In almost all forms of literary work, especially fiction, the character that represents the hero is almost always asked to rise about adversity in someway and fight for principles.
He is using the appeal Ethos which is an appeal that persuades the audience.
You know it is not Logos because there are no numbers/statistics in the excerpt and it is not Pathos because that appeal deals with making the audience feel bad and emotional.
we would drive home early but it was rainy so we couldn't come early.
Answer:
The Americans were the underdogs since they were all college students, but their coach thought they could win.
Explanation:
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Theme is usually not stated directly but is instead implied. Theme isn't told directly but is more so indicated.