Jefferson ran the option fine until this past game. Just like we shouldn't run Shepard on an option very time he is in the game, we certainly shouldn't make Jefferson one dimensional in the pocket. His sack total would rise at an even higher rate than it already is.
I wouldn't grade it very high, we have not run the option well this year. I don't know if I put it all on the QB. Sometimes the pitch decisions have been poor, but most of the time the pitch man isn't in the right position to make yardage. We haven't had a true option quarterback since Perrilloux.
I think it's worked really well until the UGA game...especially in the first two. That's the only reason KW was getting all the yardage he was getting. And JJ, with exception, seems to know when to keep it himself and when to pitch it. Better to err on the side of caution in the option game. That sh!t's dangerous!
Running the option, whether it works or fails, spreads the defense out. It doesn't allow line backers to blitz or work the middle without standing a chance of getting burned on the outside. Running the option with Shepard doesn't help unless he occasionally throws the ball or hands it off up the middle. Shepard predominately runs to the outside. I do agree Jefferson needs more work on deciding when to pitch or keep, but the option has proved to be very dangerous if used correctly to completely take it out the game plan. Maybe this week LSU can prove its worth.
