re: Gordy Rush let cat out of bag and it's no surprise knowing Miles

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How in the world can you compare a 5th year senior with 6 starts and a lot of playing time outside of that to a player that started 1 game and had a few snaps outside of that?

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Not really comparing based on PT, but on ability. I'd venture to say that Jennings and Harris are far closer in ability than Russell and Randall were. No?

Keep in mind, in 2003 before we all knew how well Mauck had healed from his foot injury in 2002 against UF, many believed Russell had a shot to play in front of a VERY mediocre Marcus Randall even as a true freshman. When Mauck came back and it was obvious that he foot was ok and the lack of mobility had forced him to become a b etter passer, Russell was able to RS.

But by 2004, it's not exactly crazy to think Russell was the far better option than Randall. Hell...it's literally the same argument many are making here for why LSU ought to just go with Harris and take whatever lumps come while going with the guy with the higher ceiling and longer future. That was even truer in 2004. Russell came out and played outstanding ball against OSU and it was clear he was the better player...but Saban went safe and kept Randall as the defacto starter and safety valve.

I get what you're saying...that the difference in experience closes the gap in regards to ability. I disagree. Russell was better than Randall in a much larger margin than Jennings is more experienced than Harris.

Even so, I completely understand why Miles would be starting Jennings. It's the safe bet, and how many football coaches don't go with the safe bet?