The Unforgiving Distance Between Victory and Defeat
In the world of sports, there exists a chasm so vast, it can swallow even the greatest of achievements. It’s the distance between first place and second place, a gap that can render even the most remarkable feats forgettable.
The Forgotten Heroes
We’ve all witnessed incredible moments in sports history, only to have them fade into obscurity because they didn’t culminate in victory. Who remembers Marcus Paige’s off-balance 3-pointer for North Carolina against Villanova, or Rajai Davis’s home run in the bottom of the 8th off Aroldis Chapman in Game 7 of the World Series? These plays, though remarkable, are now mere footnotes in the annals of sports history.
The Weight of Expectation
For the Ohio State Buckeyes, however, the stakes are different. As one of the most recognizable teams in college football, every move you make is under scrutiny. Your every triumph is magnified, and your every defeat is amplified. The entire nation is watching, and many are waiting for you to stumble.
A Second Chance
But you’ve been given a rare gift – a second chance. The college football playoff committee has presented you with an opportunity to rewrite history, to erase the memories of past defeats and forge a new path to greatness. You’ve already overcome incredible odds, defeating Tennessee and beating the number one team in the country on the West Coast.
The Danger of Complacency
Yet, as you stand on the cusp of greatness, beware the siren song of complacency. Remember where you were just a month ago, and the doubts that surrounded you. Notre Dame, too, has faced similar challenges, and now they’re being written off by many. Don’t let the praise of others lull you into a false sense of security. The wolf on the hill is never as hungry as the wolf climbing the hill.
The Pen is in Your Hands
You are not champions yet, but the opportunity is yours to seize. You hold the pen, and the choice is clear: write yourselves into history as national champions, or etch your names in the annals of disappointment. There is no middle ground, no room for error. The only option is to win.
Leave a Reply