“We must reexamine our own attitudes…we all breathe the same air, we all cherish our children’s future, and we are all mortal.”- John F. Kennedy

Summer of 1963 at the American University

Entering Week 4 of the college football season there are eleven teams (down from 20) that are still seeking their first win and thirty-nine (down from 54) that have avoided the sting of defeat. The winless will continue to keep grinding through the process, keep doing the little things well, and continue to improve every practice. The wins will come. “The tide still rises; the tide still falls.”

Wins and losses will come in bunches at different times for everyone. Continue through the process: the early morning workouts, the strict nutritious diet, and the different disciplines set in place by the coaches and watch the improvement happen. Each one is responsible for maintaining themselves and bringing one hundred percent focus and effort each day. Each is responsible for improving themselves, so the team may also improve. The undefeated teams will be doing the same while remaining humble.

“Sure. We won a few games. Ya’ll fools think that’s something? Man, that ain’t nothing ya’ll.”-Blue

Lastik belting in full voice somewhat harmoniously:

“Even youth grow tired and weary. Even the young men stumble and fall, but those that trust in the Lord will renew their strength.”

“Amen. Amen. That’s what I’m talking about. Amen.”-Rev

“They will soar on wings like eagles.”- Lastik from the soul

“Like eagles ya’ll. Like eagles ya’ll.”- Rev singing like an angel confirmed

“They will walk and not grow faint.”- Lastik throws his weight behind his last notes.

Blue nods in approval before beaming a bright smile across his honest face.

“Remember the Titans” 2000

It’s about more than winning. Whether winning or losing, the steps and daily disciplines remain the same. Hold fast to truth and belief regardless of the circumstances. Put forth the effort and let the results be what they are.

Those seeking their first win are as follows:

Winless Teams:

• Sam Houston St 0-3
  • @Texas
• Oregon St 0-3
  • @Oregon
• UMass 0-3
  • @Missouri
• Virginia Tech 0-3
  • vs Wofford
• Akron 0-3
  • vs Duquesne
• UCLA 0-3
  • @Northwestern
• Miami (OH) 0-2
  • vs UNLV
• Eastern Michigan 0-3
  • vs Louisiana
• Western Michigan 0-3
  • vs Toledo
• San Jose St 0-2
  • vs Idaho
• Notre Dame 0-2
  • vs Purdue

So who gets their first win this weekend?

It’s difficult to see many wins, but I think Notre Dame certainly finds a win against their in-state rival. I also like Akron’s chances against the Dukes, but the rest may have to wait at least another week. Perhaps I’ll pick one upset that I do see in this group: Miami (OH) over UNLV in Oxford.

• Akron, Miami (OH), and Notre Dame. Those are my picks to get a win. I’ll never pick Virginia Tech again…Probably.

Win or lose, remain disciplined and keep trending upwards individually. The gratification may be delayed, but it will come.

UNDEFEATED TEAMS

Undefeated Teams:

• Arizona 3-0
• Houston 3-0
• NC St 3-0
  • @Duke
• Indiana 3-0
  • vs Illinois
• Illinois 3-0
  • @Indiana
• Georgia 3-0
• Memphis 3-0
  • vs Arkansas
• Missouri 3-0
  • vs South Carolina
• Oklahoma 3-0
  • vs Auburn (Homecoming)
• Auburn 3-0
  • @Oklahoma
• Maryland 3-0
  • @Wisconsin
• Navy 3-0
• Tulane 3-0
  • @Mississippi
• Georgia Tech 3-0
  • vs Temple
• Miami 3-0
  • vs Florida
• Cal 3-0
  • @San Diego St
• Florida St 2-0
  • vs Kent St
• Louisville 2-0
  • vs Bowling Green
• Iowa St 4-0
• Texas Tech 3-0
  • @ Utah
• Utah 3-0
  • vs Texas Tech
• BYU 2-0
  • @East Carolina
• UCF 2-0
  • vs UNC
• TCU 2-0
  • vs SMU
• Oregon 3-0
  • vs Oregon St
• Southern Cal 3-0
  • vs Michigan St
• Michigan St 3-0
  • @USC
• Nebraska 3-0
  • vs Michigan
• Penn St 3-0
• Rutgers 3-0
  • vs Iowa
• Washington 2-0
  • vs Washington St
• Ohio St 3-0
• UNLV 3-0
  • @Miami (OH)
• Mississippi 3-0
  • vs Tulane
• LSU 3-0
  • vs Southeastern
• Vanderbilt 3-0
  • vs Georgia St
• Mississippi St 3-0
  • vs Northern Illinois
• Texas A&M 3-0

Who is at risk to fall for the first time this week?

Either Ole Miss or Tulane, Michigan St/ USC, Oklahoma/ Auburn, Texas Tech/ Utah, or Indiana/ Illinois will lose their first game. Of this group, Tulane has the toughest task facing off in Oxford, MS. The Green Wave are 0-14 against SEC opponents in recent memory, but they have played the Rebels 71 times so the intimidation factor will not be felt in this one. Maybe they will wake up winners. Mississippi have won the past 11 in the matchup.

I expect USC to beat Michigan St in LA. I like both teams this season, so it’s unfortunate that one has to lose, but Sparty does not have the offense to break down this USC defense.

The Oklahoma/ Auburn, Illinois/ Indiana, and Utah/ TTU matchups are true 50/50-coin flips, but if I had to pick a winner, I’d take the Sooners, Illini, and Red Raiders.

Other teams at risk:

• UNLV’s talented squad needs to play 60 minutes of disciplined focused football. Chuck Martin’s Redhawks certainly will.
• Greenville, South Carolina will not be an easy place to win for the Provo Panthers. The Pirates are playing confident ball.
• Wisconsin will hold on at home and Drop the Terps for the first time.
• The Hometown Tigers host the Ozark Hogs. I see a low scoring game here, but one that the visitors win by double digits. Hopefully the Tigers can find some offensive rhythm and prove me wrong. Go Tigers Go!

It’s still early in the season. At some point every team will lose at least one game. Most teams will lose at least two. Parity exists in this sport and remaining undefeated is nearing impossible. Remain humble on the mountain top. “Even young men stumble and fall.” Whether winning or losing the games, keep winning each individual moment and wait for the gratification.

“To every problem there is a most simple solution.”- Agatha Christie

As always, let’s watch the action unfold this weekend. That will tell the real tale.

Find the Humor and Keep on Movin’

Whit W.