1. Pressure

Those field goals. Unbelievable. Alabama's kicker probably could've made them with his eyes closed if this was any other game, but it's the National Championship. When you have dedication, hard work, and your school on your shoulders, it can really hinder your game and ultimately lead to game-changing mistakes.

Fortunately for the kicker, Pappanastos, his teammates came through during overtime, but imagine if they didn't. The devastation and the desire to go back to that kick would be something he would have to live with for the rest of his life.

No matter how hard you train, you can never truly be prepared to handle pressure. It's extremely difficult to develop the mental toughness to perform at the highest level with pressure. Though, it is not impossible. With enough discipline, practice, and experience, pressure can be used to your advantage.

2. Experience

It was definitely surprising to see starting freshman QB's at this level on both teams. Most coaches would rather start a more experienced and older player especially when an entire season is on the line for obvious reasons. They're more likely to be exposed to situations like this where it's all or nothing. They're more likely to handle the pressure better. They're more likely to simply play better.

Both QB's made the crucial mistake of throwing interceptions late in the second half. In back to back plays, I may add.

Though, let's not forget that their own experience as QB's is the entire reason they're playing. Being able to play for the best college football teams in the country requires an incredible amount of talent, and both QB's had it.

3. Trust

Remember, the Alabama QB freshman, Tua Tagovalia, has never started a game up until this game, but head coach Nick Saban decided to give Tua the chance he's been waiting for. Clearly, this was a shock to many especially after starting QB Jalen Hurts has played over twenty games.

There was no doubt that Coach Saban had full confidence in Tagovalia's ability to perform at the highest level. Sometimes, that can make the difference in a game. How much trust do you have in your teammates? Do you believe that they will do their job in order for you to do yours? Teamwork is everything in a game like football, and trust is the glue of teamwork.

4. Momentum

It isn't about the scoreboard. Rather, it's about the momentum. Alabama didn't have any during the first half which resulted in a thirteen point deficit and no points. It was all Georgia until Alabama switched their QB the second half. From then on, it was a different game, and Alabama took most of the momentum from Georgia and forced the game into overtime.

Gaining momentum in any game can be difficult simply because how fast it can shift. All it takes is one crucial moment to change, while it can take a lot of time to build it back up again. This means that momentum can come at any moment. You could be off to a bad start, but that doesn't mean you'll fail.

On the contrary, you could be off to a great start, but that doesn't mean you'll succeed. The game was a perfect example of this. Alabama loses thirteen years in their first play during overtime. Then, in the very next play, score the winning touchdown. Let those two plays sink in.

5. Control

Picture this. You're ranked number six before the season. You go undefeated for the entire season as well as your postseason game, yet you aren't in the championship game. That sounds kind of unfair right?

Well, that was UCF. They had a perfect 13-0 season after going 0-12 two years prior. However, the teams that are in the playoffs are determined by a committee who evaluate based on several factors. One of the most important ones, opponents. UCF didn't play high ranked teams like Alabama or Georgia, yet UCF defeated Auburn who defeated Alabama and Georgia.

It just goes to show that there are so many game-changing factors out of our control. Some of them are out of our control for good reason while others are in question. The playoff determination in college football could be one of them.