I agree with you, Aubie. Hell, starters always start, even in meaningless NFL preseason games. Be it one series or one half, starters always start. That's why disciplinary measures that seem meaningless to the fans---like playing yet not starting a starter--do mean something to players. That being said, Addai playing more than 2-3 drives is pretty stupid, IMO, unless you're hell-bent to have him lead the conference in rushing...not exactly a "team-first" attitude, if indeed this comes into play against Appy St.
There is something else that i think you guys are missing in that these players want to play. Addai is looking at the future and the more yards he gets it helps him maybe improve his draft position. And who doesnt want to pad their stats alittle in games like this. If before he would have come out he broke a few long runs that doesnt hurt the season numbers. I am sure he wants a 1000 yard season and it also keeps him sharp in his timing . There is no substitute for game time . Practice and scrimages is just not the same.
Or previous games like Miami of O, USM, Tulane, Rice, and all of the other slip ups in the past. By starting the game with Addai on the bench I think you're basically telling all of your starters, "take the night off". and that is never a recipe for overwhelming success. Next thing you know, it's the middle of the 4th quarter and the players and coaches are asking themselves, "how'd this happen?'.
I agree 100% but I also think he shouldn't play for long because he has been nicked up. Hopefully the Tigers will put them away earlier than they did last week so we can get more reps to the youngsters and less for the starters.
Yes he will start according to Miles. He is still a little nicked up, so don't expect him to play long, exactly how long will depend on a lot of different factors during the game.