Results Speak Louder

RESULTS SPEAK LOUDER than insults. In the 1998 Kansas State–Nebraska encounter, K-State quarterback Michael Bishop discovered that silence served his team better than his mouth.

The 70-degree weather and sunshine made KSU Stadium the perfect venue for college football. At 9–0 and ranked No. 2 in the nation, the Wildcats looked to end 29 years of Nebraska Cornhuskers domination.

But the Cornhuskers struck first on an 80-yard drive with Eric Crouch throwing an 8-yard touchdown pass to Sheldon Jackson. Kansas State tied, but Bishop’s fumble led to another Nebraska touchdown. Bishop’s second dropped ball resulted in a Cornhuskers field goal and a 17–7 Big Red lead.

On KSU’s next possession, the Wildcats moved to the 3-yard line, where Bishop coughed up the ball a third time. Ranting and raving, Kansas State coach Bill Snyder ordered the quarterback to the bench with strict instructions to remain silent.

Regaining his composure, Bishop directed KSU on a 76-yard touchdown march in less than a minute, narrowing the halftime gap to 17–14. In the third period, the Wildcats defense decimated the Cornhuskers, allowing only nine yards on 17 plays. KSU took leads of 21–17 and 27–24 before Bishop tossed an 11-yard scoring pass to Darnell McDonald with five minutes remaining. Jeff Kelly iced the 40–30 victory for the Wildcats with a 23-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the final three seconds.

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POINT Fans wondered what Coach Snyder said to his quarterback after the third fumble. What could he have laid on the young man that made such a tremendous difference? The simple request, “Silence,” made a profound impact on Michael Bishop and the game. The quiet enabled the player to focus on his task and to concentrate on his responsibility.

In our own life too, silence can make a difference. Spending quiet time alone with God every day helps us focus on our Creator and Savior and the task he has for us. We communicate with the Lord, express our love to him, and listen to his still voice leading us in the right way.

GOAL! Begin or continue to spend quiet time alone with God every day. If you’re just starting, try for about three to five minutes. Pray, read your Bible, and listen to him. Praise the heavenly Father for silence.