If we believe in the "Take one game at a time" philosophy, then Coach must play the player that gives the team the best chance to win the next game. Coach seems convinced that he is doing that.
As for those who argue against playing those who put their time in--if they are really putting in quality time, then guys who have been working and getting better for 4-5 years should bring maturity, understanding, and other intangibles to the the table that a fresh 19-year-old cannot bring. Which coach was it that used to talk about how a player should be better in year 5 than in year 1. Playing kids without redshirting them essentially gives up year 5 for year 1.
I also think that what we see with Patrick Mertens in Year 6 helps demonstrate the benefits of playing 22+ year olds over the 18-19 year olds.
As for those who argue against playing those who put their time in--if they are really putting in quality time, then guys who have been working and getting better for 4-5 years should bring maturity, understanding, and other intangibles to the the table that a fresh 19-year-old cannot bring. Which coach was it that used to talk about how a player should be better in year 5 than in year 1. Playing kids without redshirting them essentially gives up year 5 for year 1.
I also think that what we see with Patrick Mertens in Year 6 helps demonstrate the benefits of playing 22+ year olds over the 18-19 year olds.