Beyond the statistical evidence, CPR said in an earlier interview when discussing the QB competition and comparing the QB this week that SJ has trouble making the correct reads on the read option plays. I think the head-scratcher for many is, if this is the case, why does ISU run read option plays for a QB that has trouble making reads? Or, why does ISU not play the QB that is best at making reads if read-option plays have to be run?
For one thing it's the basis of the offense. Also, in a shot gun heavy system the types of plays that you can run are somewhat limited, that why run heavy teams in the gun run a lot of options. I understand your point, and I do think their is something to be said about using less of the zone read and more sweeps, draws, or down hill play out of the pistol.