I’ve posted here before that there are multiple reasons why Heck should be the starter, and you pretty much covered it. I am genuinely concerned about what the crowd reaction would be if Brown trots out for the first series. The coaching staff MUST recognize this. If they are really equal in practice and are going to get about the same playing time in this game, why do this to the young man?
it is truly a win-win if Heck is the starter. If he does really really well, and we have a big lead, then the crowd will already be in a good mood and ready to see how the offense does with Hank at QB. If Heck does not look good, then the crowd will be anxious to see what Hank can do.
if Hank starts, I’m afraid that the crowd will just be waiting for him to do something wrong. Anything short of looking like Patrick Mahomes will not be good enough. If he throws one at the feet of the RB on a screen pass, there were almost certainly be boos.
I guess all of our questions will be answered in a few days…