I Love College Football and Its Lessons

Now, anybody who knows me will tell you that I am a huge Alabama football fan; I used to work at the home games during middle and high school, and I can tell you that there is absolutely nothing like that environment. Even in the years when we couldn't get anything resembling an offense going, the true fans never gave up hope. I believe that I speak for all Alabama fans when I say that this 13th national championship (not 8th) was long overdue.

As much as I love Alabama, however, I also respect college football itself. There's nothing like seeing guys go out there and give it their all for the sake of their team and just that pure competitive nature.

That being said, there are two things that happened recently that made me love this sport even more: 1.) Colt McCoy's postgame speech and 2.) Lane Kiffin's leaving/Derek Dooley's hiring.

Check out Colt McCoy's speech below:



I was as happy as anyone else, probably happier than most, about Alabama's win, but I gained a ton of respect for McCoy by the way he handled himself after not being able to finish his final collegiate game. Part of his message applies to all of our lives: we have to let God be in control of our lives, and trust the decisions that He makes for us; He knows what he's doing. Good luck in the NFL, McCoy.

Now, as much as I hate Tennessee (who doesn't?), I was happy to see Lane Kiffin leave. Not because he left the program in a tough place, but because he never deserved to be there.

People in the SEC take pride in their football, which is why their was a mini riot when fans found out he was leaving. You don't quit the SEC; the SEC quits you. I say good riddens...have fun underachieving at USC.

Tennessee is better off with Derek Dooley in my opinion. Son of Georgia legend Vince Dooley, and a former high-powered attorney (read his story here), Dooley understands the traditions of the league and what it takes to win. He's not coming in just waiting for the next best thing to come along. Don't get stuck on his 17-20 record at Louisiana Tech. Check out his quote below on what has happened recently within the Tennessee program:

"If you think this is as hard as it gets in life, look out," Dooley said. "Because life is tough. You're going to get knocked down a bunch. The quicker you learn to deal with how you react to it, dust your britches off and move on, then the quicker you're going to lead to happiness."

Another life quote! See how much college football can teach you about life?

Anyway, outside of the best college team the world has ever seen (biased?), guys like McCoy and Dooley are the reasons I love college football.

Cheers,

JIP

JIP's Picks: Helping Haiti

Good day all,

While this definitely is not the most pleasant topic to write about, it has to be addressed: Haiti needs our help. I have personally been happy to see the outpouring of support by all of my Facebook friends and others, but what we have to realize is that this disaster cannot be repaired overnight. As time goes on and we continue about our daily lives, there will still be people hungry, displaced, and, worst of all, dying.

All of us are not able to go lend our support personally in Haiti, but we can still donate. I encourage everyone to donate multiple times, even if the amounts are small. Here are some ways to donate (courtesy of Esquire):

Project Medishare

Doctors Without Borders

Catholic Relief Services

Lamp for Haiti

International Red Cross

In case you missed that great telethon last night (buy the soundtrack on iTunes-proceeds go to relief efforts), you can always donate to Hope for Haiti Now by going here.

If you need more convenience, text HAITI to 90999 to donate 10 dollars.

There is no shortage of ways to give back; let's make sure our fellow man is not forgotten in this time of tragedy.

Cheers to rebuilding Haiti,

JIP