The only way to really test unproven returners and receivers is in games; there's really no substitute. And there's no way for them to get game speed experience except by playing, no way to shed the self-consciousness and nervousness, no way to feel included as part of the team, now way to make those inevitable mistakes. Invest now and it will pay later.

So, as long as returners are short in supply, I would suspect that Mackstaff would be wise to run in a few of the younger candidates against Arkansas St., C. Florida and Rice. Sure, Quan may lose of few opportunities against those lesser lights to score if not expand his return average. But there are scenarios where we must have sure-handed, reliable returners: TCU, KState and OU. If you have a scenario where Quan goes down, the back-ups are dinged, and we have to insert untested returners - especially untested freshmen returners - then we're asking for big trouble.

The general rule is that for every great play you get out of a freshman, you will get an equally bad play or penalty, often in a critical situation (see Killebrew, R.). The rule generally works well with any player who has no on-field experience, but upperclassmen with greater training are more immune. And the rule is more valid early in the season than later when few inexperienced players hit the field except in dire circumstances. (Exception, see Killebrew, R.)

Keeping in the theme of "we got a butt load of bullets but where do we shoot them?" that seems to occupying the coaches, the solution would seem to be to play those young kids as much as you can, let them get a big taste of the field, get plenty of film, and to find out more explicitly what works/what doesn't and who is ready to play. You got three out of the four early games to answer questions - but you don't get any real answers unless you test on the field, especially early in the game. You may not get stunning blowouts that look good in the paper, but you will get some future security and depth.

This would do two things (if not a disaster): increase morale and team unity, for just getting on the field validates many things in a young man's heart and mind, and it will muddy up the picture for KState and OU. The Horns have enough flexibility to be a DC's nightmare and that should be not be ignored; make them waste their time while we refine our attack.

Eleven games in successive weeks is a long row to hoe. It was last year, and I'm sure it will be this season, too. Boxing is a better analogy; once you get past 10 rounds of abuse, the final two rounds are extremely dangerous and a KO is never far away. No use having good bullets going to waste on the sideline.