There seems to be a consensus that the first game will be an extension of pre-season practice. Only change is they will be playing another team. Rotate to let everyone play is a real game. See how things flow from what you did in practice.
I like the 'petal to the metal' and see where see goes strategy. After the slaughter, in the third quarter, let a few others go in for practice.
In other words... "Let the big Dawg eat".
2 cents
For winning the Natty give every Dawg a bone AND prime rib steak.