[fullmetal]

Someone please convince me why this makes sense...

Play Walker Little at RT against Rice with first unit.
Play him as an extra OL against U$C.
Start him at LT against SDSU.

More specifically, please convince me how this was a better decision than:

Start Walker Little at LT against Rice.
Start him at LT against U$C.
Start him at LT against SDSU.

It's very possible that Shaw didn't think Little had "earned it in practice."  I do think Little and Sarell are destined for greatness, but that doesn't necessarily mean Shaw has to throw them into the fire right away.  (I personally agree with you; the kids should have been seasoned against Rice and given meaningful reps against the toejamz.)

[fullmetal]

Someone please convince me why this makes sense...

Play Walker Little at RT against Rice with first unit.
Play him as an extra OL against U$C.
Start him at LT against SDSU.

More specifically, please convince me how this was a better decision than:

Start Walker Little at LT against Rice.
Start him at LT against U$C.
Start him at LT against SDSU.

It's very possible that Shaw didn't think Little had "earned it in practice."  I do think Little and Sarell are destined for greatness, but that doesn't necessarily mean Shaw has to throw them into the fire right away.  (I personally agree with you; the kids should have been seasoned against Rice and given meaningful reps against the toejamz.)