"Snap, Darnold drops back, scanning the field. He's not making a quick throw this time."
"The Trojans' offensive strategy fooled the Crimson Tide—there's no pressure from the defensive line, giving Darnold plenty of time to assess his options."
"A long pass?"
"No, a mid-range pass!"
"Darnold targets his most trusted receiver, number 9, Smith-Schuster, trying to connect on a 20-yard pass for a big play."
"Smith-Schuster is trying to break free, but Humphrey sticks to him like glue. If Smith-Schuster can shake off Humphrey, the entire backfield will open up."
"They're completely entangled, Smith-Schuster can't get free. He's forced to jump for it, and Humphrey can't quite keep his footing."
"Smith-Schuster breaks loose!"
"Smith-Schuster!"
"JuJu Smith-Schuster!"
"Ah…"
"Interception!"
"Unbelievable! Despite losing his balance, Humphrey pulled off a clutch interception, ripping the ball from Smith-Schuster's grasp just before the catch."
"It's an interception!"
"My God, the Trojans' steady, well-planned offense just hit a wall. After methodically moving down the field, they tried for a deep strike, but their most reliable receiver, Smith-Schuster, couldn't maintain his position. Right before his eyes, the ball was snatched away, and Humphrey executed a stunning interception."
"Wait, hold on—Humphrey is still running!"
"An interception return!"
Humphrey stayed calm and focused. Despite being outmatched in the physical battle, he maintained his position.
Patience, just a little more patience.
Even though JuJu leaped first, Humphrey didn't panic. He leaned back, using his body weight to throw JuJu off balance, timing his jump perfectly.
Jump!
Reach!
And there it was—snatching the ball from JuJu's hands just moments before he could secure it. In the ensuing chaos, Humphrey protected the ball as he tumbled down.
Falling…
Landing…
Amid the turbulence, Humphrey smartly used JuJu's body as a cushion to absorb the impact, his feet touching solid ground again.
JuJu, in utter disbelief, looked at Humphrey with shock, his body out of control as he fell backward.
For a brief moment, JuJu saw Humphrey glance back at him, a grin spreading across his face like a clown's sinister smile beneath the helmet.
That grin felt like a black hole, pulling JuJu down into an abyss, with only the fleeting image of the red jersey disappearing from his peripheral vision.
Damn it, damn it, damn it!
And where was Humphrey?
Like a heartless lover, he was already off, sprinting away without a second glance, leaving only a blur in his wake as he began his return.
Stumbling, shaking, rebalancing.
Humphrey's nimble feet found their rhythm again, and he set off on his interception return, showing off the agility of a cornerback.
Cornerbacks, who mirror wide receivers, might not have the best hands, but their speed, agility, and movement skills are identical.
Humphrey slipped past defenders with nimble footwork, gaining five yards in the blink of an eye. He fearlessly dove into the chaos, while the Trojans' offense scrambled to tackle him, roles now reversed.
Thud! Thud, thud, thud!
One hit after another, heavy impacts reverberating across the field.
"Five yards!"
"Ten yards!"
"The Trojans' offense reacted quickly, forming a wall of defenders, but Humphrey's stiff-arm keeps him going! He's trying to shake off the tackle!"
"Oh, so close!"
"Humphrey isn't a running back—he doesn't have the same ability to shed tackles."
"Humphrey goes down!"
"He's finally brought down at the Crimson Tide's own 35-yard line."
"Beautiful!"
"Incredible!"
"Wow, I mean, this is one of the best opening sequences I've ever seen."
"The Crimson Tide has started the game perfectly. Their first two plays on offense and defense in the first quarter were flawless. The reigning champions are making their presence felt."
Roar!
Humphrey slammed the football into the ground and turned toward JuJu's direction, letting out a Hulk-like roar, flexing his biceps for all to see.
Then…
Turning his back on JuJu, Humphrey began wiggling his hips like a character from Crayon Shin-chan, humming a playful tune under his breath.
"Elephant, elephant, why is your nose so long?"
JuJu's face turned dark as he muttered, "Damn."
The Crimson Tide's defensive players stood in disbelief, not expecting such a celebration from Humphrey. Then, they all looked at Lance.
Lance, laughing on the sidelines, noticed all eyes on him and raised his hands innocently: "I didn't teach him that, I swear."
The next second, Humphrey ran over to Lance, raising his hand for a celebratory high-five.
Lance was stunned. Now, no matter what, he was stuck with the blame.
But Humphrey didn't care, bouncing happily, even performing an encore of his "elephant dance"—
Letting JuJu convert on three consecutive third downs was frustrating for Humphrey, but now, after this interception, all was forgiven.
It was even.
JuJu stood there, fuming, unable to believe what was happening. He hadn't expected the story to unfold this way. He wanted to hurl insults but was left speechless as Humphrey ignored him and walked away.
Just like that… he was gone.
JuJu, left standing there, felt utterly defeated.
Then, he saw it:
Humphrey finished his celebration, high-fived Lance, Hurts, and the others, and then struck a pose like he was shooting a basketball, pretending to ask Lance to drain a three-pointer and extend the lead.
JuJu's thoughts raged: "You think our end zone is a revolving door? Coming and going as you please?"
Hell no!
No, no, no—this won't happen!
If the Trojans allowed an interception, followed by another Crimson Tide touchdown, getting dominated on both offense and defense within the first five minutes, how could they keep playing? Was the reigning champion just going to walk all over them?
No way, there was still time to recover. If the Trojans could stop the Crimson Tide here, they could mitigate the damage and keep the game within reach.
In football, even though JuJu wanted an immediate response, the rules didn't allow it. The Trojans' offense had wasted their opportunity. Now they had to hope their defense could hold the line, forcing the Crimson Tide into a three-and-out. Only then could Darnold and JuJu return to the field.
But what if the Trojans' defense couldn't stop the Crimson Tide from scoring?
No, no, no—that can't happen!
This wasn't how the story was supposed to go. JuJu hadn't even had a chance to show his true strength, dominate the field, or crush the competition.
Damn it!
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