 If the linebacker/defensive back takes the quarterback, the quarterback will pitch the ball to his running back who is running in formation with the quarterback.A 2009 NCAA rule change that allowed linemen to block three yards downfield on a pass (as opposed to one yard in the NFL) opened the college game to the run-pass option and continues to be vigorously debated.By "destroy[ing] the ages-old division between passing plays and running plays" the RPO changes offense, defense and officiating roles.