Rhetorical Analysis: BYU Quarterbacks

One major rhetorical tool that Jeremy Kidd uses in his blog, BYUfootblog, is his vast knowledge of BYU football.  He really shows the reader that he knows and understands what he is actually talking about by using facts and numbers.  He uses this tool in this example where he describes why Riley should start over Jake Heaps “Which leads me to my idea. Do you remember what Texas did to BYU? The BYU defense was so effective against the starter, Garrett Gilbert (2/8 for 8 yards and two INTs), that Texas brought in their backup(s), who we had not planned for, and they were able to come back and win the game.”  This example describes how he uses his knowledge of football to really draw the reader in and establish some credibility to himself.  The more football facts he states the more the reader actually believes in what he is saying and the more it establishes credibility for him and his blog.   Kidd also uses another example of is knowledge of football when he says “Heaps took over in that game, and was able to score on consecutive drives, and bring the Cougars within 3. In the second half, the Seminoles would up their tally of sacks to a total of 8. Heaps ended the game 15/31 for 114 yards and 1 TD.”  Using his knowledge he can persuade his audience to believe him through his use of football terms to make himself look reliable on what he is talking about.  He wants his audience to feel comforted by the numbers and facts he is actually using.