Think Huge Lessons From UT's Championship Loss

Note: I am a University of Texas Longhorn alumnus so this post is written from that viewpoint (no offense to you Alabama folks, who deserve many congratulations on your great win)

I was all decked out in my burnt orange UT gear for the national championship game: burnt orange pants, two burnt orange shirts (it was cold!), UT socks and even burnt orange slippers. Then five plays into the game, disaster struck when Colt McCoy went out with a game-ending shoulder injury.

As I watched the rest of the national championship game (and Colt’s interview after the game) in agony, I realized there were several  Think Huge lessons the game illustrated:

Think Perseverance

One of the six Think Huge principles is “think perseverance.” In the book, we note that “thinking huge is not a ‘name it and claim it’ gospel. You will encounter trials in your life and that chapter helps with tools for overcoming those obstacles.”

Last night, the ‘Horns encountered a major early obstacle: the loss of the quarterback with the most wins in college football history. But they didn’t give up. They could have easily rolled over and quit. A lot of teams would. Instead they fought and fought and fought. Even with a true freshman quarterback, UT closed the score to 24-21 with under five minutes to go. But then Alabama’s defense took over the game.

As commentator Kirk Herbstreit said after the game, “They never gave up.”

That is thinking huge. Sure they were deflated after the McCoy injury but they continued to persevere. And that’s what you will have to do in life as you think huge. There are going to be times when you’re going to get knocked out (lose your job, family member get sick, have a mean boss, etc.). But you have a choice: you can fight through those difficulties or rollover and quit. If you think huge, then you’ll never give up.

Think Passion

I hope you stayed up after the game to see Colt’s interview. He said some amazing things that are “Think Huge” principles.

“I love this game,” McCoy said. “I have a passion for this game….I would have given everything I had to been out there.”

Click here to see the full interview:

 

 

Is there anything you would give everything to do? Then that’s your passion. Whatever it is, go do it. Don’t wait. Time is precious.

How do you think Colt feels today? Some may think he feels sad that his college career is over and ended on such a down note. But I’m also betting he has a sense of joy: that for four years he lived his dream by doing his passion of playing college football.

Are you doing your passion? Think Huge offers a passion quiz to help you determine if you’re in the your passion spot or just bidding time.

While losing the  game was disappointing as a fan, it reminded me to think perseverance and think passion.

 

Think Huge!

Comments

[Tom McWilliams]

Colt McCoy a class act. Yes, Standing on the Rock what a statement on national TV. I prayed for him today and as he said God is in Control. and as I alway like to say
Keep Looking. All the best for 2010.

[Mark Arnold]

Tom: Thx for adding your thoughtful comments! You are correct to always keep looking.

[Southcheesehead]

No offense taken - what you say is true...and that's from a Bama fan. I'm not an alum like you (I graduated from Southeastern Bible College), but in the state of Alabama you have to choose which side of the fence you're on and my mom was an Alabama fan so I was raised that way. The odd thing is my dad was from Milwaukee so he raised me a Packer fan (hence the southern cheesehead knickname), but I digress. I was so impressed with the poise of the freshman back up QB and I've ALWAYS been impressed with Colt McCoy. I have the utmost respect (even more so after last night) for Colt and the team and coaching staff. You Longhorns have everything to be proud of and nothing to be ashamed of based on last night. Some of the Bama fan base could take some notes and lessons from you guys. Check out Colt (and his best friend, Sam Bradford) among others give their powerful testimonies on www.iamsecond.com. Someone introduced me to this website and it's incredible! Sorry, but I have to say Roll Tide though!

[Shawn Temple]

Since the final two teams were selected, I have been pulling for Texas...which is not easy for an LSU fan! I really felt that they could beat Alabama. It just felt so incredibly "not right" for this to happen to Colt McCoy and Texas so early in a game that promised so much potential.

I have to say though, that it was something to watch the young freshman and the coaching staff move on and put a plan together that would give UT a chance. They never quit. Certainly, they didn't plan on this disasterous scenario, but that team pulled together and gave everything they could give.

Something else that struck me in half-time interviews as well as post-game interviews--Colt McCoy, Coach Mack Brown, and the entire UT program have a ton of class. Everyone affiliated with that school should feel a great sense of pride just to be associated with the University of Texas. Many great life lessons were demonstrated last night by the players and coaches; and hopefully were learned by all that watched and heard.

[Mark Arnold]

@Southcheesehead: Thx for adding to the disucssion! It's great to get an Alabama perspective! The game did illustrate the importance of having class and respect even if things don't go your way (which we can all learn from). It was fun game to watch. And once again, congratulations!

[Mark Arnold]

Shawn: Wow, an LSU fan rooting for Texas (I'm impressed)! Let me know if you want me to get you UT t-shirt! The freshman QB illustrates the point of always being prepared for your future. Hopefully UT is ready now that Colt is leaving.