I've read several comments (here and elsewhere) that this particular play (the pick 6 TK threw to KSU) was a "Bad/Horrible" play-call by Heupel. I just want to set the record straight: IT WAS NOT A BAD PLAY CALL. It was bad execution.
First, let's look at the play called:
It's a QB run/pass read option play. Trevor has three options on this play:
1. Keep the ball - This would be the last option on the play, depending on what he reads.
2. Hand the ball off - This would be his second option, based on what he's reading after the snap.
3. Throw the ball - Even though I listed it as his 3rd option, it's equivalent to his first/second option, again, all based on what he's reading.
On the play in question, TK reads pass pre-snap based on how the defense is aligned. He still has the option to read run, but it's a split second read right after the snap. It appears he had made the pre-snap read and decided to throw. I don't know if that was the correct read, but the execution was the error.
If the KSU safety stays high and the CB plays soft, the throw would have gone for 5 yards and we'd be looking at 2nd and 5 from about the 5. If the safety stays inside and the CB misplays the route, it's a 99 yard TD and we're all happy. Neither of those things happened. The safety looks inside (thinking run), and the CB jumps the route immediately. Before the ball is out of TK's hand, the CB is on the route. Since TK made the decision to go to Neal (and it appears he made that decision pre-snap, based on where the CB was aligned), it was over before it started. The CB played very aggressive and was rewarded with a pick 6.
Had TK taken a second to progress through his reads, he would have seen the CB jump and either run the ball himself, hit Neal (on the out and up) for a long TD or hit Shepard for an easy out. TK knew he made a mistake the second he released the ball. He just has to learn not to throw that ball in that situation.
Now, onto the play call:
First, simply calling a 5 yard out is not a "bad" play call from the end zone. Most corners are going to play soft in that situation (just as the corner opposite did on that play). Regardless, the play gives TK the option to pass OR run (either himself or the RB). The fact that we've had success with that same play call this year (including that game) makes it a logical call.
This particular call was not a "Bad/Horrible" play call. If you want to see a bad play call from that game, it was the Neal reverse pass. Not this one.