An option play is called an option play because it gives a defensive player the "option" to tackle one of two offensive players, the quarterback and running back. But, if the defender decides to tackle the quarterback (who initially has the ball) the quarterback will pitch the ball to the running back.

Conversely, if the defender commits to the running back, the quarterback will keep the ball and run with it.

Teams run variations of the option, and one of the changes that teams make is that they select different defensive players to "option" for different formations.

In Harvard's case, this means that sometimes the option runs well and sometimes it runs badly.

When the Crimson run the option to the weak side, away from the tight end, they elect to option the defensive end. This is a poor tactic.

Understanding why the option is bad requires looking at it from the perspective of the defensive end. Normally, the defensive end lines up just to the outside of the offensive tackle and inside the tight end.

But, since Harvard is running the option away from the tight end, no one is lined up outside of this defensive end.

As the ball is snapped, the defensive end is unblocked, as he is the player being "optioned."