It's that time again on America's college campuses. Footballs again fill the air, as do cheers and prayers that God will grant victory, conference titles, and a national crown. Players, coaches, and fans alike invest in the exciting and violent sport called college football a genuine religious fervor. God is called upon each week to side with every team in the country. I think that college teams must have piety coaches just like they have, say, special-teams coaches.
Players certainly seem to know their devotional basics.
Three years ago the University of Florida's Danny Wuerffel, while quarterbacking his way to the Heisman Trophy, lifted his hands pressed together in thankful prayer after every touchdown pass. College football teams even huddle on the sideline to pray before every game. I'm not going to rehash the old question of why God should care who wins ball games. If every team thinks God is on its side, or if coaches, players, and fans at least try to recruit God for their side for the next big game, that's okay. God may even wish He or She could call some of the plays.