"Roll, Tide!"
"Hail to Washington!"
"Roll, Tide!"
"Hail to Washington!"
Waves of roaring cheers echoed through the Georgia Dome, clashing back and forth with immense energy. The entire city of Atlanta seemed to tremble slightly as the crowds reached a fever pitch.
The fans of Washington University screamed their support at the top of their lungs. Even when facing the top-seeded Alabama, they showed no signs of backing down, exuding a fierce determination and will to win.
In the opening drive, Washington indeed displayed their strength. Their underestimated and often overlooked offense suppressed the Crimson Tide's dominant defense, scoring first and igniting the excitement of the fans.
"7-0."
Clearly, this unexpected start was beyond everyone's predictions.
In the broadcast booth, the commentator couldn't help but marvel:
"Indeed, a bowl game is different. The atmosphere, the intensity, and the entire state of play are on another level. Washington University isn't content to be a mere supporting act; they came here to compete for the championship, and they're proving that they're not just playing around at the Georgia Dome. The defending champions should be careful; their only competition isn't just Clemson."
Before the game, nearly all the media focused on Alabama and Clemson, eagerly speculating if the two teams would meet again in the national championship game. But now, Washington University was making its presence felt, loud and clear:
Don't count us out.
The flames of battle were officially lit.
Humphrey, though, was frustrated.
In the first defensive series, he was overly excited, but that was the thing with sports—too much tension could lead to mistakes, and being overly hyped could do the same. Humphrey never quite found his rhythm, missing crucial tackles twice.
As he stood there, he noticed Lance waiting on the sideline with his helmet in hand. Feeling a bit embarrassed, Humphrey's cheeks flushed slightly.
Lance bumped his helmet against Humphrey's shoulder and offered a smile, "It's okay, Humphrey. Watch us. We'll show them the full force of the Crimson Tide. Remember, we're a team."
The playful, teasing tone made Humphrey roll his eyes in exasperation and turn to the defense captain for help.
Alan just shrugged with a look of helplessness.
Frustrated, Humphrey glanced back at the field, where Browning and Ross were gleefully fist-bumping in celebration. Humphrey clenched his teeth in determination.
The Crimson Tide's offense took the field.
At the beginning of this season, nobody would have expected Coach Saban's team to show such dominance on offense, even surpassing last season's performance. Last year, they primarily relied on Derrick Henry, but this year, with Lance, Jacobs, and Hurts all playing key roles, they had become a fully upgraded force—a truly elite team in the NCAA.
But Washington's defense also radiated confidence and proactivity.
Budda Baker was ready for his breakout moment on the national stage. He wanted everyone in the NCAA and NFL to see his abilities and hoped that professional teams were prepared for his arrival.
With light steps, Baker moved into position and immediately spotted the heart of Alabama's offense: Lance.
At the same moment, Lance noticed him too, and their eyes met.
Sparks flew.
Baker's smile turned sinister, and he ran a thumb slowly across his throat before raising his index finger, wagging it in a gesture of pity and scorn.
Lance, the running back, didn't have the stereotypical look of one—he wasn't overly muscular, fierce, or intimidating. Instead, he had a more refined, scholarly demeanor, and his clean-cut, handsome appearance had won the hearts of many fans. Rumor had it that love letters addressed to Lance had filled up the Crimson Tide's mailbox, and major media outlets often complimented his demeanor.
At the moment, Lance hadn't yet put on his helmet, and the sounds of shrieking girls pierced the air in the Georgia Dome, making it seem more like a pop concert than a football game.
Too bad.
Baker intended to thoroughly trample and punish Lance today. His teammates were going to make sure that pretty face got roughed up a bit. It would be a shame for the girls, really.
But showing any mercy? No chance. Baker planned to "take good care" of this rookie.
"Heh," Baker chuckled darkly as he jogged towards the line of scrimmage.
"Lance?" Hurts, noticing the interaction, patted Lance on the shoulder, "Is that guy actually crushing on you?" Hurts rarely joked around, but it showed the relaxed confidence of the Crimson Tide's offense—
From inexperience to maturity, from unfamiliarity to cohesion, the young offensive squad had faced severe tests throughout the season, emerging stronger and more confident as a result.
Hurts trusted Lance, even if Lance was still technically the "rookie." As long as Lance was in the backfield, Hurts knew they were ready for any challenge.
Lance shrugged casually, "Ah, the downside of being too charming."
"Ha!" Hurts burst out laughing.
It was clear to everyone watching that the Crimson Tide offense was in complete control of the moment.
As both sides lined up, the tension thickened in the air.
So, how would the Crimson Tide begin their drive?
In the early part of the season, Alabama usually started with the ground game, methodically establishing their rhythm. However, as their rushing attack gained a reputation, they had begun occasionally starting with the passing game. Hurts' passing had visibly improved, giving Saban more confidence to take risks.
But against Washington, would Alabama dare to challenge them with a passing attack?
"Attack!"
Hurts called the play, and the field shifted—
An all-out blitz!
Washington didn't care about Alabama's strategy. Just like their opening offensive drive, their first defensive move was aggressive. They took the initiative, blitzing with all their might.
Undoubtedly, Washington was both brave and well-prepared, demonstrating their readiness and determination to win the championship.
It was certainly a surprise—
Both Washington and Alabama employed a "3-4" defensive scheme, with three down linemen and four linebackers, which usually isn't conducive to frequent blitzing.
Especially not at the start of the game.
Generally, teams stick to their core game plan to open, without relying on surprise tactics. But Washington's bold strategy aimed to seize control of the game from the outset.
A five-man rush.
Washington leveraged their numbers like a tiger pouncing from the mountain, breaking through Alabama's offensive line.
For a moment, it almost felt like Washington, not Alabama, was the undefeated top seed this season.
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Powerstones?
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