The option play is a staple of the college football offense. It is a running play that gives the quarterback the option to hand the ball off to the running back or keep it himself and run. The option play is designed to keep the defense guessing and create big plays.
There are many different variations of the option play, but the most common is the triple option. The triple option is run with three running backs. The quarterback lines up in the shotgun formation and takes the snap. He then has the option to hand the ball off to the running back in the backfield, pitch the ball to the running back who is running wide, or keep the ball himself and run.
