Nebraska, ranked No. 2 in the nation, met Oklahoma’s final regular game in 1979. With Nebraska trailing 17-7 and facing fourth-and-long from Oklahoma’s 15-yard line, the Husker coaches call for the “Fumblerooski.” It was a trick play they’d found while researching some Texas high school football tape for potential recruits. Except for offensive lineman Randy Schleusener, the entire Nebraska offense ran to the right side without the football. Huskers quarterback Jeff Quinn had intentionally dropped to the ground—the Oklahoma defense bit on the misdirection. Schleusener picked up the ball and raced to the end zone to score a touchdown. The “Fumblerooski” wasn’t enough to beat the Sooners, but it put Schleusener into the Nebraska Football Foundation Hall of Fame.

Genesis 27-28 – God’s Sovereignty

When the time came for Isaac to bless his sons, Jacob and his mother contrived to deceive Isaac into blessing Jacob in Esau’s place. When Esau found that his blessing had been given to Jacob, he threatened to kill his brother, and Jacob fled in Genesis 27-28. In this incident, every member of Isaac’s family lacked faith! God did not approve of this family’s deception, partiality, or disobedience, but His plan remained to bless the world through them.

The “hidden ball” trick is an act of deceit that has been around sports for years. It’s common to see a baseball player attempt to trick a baserunner by concealing the ball so they can tag them out. The family of God’s choice through which to fulfill His promises greatly complicated its existence through deceit. It’s good that the promises are upon God’s sovereignty and not man’s dependability!

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete place their trust in the Lord and His life-changing promise to all of us today through the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus (Genesis 28:15).

Bible Memory Verse – “Then Jacob made a vow, saying, ‘If God will be with me and will keep me on this journey on which I am going, and will give me food to eat and garments to wear, and I return to my father’s house in peace, then Yahweh will be my God.’” Genesis 28:20-21 (LSB)