Finding a formula can make things a whole lot easier.

Without knowing how to factor or use the quadratic formula, there’s no way to handle a quadratic function. (Quick side note, I have no idea what any of that means. I just reread it, and my head started to hurt. Weird.)

Formulas serve all kinds of uses, including filling cliches – i.e. “the formula for success.”

Well, the Panther football team apparently spent all offseason in the laboratory, concocting it’s own formula. And, the No. 23 team in Division I-AA found one that works.

First, you start with experience.

The Panthers returned 19 starters from last season’s 5-6 team. The 2004 team gained valuable experience in close games, losing three contests by four points or less.

And there isn’t a better learning tool than prior failure.

It’s a lot like the Chicago Bulls. For three straight seasons starting in 1985, the Bulls got bounced from the NBA playoffs in the first round. Then, when they got past that obstacle, the Detroit Pistons eliminated them in the conference semifinals or finals another three straight years.

The result of the six years of futility – six NBA titles in the next eight seasons.

Back to the formula, and the next ingredient – talent.

Clearly, the Panthers have lots of it. From the offensive and defensive lines to the secondary, each individual unit has executed. The offense may not gain a ton of yards, but it doesn’t make too many mistakes. The defense may not limit opponents from gaining a lot of yards, but when the opposition makes a mistake, Eastern capitalizes.

Then, you subtract egos.

The Panthers have guys like junior cornerback Ben Brown, who opponents refuse to test. And junior wide receiver Ryan Voss has contributed as much as a run blocker and special teams player as he has as a pass

catcher.

Then, you multiply intensity. You see it on both sides of the ball. It’s junior running back Vincent Webb refusing to stop running, even with bigger, stronger tacklers trying to bring him down. It’s the defense making every opposing offensive player pay for having the audacity to try and gain yards. The cost is a punishing hit – the kind people feel in the stands just by watching it.

And the Panthers have stuck to the formula.

They haven’t defeated OVC teams in a variety of ways. They’ve employed the same formula each Saturday, and it’s worked.

All of this equals success.

Who knew math could be this fun?

Dan Woike is a senior journalism major. He would’ve graduated if he knew long division. Teach him about remainders at [email protected].