I think in general what you are missing out on is what does the aggregate of the fan base think?
In general, I think the fan base wants Riley to do everything he can to win the game, short of going nuclear or full on stupid.
Of which, most of the fan base probably thinks pulling the shirt on a kid for one game (who the coaches have admitted is not ready) is going nuclear or stupid, for not much gain.
Which means that in the context of a season, winning 9 instead of 10, is not that big a difference according to the fan base. And who knows, ZD running zone read and some play action, might be enough for the W, even if its not likely.
Taken to its full conclusion, POB might be our best QB for only one game. The bowl game he might go back to being third, in which case, it was entirely wasteful to pull his shirt.
I agree 100%, but if he's our best QB and gives us our best chance......how in the hell do you leave him on the bench and try to convince your fans that you're playing to win the game?
There's where everyone is missing the boat.. It isn't a single game, it's the entire season. Beat Iowa and we're 10-2 and every single poster here would consider that a great season. If we get our asses kicked by Iowa and Riley leaves our best chance to win on the bench, then I consider it a very different season and think Riley didn't do everything he could to win the game.