[SF_Cardinal_Fan]

[quote author=SF_Cardinal_Fan link=topic=17413.msg201234#msg201234 date=1505686870]
I am new this season to watching Stanford football.
What playing opportunities has Costello had that would give spectators (or the coaching staff) to evaluate his current quarterbacking skills ?

Well, the coaches have tons of practice time. Costello also played in the spring scrimmage and the two open fall practices (I think). He also played a bit aginst Rice.

I ask because if in fact Costello has not had college game experience, then what is to lose by giving him some playing time ?

Well, it we were in a really tight race for a championship, his inexperience might cause us to lose a game we would otherwise win. This is especially an issue if the coaches know he has certain problems that we fans either haven't recognized or haven't seen. If we are not competing for a championship, the bar is probably lower. We shall see.
[/quote]

Yes, I understand about Costello's practice reps and, or, his appearance in a one sided win against Rice.
But, those reps do not reveal a QB's skills as would real game time play.
I may be misinterpreting other people's posts , but there does not seem to be a consensus (here at this forum) that Chryst's play during his 9 games at starting QB has been outstanding.
So, if Chyst's playing performance has been only mediocre, it may be worth the risk to give Costello some playing time and see what he can do.
Furthermore, having the opportunity to now evaluate Costello's play may be useful a year from now, when highly regarded recruit QB Mills will likely be part of the "Stanford's starting QB" conversation.

[SF_Cardinal_Fan]

[quote author=SF_Cardinal_Fan link=topic=17413.msg201234#msg201234 date=1505686870]
I am new this season to watching Stanford football.
What playing opportunities has Costello had that would give spectators (or the coaching staff) to evaluate his current quarterbacking skills ?

Well, the coaches have tons of practice time. Costello also played in the spring scrimmage and the two open fall practices (I think). He also played a bit aginst Rice.

I ask because if in fact Costello has not had college game experience, then what is to lose by giving him some playing time ?

Well, it we were in a really tight race for a championship, his inexperience might cause us to lose a game we would otherwise win. This is especially an issue if the coaches know he has certain problems that we fans either haven't recognized or haven't seen. If we are not competing for a championship, the bar is probably lower. We shall see.
[/quote]

Yes, I understand about Costello's practice reps and, or, his appearance in a one sided win against Rice.
But, those reps do not reveal a QB's skills as would real game time play.
I may be misinterpreting other people's posts , but there does not seem to be a consensus (here at this forum) that Chryst's play during his 9 games at starting QB has been outstanding.
So, if Chyst's playing performance has been only mediocre, it may be worth the risk to give Costello some playing time and see what he can do.
Furthermore, having the opportunity to now evaluate Costello's play may be useful a year from now, when highly regarded recruit QB Mills will likely be part of the "Stanford's starting QB" conversation.