First Time Champions
In each of the Power 4 conferences, teams in their first year competed to win it all.
Taking a look at NIL lessons from Championship Week 15 of the 2024 CFB season and how they can apply to sports, business and life.
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In recent years, conference realignment rattled the CFB world and yet new members in all four Power 4 conferences made their respective title games. Texas (Big 12 to SEC); SMU (American to ACC); Oregon (Pac-12 to Big Ten); and Arizona State (Pac 12 to Big 12).
How ironic that the former Pac-12 schools won their respective championships.
For the first time since 2004, when Virginia Tech won the ACC, a newest member won a conference title. And boy did it add drama to the selection of the first ever 12-team playoff.
Here are the NIL championship lessons that can make all the difference.
Start Fast
SMU had been begging for years to join a (then) Power 5 conference. They shocked the CFB world when they convinced the ACC to admit them as a new member?
What was so persuasive?
They would not take a media revenue share for their first nine years in the league.
Then they shocked the CFB world with what they did on the field. They beat just about everybody—including the Big 12’s TCU; Pitt; Duke and Louisville—to secure a spot in the ACC title game.
Third play of the game, the Mustangs fumbled on their own 41.
Clemson scored a touchdown. Then another TD after an SMU three and out to go up 14-0. The Tigers lead by 17 entering the fourth quarter; largely due to SMU’s slow start.
This lesson could also read ‘go faster’ with anything you do.
The Ponies raced all the way back to tie the game with 16 seconds left before surrendering a walk-off 56-yard field goal that allowed Clemson to steal a bid from Alabama.
As an aside….
The gaslighting by the media about the CFP being setup unfairly or stupidly or ‘not what people wanted’ after SMU was selected over Alabama is incredibly irritating.
For years, the media said this is exactly what CFB needed! Everyone wanted Arizona States and the Boise States to be included with the Bamas and Oklahomas. Mix in the Buckeyes, Vols and more and it is the perfect combination.
Now all of a sudden Arizona St. and SMU shouldn’t get in? That we’re surprised about the unintended consequences of first round byes going to Boise State and bid thieves like Clemson? (I’d argue that Texas or Penn St or Ohio St deserve a bye).
People literally championed for this playoff system, but now are hating because South Carolina didn’t get in.
Block for Others
It is a fascinating case study of how Texas managed to lose the SEC title game. They held Georgia to 50-something yards in the first half and the Dawgs were down to the backup QB.
But all the turnovers, penalties, settling for field goals, and missed field goals spoiled their opportunity. Yet, that was not even the worst offense.
Down three with just under three minutes to play, a Texas defender made a pick on the sideline. With nothing but green grass in front, it was surely to be a legendary pick six.
Though his teammate did not block the only Georgia player near him and Texas was tackled. It turned a go-ahead, possibly game-winning score into a nail bitting drive just to tie the game.
The lesson. It is imperative to be self aware and to be willing to do the unglamorous jobs of blocking and tackling. Celebration can wait.
Alternatively, it is a fascinating case study of how the Bulldogs continue to manage to find ways to win the game. First, eight overtimes against Georgia Tech and now the first OT game in SEC Championship game history.
After the Bulldogs were wronged last year, it feels like they could be a team of destiny.
Or they could fall to Notre Dame in the quarterfinals. We will see.
Stay Humble
When the 12-team playoff bracket was announced, all eyes focused on what many perceived to be a glaring error.
Undefeated Oregon in the one seed who will have to play the winner of Ohio State and Tennessee—a ‘tougher’ path to win the championship.
Coach Dan Lanning gave the perfect responses when asked about this ‘tough’ path. That it is all about controlling what the Ducks can control and winning is supposed to be hard.
Winning in life is hard. Just keep your head down, stay humble and do the work.
Continue the Journey
Once you find your passion, your vocation or calling; pursue it.
And once you begin your journey, don’t ever, ever stop.
That is what Sun Devil running back Cam Skattebo has done. He began his career at Sacramento State before transferring to Arizona State to help them win a Big 12 title.
Skattebo was in fringe Heisman conversations as well and dominated the hapless Iowa State Cyclones and does not look to be done yet.
Don’t give up on the journey. It’s apparently amazing.
Run the Race
The Heisman race between Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and Colorado’s Travis Hunter has been an incredible one to watch play out.
Take a look at just some of their stats:
Jeanty
2,497 Rushing Yards (13 games) - No. 1 in nation (leads by over 800 yards)
29 Rushing TDs - No. 1 in nation
7.3 yards/carry (344 carries)
Hunter
1,152 Receiving Yards - No. 6 in nation
14 Receiving TDs - No. 2 in nation
12.5 yards/catch
92 Catches - No. 5 in nation
4 INTs, GW Forced Fumble
31 Tackles
This competition has reminded me a lot of the 2015 Heisman race between Alabama dominant running back Derrick Henry and do it all, Barry Sanders record breaking Christian McCaffrey.
I love an underdog and would vote for Jeanty. Will be interesting to see who wins.
The point is to seek out the best opponent, and run a damn hard race.