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

Genesis 27–28 – Tangled Web

When the time came for Isaac to bless his sons, Jacob and his mother conspired to deceive Isaac into blessing Jacob in Esau’s place. When Esau discovered that Jacob had received his blessing, he threatened to kill his brother, and Jacob fled. In Genesis 27–28, every member of Isaac’s family demonstrated a lack of 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 a deception that has been around in sports for years. It’s common to see a baseball player attempt to trick a baserunner by concealing the ball so he can tag him out. The family God chose to fulfill His promises, but deceit greatly complicated their lives. It’s good that God’s promises depend upon His sovereignty and not man’s dependability!

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete place their trust in the Lord and His life-changing promises, ultimately fulfilled through the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Genesis 28:15).