The Size Of The Fight In The Dog: Beware Of The Mid-Major

"It's not the size of the dog in the fight", said Mark Twain. "It's the size of the fight in the dog." We, as Americans, long for underdog stories. It's in our blood.The history books of America are filled with underdog stories.

American rebels, consisting of militia, and ordinary untrained, common men defeated the well-equipped, and well-armed Colonial Army in the Revolutionary War. Our soldiers endured the harshest of temperatures with barely any clothing to defeat a much better army. The country can thank its freedom to the commitment and hard work put forth by these brave men and their courageous leader, George Washington.

Millions upon millions of immigrants came to this country during the 19th century, in search of a better life. They started families, founded businesses, created inventions, and became wealthier than they could have ever imagined. America attributes much of its success to these immigrants, who came in search of the "American Dream". Although they did not have any money, and they were not necessarily smarter or stronger than anyone else, they applied themselves, and worked hard, creating a better life for their families.

From December, 1941 to August, 1945, America was entangled in a world war against the evil Axis forces. The United States was undermanned, underarmed, and under-financed, but we still prevailed, thanks to superior strategies from our leaders, the courage, and the struggle put forth by our soldiers.

My point is that the United States would not be where it is today without hard work, commitment, and excellence. This country was not necessarily stronger, or smarter than any other country, we just applied ourselves and worked harder.

The same is true in sports. Every team can be defeated. There is no team that is too strong, too big, or too good. Some players may be more talented than others, but this does not guarantee defeat.

Boise State, Texas Christian, and Utah are in the Associated Press Top 25 for NCAA football. They are all mid-major schools, which means that their school is smaller, and their talent pool is much smaller than those of bigger schools. The mid-majors are overshadowed in the rankings by much bigger schools with much better talent, such as Alabama, Ohio State, and Florida. These bigger schools may have better talent, but better talent does not mean that they are a better team. These schools can be bested by willpower, innovation, commitment, leadership, and pure hustle.

It's not the size of the dog in the fight that will be the national champion this football season, it's the size of the fight in the dog that will prevail. Beware of the mid-major.