"I see."
"It's going to depend a whole lot on you—how you hold up your end—how badly we're licked."
"I know I'm the weak spot," said Stover, biting his lips.
"You're a darn good player," said Tompkins, "and you're going to leave a great name for yourself; but this year you've had to be sacrificed. You've been put where you are because you've got nerve and a head. Now this is what I want from you. Know what you're up against and make your brain control that nerve—understand?"
"Yes, I do."
"You've got to do the kicking in the second half as well as in the first. You've got to keep your strength and not break it against a wall. You won't be called on for much rushing in the first half; you'll get a chance later. The line may go to pieces, the secondary defense may go to pieces; but, boy, if you go to pieces, we'll be beaten thirty to nothing."
"As bad as that!"
"Every bit."
"That's awful—a Yale team." He drew a long breath and then said: "What do you want me to do?"