Few College Football Fans

FEW COLLEGE FOOTBALL FANS expected a highly successful 2000 season from the University of Oklahoma. While they had made it to the 1999 Independence Bowl, the team had gone the four previous years without a bowl appearance and had endured three losing seasons.

But the Sooners proved the experts wrong by taking an undefeated record into the 2001 Orange Bowl, where they faced Florida State for the national championship.

Playing the nation’s toughest schedule, OU rose to the top in the polls with successive victories over Texas, Kansas State, and Nebraska. A second victory over KSU in the Big 12 title game brought the Sooners to a perfect 12–0 record. Although Oklahoma stood as the nation’s only undefeated team, many figured perennial power Florida State would win and claim No. 1 bragging rights for the 2000 season.

Despite the high-powered offenses of both teams, defense reigned in the contest. Oklahoma led 3–0 at halftime on the strength of a 27-yard Tim Duncan field goal. The Sooners upped their lead to 6–0 in the third quarter when Duncan kicked a second field goal from 42 yards.

In the fourth quarter, OU’s defense created a turnover, leading to the team’s only touchdown. Linebacker Rocky Calmus stripped the ball from Florida State quarterback Chris Weinke, and safety Roy Williams recovered the fumble deep in Seminole territory. Two plays later, tailback Quentin Griffin scored from the 10-yard line and Oklahoma led 13–0.

FSU avoided the shutout with a last-minute safety, but Oklahoma’s 13–2 victory gave the Sooners a perfect 13–0 record and their seventh national championship.

EXTRA < < < < < < < < < < < < < <

POINT Complete perfection in any aspect of life is impossible, whether it’s school, job, relationships, or athletics. And while Oklahoma didn’t play every game perfectly, the Sooners finished with a perfect record. They trusted their coaches and kept their minds steadfastly focused on their national championship goal.

No one on earth, except Jesus, has ever lived every moment of life perfectly. And while God does not promise us perfection when we trust in him, he does grant us perfect peace if we focus our mind on him.

GOAL! Make at least one New Year’s resolution that will help you experience perfect peace. Write it down.