"He's here, he's there, he's everywhere—it's the edge runner, Lance, Lance, Lance!"
Bryant-Denny Stadium was shaking. The world itself seemed to tremble as deafening cheers erupted like a volcanic explosion, a continuous roar that filled the air. The sensation of boiling blood and the heat of excitement were impossible to ignore. Anyone in the stadium would find themselves swept up in the moment.
Donald Yee was no exception.
He understood that Lance's stellar performance as a running back was largely thanks to his teammates. From sidelines and team footage, Yee had seen that Lance got along well with the defensive squad. Now, being at the stadium, he could feel the passion of the fans.
In just six short months, Lance had clearly won over the hearts of this small town.
Despite having witnessed Tom Brady's triumphant Super Bowl moments more than once and having felt the frenzy of North America's greatest sporting event, Donald Yee was still captivated by the feverish excitement unfolding before him today.
But despite the cheers and energy, Yee couldn't quite adapt to the outpouring of enthusiasm around him. He stood somewhat awkwardly among the sea of fervent faces, feeling out of place.
Soon, however, Yee realized he wasn't alone in feeling this way.
Just ahead, a small group of about twenty or thirty people sat directly behind the Crimson Tide coaching staff.
Normally, a group this size would be insignificant in a stadium of 100,000 people. Even though they were seated right behind the coaches, they wouldn't have drawn much attention—except for the fact that they were all wearing black jerseys.
In a sea of crimson and white, the black stood out sharply.
Men in Black 3 had come out years ago, so it wasn't like they were doing some kind of performance art. And why here, at Bryant-Denny Stadium?
Upon closer inspection, it became clear that the group wasn't wearing suits, but jerseys. Could they be fans of another team trying to stir up trouble?
After all, Mississippi State's colors weren't black.
Were they not worried about their safety, pulling a stunt like that in Bryant-Denny Stadium?
But then Yee finally saw it clearly: they were wearing Jacksonville Jaguars jerseys.
No wonder they weren't concerned about being attacked. Clearly, NFL fans had no reason to fear for their safety in a college football stadium. Plus, Jacksonville wasn't far from Tuscaloosa—only about 470 miles, or a seven-hour drive. Practically neighbors.
But why were Jacksonville Jaguars fans here?
More importantly, they seemed to be organized, disciplined, and making a statement. It was as if they were openly declaring something, hoping everyone would notice.
Donald Yee couldn't help but recall a rumor he'd heard.
He hadn't paid much attention to it at the time, but now it seemed worth taking seriously.
His gaze drifted back to the center of the field, where the figure at the heart of the cheers and applause stood—Lance, now surrounded by a swarm of Crimson Tide players.
"Haha, Lance is crying!"
"Oh, Lance, are you all emotional now?"
"Look at our little rookie with his red eyes. So cute!"
"Someone, quick, take a picture!"
"We never thought we'd see you like this."
The teasing was relentless.
One by one, his teammates eagerly piled on, seizing the moment to poke fun at Lance.
But Lance didn't mind. With grace, he accepted every jab. "Laugh all you want. I know you're all just jealous. But too bad—this kind of charm is unbeatable. Unless you're reincarnated, nothing's going to change that."
A collective tsk followed as everyone burst into laughter.
Finally, Clark, looking sheepish, approached Lance. "Sorry about earlier, I..."
Lance, watching Clark scratch his head awkwardly, couldn't help but burst out laughing. "No worries. I understand. Besides, let them laugh for now—they won't be laughing during training."
Clark: …
A shiver ran down Clark's spine. What was this unsettling feeling? Was it just his imagination? Why did Lance's smile give off Hannibal Lecter vibes? Was this normal?
Help!
But Lance didn't elaborate. He simply turned around, ready to get back to the game. His light, energetic steps showed that he couldn't wait to start.
Poor Mississippi State.
As it turned out, they really were in for a rough time—
Lance was in top form, performing spectacularly. There was no sign of fatigue from last week's tough game. The recovery training had done wonders, and from the start, Lance was on fire.
In the first half alone, Lance racked up 186 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns, utterly demolishing Mississippi State's ground defense.
If he'd wanted, Lance could have easily padded his stats, surpassing 200 rushing yards without breaking a sweat. But Alabama didn't push for more.
Lance clocked out early.
In the second half, Jacobs and Clark took over ground duties, and the Crimson Tide continued to dominate, eliminating any suspense.
The final score: 63-3.
The Crimson Tide crushed Mississippi State at home, extending their unbeaten streak for the season.
After the game, reporters were eager to interview Lance, but they quickly realized that all access had been cut off. Saban had issued a media blackout, starting from this game. The Crimson Tide would not entertain any pre-game or post-game interviews.
Reporters were stunned.
How could they keep their storylines going now?
However, one reporter managed to shout a question at Lance through a gap in the fence.
"Lance, Jackson said he's going to beat you, both in the National Championship and for the Heisman."
Lance gave a dazzling smile. "Good luck, Lammy."
And with that… nothing more.
The reporters could only watch as Lance walked off, powerless to do anything.
At the post-game press conference, the reporters protested to Saban, but he didn't care. He simply reiterated that no players would be available for interviews. All interviews would be conducted at official press conferences, where Saban would respond on their behalf.
The reporters were left with no options.
In the NFL, this would have violated league rules, as players are required to attend post-game press conferences, with specific time requirements. But in the NCAA, no such rules existed.
Frustrated, the reporters had no choice but to turn their attention elsewhere, particularly toward Jackson.
Why Jackson?
Because the media loves to target the front-runner, and with Jackson leading the Heisman race, he was the obvious choice. Meanwhile, Watson had been flying under the radar most of the season.
The Louisville Cardinals were desperate for a victory to stop their downward spiral and get back in the championship race. Not just any win—a statement win. Jackson, too, needed to silence the doubters.
But instead—
Louisville lost.
----------
Powerstones?
For 20 advance chapters: patreon.com/michaeltranslates