In honor of the beginning of college football season, MemberClicks is having its annual office tailgate today. We’re based in Atlanta and college football is king down here. The tailgate is tons of fun — everyone sports their fan attire and brings in tailgate food.

Personally, college football is my favorite sport because anything can happen — it’s not the pros, so mistakes are made, which I think make the game more interesting. There are spectacular catches, mind-blowing runs and great tackles. When it comes down to it, it’s a lot like association management. A few memorable moments from last year to learn from…

1. Knowshon Moreno’s hurdle

I went to the University of Georgia so I might be (read: am definitely) biased. But this move was spectacular. When you’re trying to accomplish something and are facing opposition, it can be tough to get around defenders. But maybe there’s another option — go over their heads. (I don’t mean literally over their heads — especially if they’re your superior.) But there are times when hurdles have to be jumped to get things done. Look at them as a challenge and be innovative about how you accomplish your goals.

2. Underdog Utah defeats Alabama in the Sugar Bowl

Despite having a perfect record going into the 2009 Sugar Bowl last January, the Utes were the heavy underdogs against the SEC’s Crimson Tide. Alabama had an amazing comeback season under head coach Nick Saban, but the Tide underestimated the team from the Mountain West Conference and lost 31-17. Don’t let being the underdog deter you from your goals. Anything is possible, even if you represent the “little guy” in your association. Being underestimated can often work in your favor.

3. Michael Crabtree scores the game-winning touchdown against Texas

In the last few seconds of their game against then-No. 1 Texas, Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell connected with receiver Michael Crabtree to score the game-winning touchdown. When you’re down to the wire, don’t let the pressure get to you. Communicate, coordinate and execute the game plan — whatever it may be — for your association.

Tomorrow, I’ll look back over some more moments from past seasons. Stay tuned.