The coaches and players must concentrate on football Xs and Os, not computer ranking algorithms.

FORBES: Michigan State Is Bowled Over Again By The BCS

"You take out the Xs and Os of the game, they just flat-out played harder than we did today, " Anthony said.

WSJ: Knicks feel they were outworked in Game 1 loss

One of their primary technical tools is the point and figure chart, which uses Xs and Os to plot price moves in vertical boxes.

FORBES: Oversold In Autoland

Born in Pittsburgh, Rice spent his childhood by his father's side, learning the Xs and Os while serving as a ballboy and engaging in lengthy debate over the dinner table.

WSJ: Rice's abrasive nature apparent early in career