If you’re a Clemson fan, the Super Bowl looked sort of familiar. The nature of the game wasn’t unique. It seemed a little bit like déjà vu.
The New England Patriots overcame a 28-3 deficit to defeat the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night to win Super Bowl LI. The 25-point comeback was by far the largest in Super Bowl history. (I know this is “too soon” territory for Falcons fans. Sorry about that.)
It takes a lot of work to erase that deficit. The team that ultimately loses has a role to play, too. Clemson didn’t have that kind of climb back from a 14-0 deficit against Alabama, but the same set of emotional circumstances existed in that situation.
They existed in the Warriors’ 3-1 lead over the Cavaliers in the NBA Finals, and in the Cavs’ comeback win to capture the crown. They existed when the Cubs overcame both a 3-1 deficit and more than a century’s worth of futility to win the World Series against the Indians.
In 2016 (and still in 2017), one rule of thumb has governed most of these championship scenarios: It’s not a good idea to have an early lead.
This fits with human nature. Psychologists, behaviorists, sociologists, motivational speakers, and any number of other related professionals will argue that people are wired to handle failure much better than success. This helps explain how all of these teams squander big leads so close to achieving the ultimate goal, and how the teams that are trailing end up winning.
Losing ignites a survival instinct in players and coaches. Desperation sets in for all involved. Certain adjustments are made to ensure a more aggressive approach because there’s nothing to lose. At the same time, winning teams battle complacency. At some point, the mindset turns to protecting a possession (i.e., the lead). It’s harder to play at full throttle.
At some point, the winning team has to force itself to fight like a losing team. Otherwise, these come-from-behind victories are highly likely to occur, even if a team falls way behind very quickly in a game. Whoever your favorite team is, you can think of examples of both scenarios—coming from way behind and blowing a big lead. It happens to everyone.
That’s why Clemson football’s current trajectory is astounding. It is truly uncommon to have the kind of success Dabo Swinney’s program has had for as long as he’s had it without a slip. No team has succumbed to temptation and adopted “fat-and-happy” status. No culture has become corrupted by achievement.
Clemson spent five entire seasons beating every unranked opponent. That’s insanity. It just won the national title and doesn’t appear to be headed for a significant dip. That projection flies in the face of typical human nature, which values the chance to revel in success instead of building on it and doing it again.
Watching these championship games and series over the past several months should give Clemson fans an even greater appreciation for what the Tigers have been able to do on the gridiron. The trajectory mentioned above is horizontal now, which is truly impressive in an age where the trajectory of most athletic teams—both amateur and professional—resembles a kindergartener trying to draw a mountain range.
So don’t jump out to an early lead. Unless you’re Clemson football. It probably won’t matter either way.
We are now taking orders for our limited edition magazine Mission Accomplished. Remember Clemson’s championship season with this great magazine from the staff that covers Clemson football 365 days a year. Order yours today to make sure you get a copy!
