Why not start Rose?

Are you right? Probably. But I think Whitt appreciates who Bryson Barnes is. A kid who walked on, fought day in and day out for a spot. Filled in twice in the Rose Bowl, at WSU and this season. Is the kid Joe Montana? No, but he is a fighter and a straight up bull dog. Played through broken ribs, worked at Lowes, yada yada yada. When we beat USC, what was Whitt bragging about, winning the game with a pig farmer. He takes pride in this kid. Whitt has a spot in his heart for Barnes, and wants to give Barnes an encore to his college football story. Thats the why, whether it right or wrong is opinion, and Whitt is making the call. I personally admire Barnes for his commitment to this team, wish him the best, I hope he leads us to a win in this game, but also would like to see Rose get some series.

I agree that it would be nice to get Rose time and experience. And I hope gets lots of reps in practice and some substantial time in the game. But I view it as a culture thing, too. Bowls are rewards for a season, and Whit wants to reward Barnes. Let him go out as a bowl game starter. He’s sure as hell earned it.

Part of the draw to Utah for many recruits is the family aspect and the team culture. (We obviously can’t compete with NIL or the prestige/exposure of the P2.) I see this as Whit rewarding a tough son of b who gave his all for Utah football while he was here. It’s also a message about what types of things the program values. Whit’s culture is more important that getting extra experience for a guy who will probably be 2nd or 3rd string next year. (Even knowing what we went through with QB’s this year.)

So maybe it will be a “Rose” Bowl for 3 straight years?😀

I agree, I’d rather see what rose can do and get him reps.

1 thing I was wondering if job bonuses etc play a role for coach salaries so winning this bowl game could be a money incentive

This is not a one or the other thing. Whitt can start Barnes to take a few drives. IF Rose is game ready with enough plays, he should/will come in. After several drives, if Barnes is the better QB that day, you can bring Barnes back later if needed. If we are winning let Rose finish up. There will be many other moving parts around them as lots of players come in and out, especially if Utah is winning. Many substitutions for NFL and portal starters that will involve more than one player. Someone’s feelings will not figure into this game in a way where they feel they need all the snaps. This will be a fun game for players that suit up without pressure.

Does Rose lose his medical redshirt and have to use his regular redshirt if he plays? Honest question. Does Whitt approach him and ask, do you want to burn your medical redshirt? Then, if Rose says “no,” Whitt goes with Barnes.

Barnes is playing because he wants to and because Whitt and Andy feel that he gives the Utes the best chance to win. If Whitt thought that a healthy Rose was head and shoulders above Barnes, then it would be Rose playing and Barnes sitting down. In that case, however, Whitt would have to take into consideration Rose losing his medical redshirt. By the way, isn’t Bottari the backup for this game? I haven’t heard anything about Rose playing.

Yes, it would be good for Rose to get some game play but, in the grand scheme of things, I don’t think it really matters much. For one thing, this is an inconsequential bowl game and for another, you’re looking at eight months plus in separation between competitive games. Personally, I think that Rose will get more out preseason camp just before the season.

Rose can’t play without losing his medical RS appeal. MRS is not the same as a regular RS.