thought about the defense

One point I wanted to make about the defense.
Keep in mind that in years past, we have played more of a "bend-dont-break" type of defense. A patient approach, which is good against the option (don't overcommit, remember your responsibilities).
Bennett brings a totally different defensive attitude and scheme. It is much more aggressive. So, until the players get more familiar with the defense, the mistkes that are made are compounded by the fact that it is more aggressive.
Also, normally against a triple option, you install new defensive packages to deal with that offense. However, Bennett is trying to get the team ready for the rest of the season, and probably took a gamble that they could get away with playing their normal defensive scheme since they need the practice at it. It is hard enough picking up a totally new defense, but if you install an additional package just for the first game, you are going to hurt your team down the line. A coach with a larger view of the season is going to stick with his base defense in this circumstance in order to prep his team for the entire year.
Finally, as to why Bartel didn't play, it is the same philosophy. Tate needs as much experience as possible. He is the starter and needs some game experience and that is why Bertel didn't come in the game at all.
Keep in mind that in years past, we have played more of a "bend-dont-break" type of defense. A patient approach, which is good against the option (don't overcommit, remember your responsibilities).
Bennett brings a totally different defensive attitude and scheme. It is much more aggressive. So, until the players get more familiar with the defense, the mistkes that are made are compounded by the fact that it is more aggressive.
Also, normally against a triple option, you install new defensive packages to deal with that offense. However, Bennett is trying to get the team ready for the rest of the season, and probably took a gamble that they could get away with playing their normal defensive scheme since they need the practice at it. It is hard enough picking up a totally new defense, but if you install an additional package just for the first game, you are going to hurt your team down the line. A coach with a larger view of the season is going to stick with his base defense in this circumstance in order to prep his team for the entire year.
Finally, as to why Bartel didn't play, it is the same philosophy. Tate needs as much experience as possible. He is the starter and needs some game experience and that is why Bertel didn't come in the game at all.