winning games, conference championships and play-off berths provide greater long term benefit to the program than starting a young player when you don't need to. I don't understand how anyone thinks that Dwayne Haskins could possibly win more games or make more clutch plays in tight games than a fifth year senior who is the most decorated QB in Ohio State history, but I do think he could perform adequately if JT got hurt. he is ready. Penn State has not faced a defense near as good as ours, and their defense is still suspect in my mind. they are in trouble in two weeks when they come here.
better play calling and execution (on offense) has put players in better positions to make plays, and that has been the biggest improvement I've seen, the level of the competition notwithstanding. confidence is confidence, how you get it is less important than really having it, and the entire team is playing with confidence.