[EKUAlum05]

Whoever wins this game will do it by winning those defining plays and "getting lucky" when needed.

What I mean by this is the fact Belfry, by all means, should have the advantage in this game. The Pirates have played more consistently, have been more impressive on both sides of the ball, and seemingly has an offense geared to match Russell's weaknesses this season. But, Russell has every intangible needed to make this game close and match up phsycially with Belfry that if the Pirates come out without an optimal effort, Russell may be in position to take this.

Additionally, in the span of any close game there will always be a handful of plays that could go either teams' way which ultimately make a major difference in the outcome. Think about the Belfry/JC game. Belfry stuffs the 4th Down run on JC's second drive, Belfry stuffs the two point conversion attempt, Belfry converts the fake punt on an eventual scoring drive... these plays were all in Belfry's favor but could have easily swang JC's way with just that little bit of extra prepartion or effort. I hate the analogy "They Wanted It More That Night", because it is a blatant lie. Both teams want to win at the point of conflict, noone wants to lose. But, if one were to rephrase it to say "They Wanted It More That Week" then it could be one of the most accurate phrases of all-time.

Friday, we see who has wanted it more all week. Friday, we see who earns those defining plays that could go either teams' way.

The definition of "luck" is not anything to do with chance or fate... "luck" is when opportunity meets preparedness. Luck is not a random blessing...luck is what has been going on every day at practice as both teams make sure that when the opportunity to earn a victory presents itself, they will be ready to make that quick read to stuff a runningback short. Luck happens when that tipped pass that should have been caught is intercepted because it was anticipated, not because it miraculously falls in someone's arms. Luck happens when a runningback needing 2 yards on 4th Down pump their legs a little harder or gets in the hole quick enough to alter the defenders angle, not because the tackle pushes him ahead further.