What did we learn from last nights National Championship Game? As I watched Alabama hold on to beat Texas one thing came to mind…game planning is critical. Both teams knew what to expect the other to do in almost every situation. Alabama used a strong running game to take a 17-6 lead before a mistake just before halftime, as botched shovel pass gave the Tide a gift touchdown to increase the lead to 24-6. Texas lost their star quarterback, Colt McCoy on their first offensive series and had to rely on a true freshman.

Don’t think coaching is important? What have you been watching? Last nights game showed just how important good coaching is. Do you think Texas could have fought their way back to a 24-21 deficit with about 4 minutes remaining without it? My answer is a big NO. Mack Brown had to get his offense to believe that even without their Heisman runner up quarterback that they could still win. They had to believe that the game plan was sound and would allow them to perhaps steal the National Championship. Both defenses would create havoc on the opposing offense. Both Offenses made the big plays when the opportunity presented itself. This is all a reflection of the coaching staff. The staffs both worked hard to provide the players with the knowledge to be in position to make plays. Players have to have to know what is going to happen in order to be where they are supposed to be. At almost any level of football, a good coaching staff can make players better and have a direct influence on the outcome of a game. Talent can almost always be neutralized by good coaching. Don’t get me wrong I’d love to always have the most talented team on the field, but I never feel it is the most important thing.

Garret Gilbert, the true freshman Texas quarterback, has a bright future in front of him. To step on to the national stage in the most important game of the season and play well says a lot about him, but it shows that he paid attention to the coaches during practice. After he became accustomed to the speed, what his coaches taught him became instinctual. I look forward to watching him become the next great Texas quarterback.

Coaches, do you want to make the most of your time while game planning? If so, you have to check this out:

http://www.footballgameplanner.com/

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