The key thing you say is, "if all else is equal".
Yes, then philosophy comes in. Even then, "experience" is pretty much the default philosophy across sports. And yes, KF has gotten a ton of mileage out of leadership and experience and trust over the years. Not only do coaches prefer to trust the guys on the field, but again more importantly, the players must completely trust their teammates.
Certainty, the fan narrative remains completely unfounded, though. Simply, fans can never know for sure. And coaches can almost always know for sure. Fans are not in the building every day. Truly, the baseline behavior of fans is silly.
But when someone else becomes the best man for the job, he'll be on the field. So that's usually a good problem to have, as usually it's a matter of the underclassman having developed to the point where he is ready, rather than the incumbent not being any good, and falling off.
I saw quality play from Monty last year, so believe it to be a good problem for Iowa. Seems to have high instincts and diagnosis. Is tough. And an intelligent communicator on the field.
No, Jayden doesn't have an upside, athletically. And the underclassmen do. So we'll see.
It's understable, as a fan, to hope the more talented guys are able to realize their upside on the field.
But again, the narrative that fans turn it into, is beyond laughable. Not only are they completely uninformed, but all things point to a likelihood that Iowa's staff has been getting it right. In fact, I think it can be said, that Iowa has uniquely put players in the right positions, at the right time, over the decades. It's actually something Iowa has had a good feel for. But fans will be fans.
It should also be said, that who would even play over Monty, isn't clear. Yes, I believe there's plenty of talent in the room. And my best guess is, at some point, the guy on the field will be one of those talented players. But it's hard to argue it's not Monty, if he doesn't even have a clear cut competitor. And if Montgomery is able to hold them off, that means he's playing some great football.
Also should be said, that even when it's questionable for the upperclassman to be on the field, there's value in camp in having him high on the "depth chart". Forces talented underclassmen to compete, which allows them to grow. Keeps the entire roster motivated and competing at a high level, as they see an example of hard work paying off for a less talented guy. And rewards that example's hard work with an opportunity. Maybe he's able to take off with it. If so, you'll get the most out of the upperclassman, before he goes. Then, you'll get the most out of the talented underclassman, when he's ready
. We also, have no way of knowing that Sullivan should have played over Cade. Sullivan may not have been ready earlier in the season. May not have been comfortable yet with verbiage. May not have been making good decisions, or processing his reads very well. We fans, are privey to none of that information.
