What makes a Championship Football Team?
Obviously that question invites many and varied answers that are all correct.
However last night in Death Valley La. we football fans were reminded again the difference sideline coaching makes.
Jaw firmly planted looking like a granite replica of Teddy Roosevelt on Mt. Rushmore LSUs coach Les Miles prowled the sidelines, making the tough calls, ones that meant the difference between being ranked #1 and whatever follows.
Five times LSU went for it on 4th down, converting each time. 4th down at the end of the game, passing up the tying field goal, Coach Miles went for it, saying champions dont settle for a tie.
He reminded me of Tom Osborne and the Cornhuskers in their championship game in the Orange Bowl. An extra point ties the game, and assures them the national co championship. Osborn and the Cornhuskers went for two, as the ball fell listlessly to the ground, chances for the National Title falling with the incomplete pass, the lesson was clear, champions take the risk of failure to become #1.
I dont recall the year that happened anymore than I recall who was declared national champion. I will never forget the courage displayed by Nebraska and Coach Osborn.
I am sure that years Corhusker team regrets the outcome of going for 2 but not that decision to try.
Lat night Coach Miles, like Osborn, took the harder path and went for the win instead of settling for a tie and overtime. His bet and belief in his team paid off. LSU scored the go ahead touchdown.
Time was dwindling and Coach Myer was out coached, he wasted 29 seconds before calling time out.
For those of you who missed the game, we saw the Gators start the long march down the field to the LSU 45 time was running out. As often when there are not enough ticks on the clock we saw the Hail Mary play and as most often happens, the ball fell dead to the ground along with the hopes of the Gators for a repeat national title.
Was LSU that much better of a team than the Florida Gators? Was it just the LSU Tigers turn and time?
No, it is the opinion of ScoreTouchDowns.com, it was sideline coaching. Miles head was in the game all night focused on what needed to be done and what plays to call.
Coach Myer called time too late, would those extra 29 seconds changed the outcome of the game? We will never know, we just know what happened because those ticks of the clock were not there.
We know that LSU and Coach Miles took the risks it takes to become champions.
