Super Bowl Domination

Chapter 33 Warming Up Opponents
Generally speaking, ultimate rivals like the Crimson Tide and Tigers are better off keeping their distance before the start of the new season in order to avoid leaking tactical secrets.

A little bit of mystery is a good thing for both teams. After all, they are both holding back on big moves, waiting for the U.S. Championship Game to compete again.

However, Shaban is not senile, and Sweeney is not a reckless person. One dared to invite and the other dared to agree, so they must have their own calculations behind it.

Both coaches know that historical records can only be used as a reference, not to mention before the new century. Even the 2008 games have no reference value. Now they have brand new teams with different styles and types. Last year's U.S. Championship final was the best proof of this.

Shaban is good at defense.

And Sweeney?
This coach, who was originally a wide receiver, is good at offense, especially passing offense. His elusive tactics allow the Tigers to display top firepower on the offensive end.

A sharp spear; a thick shield.

In this "conflict war", the tactical intentions of the two coaches are the same. They both hope to determine the tactical manual for the new season through warm-up matches.

Only by facing the strongest opponent can you test your strongest state and prepare for the new season.

There is no doubt that the goal of both teams in the new season is to win the US championship, even though their opponents in the warm-up matches may be their biggest enemies in the fight for the championship; but to be honest, they still need to overcome many obstacles on the road to Tampa, the venue for the US Championship finals in January next year.

In addition, Shaban has his own little plan.

The Clemson Tigers' defensive system is "4-3", which means four defensive frontmen and three linebackers, focusing on front-line pressure and ground defense.

In last year's National Championship final, Derrick Henry of the Crimson Tide faced a severe challenge, but Henry found a way to break through with his personal ability and laid the foundation for their championship; this year, without a heavy weapon like Henry, the Crimson Tide needs to change their offensive strategy.

It is important to note here that Derrick Henry is a typical tank running back. He is 6.2 feet (191 cm) and 247 pounds (112 kg). He is like a tank, relying on his own strength and size to force his way forward. This is also an important reason why he later won the title of "Henry the Great".

However, the Crimson Tide currently does not have this type of running back on their team.

This also means that the ground attack tactics that suited Henry last year are all invalid this year, and they must develop new tactics based on the styles of different running backs.

However, Shaban did not choose a traditional strong team in ground defense. First, he did not want to expose his own shortcomings. Second, he did not want to undermine the confidence of the team's young running backs. Third and most importantly, there is no need to put the cart before the horse. Defense is the cornerstone of the Crimson Tide's championship.

So, Shaban chose Clemson as his warm-up opponent.

He needs to test how the running backs in the team's current configuration perform under the pressure of Clemson.

Of course, it is undeniable that topicality, popularity and ratings are also among the many factors to be considered.

Behind a seemingly simple decision, Shaban has his own considerations, and the president of the University of Alabama, Stuart Bell, naturally welcomed it with both hands and feet.

Finally, the matter was settled.

Levi’s first official appearance as a pro — against a real opponent — was against the Clemson Tigers.

Not only the millions of spectators, but also the Crimson Tide team itself was extremely excited, bustling with discussions.

In just a few years, Clemson has become a top NCAA team, and a group of young rising stars who have become household names have emerged in the team.

And, focusing on the offensive group. Quarterback, DeShaun Watson, the young man born in 1995, has become a rising star that the professional league has begun to pay attention to.

Last season, Watson, who was only a sophomore, had a full-scale outbreak, was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year, and ranked third in the selection of the Heisman, the highest award in NCAA football, only behind Alabama University running back Derrick Henry and Stanford University running back Christian McCaffrey.

These two will become top players with a name in the NFL in the future.

Of course, the same goes for Watson.

Watson was selected in the first round by the Houston Texans and turned professional in 2017. He delivered top performances for three consecutive years from 2018 to 2020, was selected to the Pro Bowl for three consecutive years, and led the league in passing yards in 2020.

Although Watson was later involved in harassment, violence, and assault incidents and became the target of public criticism, and was jointly sued by 2023 women, becoming the most watched gossip off the field during the offseason, Watson's popularity remains unabated in a league where quarterbacks are scarce.

This is a new generation running quarterback who can pass the ball and run the ball. His excellent physical fitness lays the foundation for his flexible playing style.

At present, Watson is the star of the Clemson Tigers. When people mention Clemson, Watson is always the absolute core; but if you think that there is only one Watson in Clemson, then you are obviously a layman who has no knowledge of football.

Wide receiver Mike Williams, tight end Jordan Leggett, running back Wayne Gallman and a top NCAA offensive line together form this college's top-tier offensive team.

but.

It is undeniable that a gifted child like Watson is still the absolute focus.

The Crimson Tide team is discussing how they should limit Watson and whether Watson, who is entering his junior year in the new season, will grow further. The Tigers' offensive group, which has not undergone a major change, should be even better after the spring training camp, but it is not known to what extent they will improve.

And so on.

Clark noticed Levi's silence. Although Levi would always have an expression of "Who are you talking about?" or "I don't know any of the names you mentioned" during the usual team gossip discussions, the spring training camp was about to end and everyone was extremely excited, so Levi's calmness became even more prominent.

"Levi? Aren't you curious?" Clark couldn't control his excitement, and he became eager to try it out.

Even Jacobs, with a serious face, glanced at Clark.

Levi remained calm, "Not curious. Mr. Watson isn't a problem for us anyway. I'm more curious about their defensive line and linebackers. Are there any popular players or rising stars? I'm looking forward to sitting down and having a good chat with them."

puff.

Clark couldn't help laughing. "Yes, of course. Their defensive line is also very good, and their individual abilities are top notch."

Jacobs looked at Levi's indifferent expression and couldn't help but remind him, "Maybe Coach Sweeney is not good at defense, but the Tigers' defensive line is indeed at the level of the first team in the United States and should not be underestimated. Even when Henry was still there last year, he suffered a lot."

Levi, "Oh."

Dear book friends, please vote. Everything is getting better little by little. The niche football among the niches can also have a spring! I would like to thank you all for your great support again. Thank you all!

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(End of this chapter)