by Drew Brees
First published 2019
Tyler Trent opens "The Upset" as a college student facing osteosarcoma, a aggressive bone cancer that threatens his life. A gifted statistician and sportswriter, Tyler channels his analytical mind toward college football predictions while undergoing treatment. On October 20, 2018, he makes a bold forecast that Purdue will defeat the heavily favored Ohio State Buckeyes. ESPN features Tyler's story in a video that reaches millions of viewers. As the game approaches, Tyler confronts his declining health while maintaining his faith in both his prediction and his deeper beliefs. The narrative follows his battle against cancer alongside Purdue's preparation for their unlikely matchup. Tyler's story becomes larger than sports statistics or medical prognosis. His experience reveals how facing death can strengthen connections with family and community. The book explores how Tyler finds meaning through his love of football analysis, his relationships, and his spiritual faith during his final months.
Genres: american, contemporary, biography-memoir, faith, 21st-century, college, academic, disability
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: inspirational-story, overcoming-adversity, sports-underdog
Setting: Ohio, Purdue
Period: 2018
254 pages · Hardcover · Core Media Group Inc.
Content warnings: terminal-illness