Yes, the defense must account for the QB... and when they don't you take the advantage and keep it in the QB's hands.  Your 'theory' is only relevant to the extent of the probability a runner gets injured carrying the ball.  So 98% of the time WTs play call would be the correct call.   99.9% if Herbert decides to go down at first contact like QB's should in early game run situations.  Almost every injury that ball carriers get come from taking on defenders and extending plays.

You are so hung up on one play with so many variables in effect.  Our recruiting is going to be fine, especially when kids see what Leavitt is doing with the defense.

You act like the season is lost.  We have a great chance of making a bowl without our starting QB one year after a 4-8 dumpster fire.  Our defensive stats are making record turnarounds.   I see a whole lot more potential after this season than I did last, and look what Taggart did on the recruiting trail without any improvement on paper