[Mick]

I think that we didn't see Costello (assuming there is no injury/other reason) because Shaw was quite aware that if he pulled Chryst, it was going to be real hard to trot him out as the starter against WSU. In the previous games that Costello got a few series, it was clear that that was the plan. It wasn't because Chryst was playing poorly. When we didn't see Costello in the first half, that pretty much took away the "planned few series" option. At that point, if he did come in it was to replace Chryst because Chryst frankly stunk (or worse). At that point, I would argue, Chryst would become Ryan Burns II. If Costello wins the game he would have to be the new starter. No other action would be credible with the players (or the fans, if that matters). Shaw really didn't want to do that, because he apparently is convinced that Chryst is a better choice. Why, I don't know.
Last night, the offense had lots of problems. When things aren't going well, you want your starting QB to rise to the challenge. I think it is fair to say, at this point, that Chryst gets worse when challenged, not better. As I have said previously, Chryst has "ownage" on Oregon, and he knows it. He played great against them, because he really didn't need to. However, when he needs to step up, it seems he goes the opposite direction. This isn't a "one time" event any more. SDSU was similar. It seems unlikely to get better.
To be honest, I am not sure Costello would have been any better. We didn't get to find out. If everything goes according to "plan" against WSU, Chryst will be fine. If the receiver that is supposed to be open is open, Chryst can usually complete the pass, if he isn't already rattled. After the first 3rd and 8, or the first bad play, we could be in trouble.

With respect, I think it's the exact opposite.  I think Stanford's offense was playing so poorly as a team, Shaw may have felt that Costello wouldn't have been enough to overcome the poor play of the other 10.  The blocking was bad, the routes were poor, the slowness of our running backs was incomprehensible -- although IMHO, the RBs were trying to echo Bryce Love's style without his talent.  This was a hot messy mess all the way around.  If Shaw puts in Costello, and they lose to OSU when the other ten are having their worst game of the year, then it's difficult for Shaw to put him back in later.

I think the odds of seeing Costello as the starter against Washington, Washington State, C.a.l, ND are stratospherically high right now.

[Mick]

I think that we didn't see Costello (assuming there is no injury/other reason) because Shaw was quite aware that if he pulled Chryst, it was going to be real hard to trot him out as the starter against WSU. In the previous games that Costello got a few series, it was clear that that was the plan. It wasn't because Chryst was playing poorly. When we didn't see Costello in the first half, that pretty much took away the "planned few series" option. At that point, if he did come in it was to replace Chryst because Chryst frankly stunk (or worse). At that point, I would argue, Chryst would become Ryan Burns II. If Costello wins the game he would have to be the new starter. No other action would be credible with the players (or the fans, if that matters). Shaw really didn't want to do that, because he apparently is convinced that Chryst is a better choice. Why, I don't know.
Last night, the offense had lots of problems. When things aren't going well, you want your starting QB to rise to the challenge. I think it is fair to say, at this point, that Chryst gets worse when challenged, not better. As I have said previously, Chryst has "ownage" on Oregon, and he knows it. He played great against them, because he really didn't need to. However, when he needs to step up, it seems he goes the opposite direction. This isn't a "one time" event any more. SDSU was similar. It seems unlikely to get better.
To be honest, I am not sure Costello would have been any better. We didn't get to find out. If everything goes according to "plan" against WSU, Chryst will be fine. If the receiver that is supposed to be open is open, Chryst can usually complete the pass, if he isn't already rattled. After the first 3rd and 8, or the first bad play, we could be in trouble.

With respect, I think it's the exact opposite.  I think Stanford's offense was playing so poorly as a team, Shaw may have felt that Costello wouldn't have been enough to overcome the poor play of the other 10.  The blocking was bad, the routes were poor, the slowness of our running backs was incomprehensible -- although IMHO, the RBs were trying to echo Bryce Love's style without his talent.  This was a hot messy mess all the way around.  If Shaw puts in Costello, and they lose to OSU when the other ten are having their worst game of the year, then it's difficult for Shaw to put him back in later.

I think the odds of seeing Costello as the starter against Washington, Washington State, C.a.l, ND are stratospherically high right now.