"I'm Standing on the Rock"

I love me some college football. Anyone who knows me would hardly be shocked at this statement... it may even be the understatement of the new year. So, like any true fan of the game, I sat down to watch the BCS National Championship game last night in hopes of seeing stellar performances by both teams that we'd be talking about for weeks. I made a few predictions with the guys at work, chatted up the possibilities with my Dad (football is kind of our thing), and figured we had covered all the possibilities.

If the O-line can protect McCoy, it'll be a high scoring shootout. Longhorns win.

If the Tide can get to McCoy, much like Nebraska did, it'll be a long hard game for Texas. Alabama wins.

If Texas' defense is really as good as everyone says they are, they can hold Ingram. Close game, Texas wins.

If Texas' defense is only strong enough for non-SEC teams, Ingram will break out. Alabama wins.

If it comes down to the last 2-3 minutes, a defensive touchdown will win the National title for either team.

No one even dreamed to say "Well, if the winningest quarterback in NCAA history for some reason doesn't play..." Why would we? In his 4 years as starting quarterback, McCoy has yet to be injured. And, c'mon, he was sacked by Heisman finalist Ndamukon Suh 4 1/2 times- 9 times total by the Cornhuskers- just one month earlier. McCoy has proven that he can take hits.

But on the Longhorns' first drive of the night, McCoy took a hit he didn't see coming. No, it wasn't Bama's defensive end Marcell Dareus. It was the result of the hit that had him speechless. "I've take that hit my whole career..." But this time, he couldn't feel his arm. Longhorn fans knew it was bad when father, Brad, left his seat and headed to the locker room. Colt wasn't coming back out.

During the second half, McCoy, noticeably distraught, walked with his father and the trainers back to the field. He wasn't going to play again. His collegiate career would end with him on the sidelines of the biggest stage in football. McCoy never dreamed it like this.

He had every right to say "No, thanks" to Lisa Saulters' request for an interview. He could have rightfully slapped hands with the opposing team and headed for the locker room. He chose, however, to test his courage a little further. When asked how he felt, he couldn't speak. It was obvious as he fought back the tears that he was unsure how to complete the interview. So instead of speaking the first thing that came to mind, he paused. Then, all of a sudden, he had the words. It was as if the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7) came over Colt for the entire world to see.

If you missed it (even if you saw it), his interview can be found here: post-game interview
(and if that link doesn't work, you can always grab it here on youtube: Colt post game

After a classy congratulations to Alabama and a few words about his team, Colt inspired all who were watching. "I always give God the glory. I never question why things happen the way they do. God is in control of my life and I know that if nothing else, I'm standing on the Rock."

Standing on the Rock. I still get chills watching the interview. As a Gator fan I often hear the "giving God the glory" speeches. With Tebow under center, after every game he gives credit where credit is due: Above. When Bradford won the Heisman last year he quickly showed the world his priorities: God first. Even this year, Ingram gave God all the glory.

But McCoy, at the lowest point of his career- dare I say of his life- gave God all the glory. Sure, he's confused. I'm sure for a long time he's going to wonder why. But to the whole world, on the most watched game of the entire season, he sent a message louder and shined his light brighter than he ever could have with a crystal football in his hands and burnt orange confetti falling from the sky. He was broken. He was at a loss for any kind of answer. All he had left was his foundation. "[But]..if nothing else, I'm standing on the Rock."

I think what is most moving about Colt McCoy's answer to Lisa Saulters is that we get it. We've been there. Sure, not on as grand a stage as that, but we've all experienced failure. Confusion. Turmoil. Life as we know it crashing down.

Don't you agree? Haven't you been there before?
May we all have a foundation that we, too, can be so sure of.

Yesterday I came across a quote that more than fits this situation.

"In my experience, it’s much easier to act like a Christian than it is to react like one. Anyone can put on an act. But your reactions reveal what is really in your heart."
-Mark Batterson

Last night, Colt McCoy showed what was in his heart, not by some willed-to-win performance that goes down in history, but in how he reacted to the most devastating blow of his career. The world was watching as Colt became sure of one thing: his footing.

"I know that if nothing else, I'm standing on the Rock."

Although we may never be on such a stage, or handed such an audience as he, I only pray our reactions show what is in our heart, and that it is just as glorifying to God as Colt's was.

Are you standing on the Rock?