Big Al vs. The Tiger

The pig is on the spit, the beer is cold and Big Al and The Tiger have both arrived in Tampa for Monday night’s rematch in the 2017 College Football Playoff Championship game. Alabama prevailed last year 45-40. Not much has changed with these two teams, so this one is shaping up to be just as dynamic. 

Sports is a fairly simple analogy to successful businesses because they both bring out the feeling of success and accomplishment. 

While football is unique in sports in that nearly every player has a unique job responsibility. Each lineman in every play has the responsibility to block a certain defender (or defenders) in an area; the quarterback has the responsibility to deliver the ball to a list of teammates, depending on the challenges coming from the defense.

A successful business strategy requires leadership, dedication, commitment and a strong work ethic in order to succeed. As we prepare to watch the two best teams Monday night, how does the organization of these two teams mimic successful businesses?

The Clemson Tigers have the best quarterback in the CFP. Deshaun Watson has been one of the top QB’s for the past 2 seasons. He has a wonderfully efficient receiving corps, and he knows how to use it. In addition, he is fleet of foot which makes him hard to sack.

Dabo relies on the pure talent of Watson to lead this team. One player crafting strategy on the go, making critical decisions based on the challenges in front of him. Much like good business leaders, navigating the road to success can be instantaneous decision after instantaneous decision relying on colleagues to ebb and flow with the process as Watson does with his teammates.

The Crimson Tide are the best team in the country, by far according to some. That doesn’t guarantee anything in a playoff — just ask the 2007 New England Patriots or 2016 Golden State Warriors — but it certainly helps. Alabama has the best defense in the NCAA and despite rolling in with a freshman quarterback (Jalen Hurts), the Tide rank 16th in offense. In the rare occasion that you can move the ball on the ‘Bama defense, the offense picks up the slack. An efficient machine on both sides of the ball. The success here lies in their leader Nick Saban. Saban has built an efficient process and recruits talent to fill the necessary roles. With his system of recruiting and efficiency, almost any player can succeed.

Smart business leaders have a similar challenge of placing talent in the right positions to succeed and creating one efficient workforce that gets the job done.

The national championship promises to be an exhibition of both talent and efficiency. Our Tribe will be watching Monday night, will you?