In case you missed yesterday’s post, I wrote about some parallels between college football and association management. After last night’s games, I’m even more psyched about college football than I was yesterday. So today, a much less-biased version.

The 2008 college football season was an interesting one. Coaches were fired, the Big XII put up unbelievable offensive numbers and Sam Bradford became only the second sophomore to ever win the Heisman Trophy. Some key lessons for associations…

1. Revolving door of coaches

guspurcellquarterbackschool.com

It seemed as if head coaches were locked in a game of musical chairs last season, and more than one guy lost. Notable coaches who were either let go or resigned include Tommy Bowden (formerly of Clemson), Tommy Tuberville (Auburn), Sylvester Croom (Mississippi State), Phil Fulmer (Tennessee) and Tyrone Willingham (Washington). What does your association do when faced with a sudden change in leadership?

Of course, there will be a transition period (as noted by Michigan’s 3-9 season in 2008 under new head coach Rich Rodriguez), but with time, members will adjust to the new leadership style. Urban Meyer took over as Florida’s head coach in 2005, and his teams have won two national championships since then. Give your new leaders time to ease into their roles, and things should be smooth sailing in no time.

2. Oklahoma quarterback wins the Heisman … then loses big-time in the national championship

Via daylife.com/

The Sooners’ Sam Bradford put up prolific numbers in 2008, and led Oklahoma to a Big XII championship. Before the Bowl Championship Series title game against the Florida Gators, he had thrown for 48 touchdowns, only threw 6 interceptions and averaged 343 yards per game. He was rewarded with the Heisman Trophy, and was only the second sophomore to ever win the highest honor bestowed on a college football player.

The first sophomore to win the Heisman? Tim Tebow, whose Gators subsequently beat the Sooners in the BCS title game 24-14.

Lesson? One star player doesn’t necessarily make his team a winner. This preseason, everyone was talking about Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, but Florida is also returning 11 starting defenders from 2008. Your association should be able to count on all of its members to keep things running smoothly, not just one or two standouts.

3. Georgia’s Black Saturday

Via redandblack.com

This one pains me to write about. In 2007, Georgia “blacked out” Auburn in Athens and won big. They “blacked out” Hawaii at the Sugar Bowl and won big. In 2008, momentum was high for Georgia and the Dogs attempted another “black out” win against Alabama. It was the highest profile game of the week. The ESPN College Gameday crew rolled into Athens, and then the Tide rolled over the Dogs, 41-30.

The Bulldogs were ranked No. 1 in preseason polls, but injuries and defensive mistakes meant the team couldn’t get it together. The Alabama loss was a big one, and many analysts said Georgia’s “black-out gimmicks” had become a joke.

My point? Don’t rely on gimmicks alone to get things done. They only work if you’ve got the substance and talent to back them up — on the field or in association management.

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.