[Goose]

Meanwhile, Costello hasn't posted a PER lower than 130 in his 3 games. His worst game was against Rice! I just don't know what could possibly be making Shaw do this except a boneheaded commitment to a complex playbook.

How about the idea that Costello's success is mostly due to poor opposing defenses, and that Utah's more capable and complex defense will not be susceptible to the limited playbook available to him? I don't think that concept is necessarily boneheaded. One  might ask why Costello's limitations are so large, but that is another issue. If Chryst can execute, he may be a better choice. Now, I personally doubt that Chryst can execute, but we shall see.
It is also quite possible that Shaw fully expects Costello to play most of the game. This whole thing could be a Schauspiel. However, I don't think so. I think Shaw really believes Chryst brings something to the party that Costello doesn't.

[Goose]

Meanwhile, Costello hasn't posted a PER lower than 130 in his 3 games. His worst game was against Rice! I just don't know what could possibly be making Shaw do this except a boneheaded commitment to a complex playbook.

How about the idea that Costello's success is mostly due to poor opposing defenses, and that Utah's more capable and complex defense will not be susceptible to the limited playbook available to him? I don't think that concept is necessarily boneheaded. One  might ask why Costello's limitations are so large, but that is another issue. If Chryst can execute, he may be a better choice. Now, I personally doubt that Chryst can execute, but we shall see.
It is also quite possible that Shaw fully expects Costello to play most of the game. This whole thing could be a Schauspiel. However, I don't think so. I think Shaw really believes Chryst brings something to the party that Costello doesn't.