With Barnes being able to hold down the fort, it may allow Rising to more fully heal if he can sit out the Arizona game, and the Stanford game if necessary. At least 50% of Rising’s game is his running ability. I fully understand sitting him out of the Wazzu game if he had any reservations at all.
The home games against Arizona and Stanford may also allow Kincaid (hoping for the best), Bernard, and any other nagging injuries to heal up. It also allows Hubert to serve his suspension at an optimal time.
I love that Vele, Parks, and Dixon, are making some great catches and showing a lot of confidence in Barnes.