ball based on a specific defender’s reaction. The decision in an RPO is directly tied to a defender’s action in real-time.
Q5: Is it always the defensive end or outside linebacker that the QB reads?
A5: No, the read key can vary. It can be a defensive end, an outside linebacker, an inside linebacker responsible for a specific zone (like the flat), or even a defensive back in certain schemes. The key is that the defender is responsible for both stopping the run and covering the potential pass threat.
Mastering the RPO pass in college football is a journey that requires a comprehensive approach, from meticulous RPO game planning to the minute details of RPO offensive line technique. By focusing on the quarterback’s reads, understanding the nuances of RPO play calling, and anticipating defensive adjustments, offenses can unlock the significant RPO advantages this dynamic play concept offers. It’s a strategy that, when executed with precision and intelligence, can unlock explosive potential and keep opposing defenses on their heels.