Five take-aways from the CFP National Championship from a MENTALITY point of view.
by Brian Diaz
- Momentum: Both offenses built momentum through consistent, methodical play. Both offenses made little adjustments through out the game to keep ahead of the opposing defense. But most importantly, neither offense was affected by the play or results of their respective defensive. Subsequently, we saw two teams who continually answered each other’s scoring drive.
- Sticking to the process: Jake Coker was far short of perfect in the first half. The Tide did score two touchdowns and were a missed FG away from 17 first half points. However, Coker knew it was not his best performance. Based on half time comments from Nick Saban and Lane Kiffin, Bama’s offensive coordinator, Coker got away from his normal process of patients in the pocket and going through his reads. In the second half, Coker returned to his process and the nation was treated to a great offensive performance. Coker was ‘off’ in the first half, but by sticking to his process he was able to find his championship form again.
- Present-moment focus: Deshaun Watson showed a tremendous ability to stay in the present moment. He never looked overwhelmed by the intensity of the situation. He never looked awe-struck by facing the almighty Crimson Tide and all their history. Because he knew this was just another game. The fact that college football’s biggest prize would be handed out was irrelevant. All of Alabama’s previous championships were irrelevant. Watson was focused on the next play. He was not even overwhelmed getting the ball back with less than a minute down by two scores. He quickly and efficiently marched the Tigers right down the field. Watson wasn’t bothered by the past or overwhelmed thinking about the future. He was focused on the present moment. He was focused on the play at hand. It was an MVP, Heisman type performance.
- Consistency: We are all playing witnesses to one of the greatest coaches ever. Admittedly, he is not the most likable guy on Earth, but he is GREAT at what he does. Media and haters love to mock is unrealistic ability to not enjoy a win. The reality is his success comes from consistency. He is consistent in his preparation of his team. He is consistent in is message to his players. He is consistent in his attention to detail. He is consistent in making sure his team play until the very end. This level of consistency will ensure that Saban and the Tide continue rolling for years to come.
- Perspective: ESPN did a great piece on Dabo Swinney in last night’s lead up. He faced some ridiculous adversity in his personal life growing up. He reconciled differences with his father as an adult that saved their relationship. He has a tremendous Christian Faith. Dabo has a great perspective. He constantly reminds his players that football is just football. It is NOT the most important thing in life. He is able to enjoy the process every step of the way because of his healthy perspective. Football, even at that level, is just a game. It is a part of life, it is not life. If our whole identity is caught up in sports, then 99% of us would be losers, because only one team can win the championship each year. Dabo’s perspective puts things back where they should be; faith, family, THEN football.