Dominate the Super Bowl

Chapter 69: 069 Sudden Wind and Rain

"Touchdown!"

"Number twenty-three, rushing touchdown!"

"Crimson Tide Storm, often criticized for their offense, firmly seized the opportunity to switch the ball from the defense's interception finally turning it into a touchdown, continuing to expand their lead and extending the strong and fluid play they had shown since the opening kickoff, scoring their second rushing touchdown of the season's opening game."

"Wow."

"Can you believe it? I mean, wow!"

"After last season ended, Derrick Henry turned professional, and everyone began to worry about the Crimson Tide Storm's ground game, especially when the new season started, and Crimson Tide Storm unveiled their running back lineup, a rookie, a freshman, and a backup's backup, the voices of doubt were relentless."

"Now, Saban and his disciples have responded in such a way."

"Never underestimate Crimson Tide Storm's ground game. Never!"

ABC and ESPN alike, went from skepticism to surprise to admiration in just less than a quarter, all acclaiming in awe.

Perhaps some might say, just two touchdowns, what's the big deal?

But in ABC's commentary booth, opinions differed.

"Number twenty-three of the Crimson Tide Storm executed a gamble on the one-yard line in the Red Zone, his nimble and agile steps finding a sliver of a gap amidst a dense mangle, a mere gasp of breathing space, yet it evolved into a touchdown."

"Beautiful!"

"Maybe this number twenty-three isn't Derrick Henry; they are two very different players, but now number twenty-three is still opening up the ground game with his skills, staying cool, sensible, sharp, and knowing how to use his advantages—his intelligence is truly impressive."

"Two rushing touchdowns, yet in vastly different styles, the performance of this number twenty-three also promises to be exciting, clearly we haven't seen all of his facets yet, which makes the upcoming games full of fun."

"Undoubtedly, the defending champions have maintained their continuous output of firepower on both offense and defense."

"Now, Crimson Tide Storm has thrown a difficult problem to the Trojans."

"With such strong defense, how should Saban's offensive group shine next?"

ABC, staying neutral as the broadcaster, naturally hopes for the game to be as thrilling as possible to boost the ratings.

"The Trojans need to find their footing, they need to calm down, focus on themselves, start with their strengths on the offensive end, stabilize the game situation; now is the time to let the new offensive group show their talent, from the head coach to the quarterback to the wide receivers, they need to perk up."

"A single score would do."

"Whether it's a field goal or a touchdown, that's what the Trojans need right now; there's no need to worry about their Defensive group, just focus on playing their game and finding their rhythm."

"Otherwise, not to mention whether the young quarterback can handle such a difficult situation, the confidence of the Trojan's offensive group might also face a devastating blow."

"We should bring our focus back, let's not forget, this is a battle of wills, Trojan's offense against the Crimson Tide Storm's defense."

"Now, let's see how Hayden sets up the strategy, and then how Saban responds."

"The pressure, once again back on the Trojans, they need someone to step up, they need a leader to rally the troops, they need a shining moment."

"Indeed, football is a team sport, but a team sport also needs a leader."

Zhu Zhu: All right, all right, enough said, I know it's my time to step up, if the team needs a superhero, it's definitely me.

No one else but me!

However—

Zhu Zhu's jaw literally dropped to the floor, shattered all over.

He forgot one very, very important thing.

Who is the hero and who is the villain, depends on whom you ask, while the Trojans search for a leader, the leader of the Crimson Tide Storm Defense group won't just sit by and wait.

Crimson Tide Storm Defense Team Captain Allen, stepped up and played the leader role.

Saban knew the Trojans' offensive group was ready for the rise, but they still needed to check with the Crimson Tide Storm's defensive group.

Saban chose to strike first—

Blitz the passer.

The so-called blitzing refers more precisely to raid—the defense takes the initiative to tear open the offensive line's pocket, aiming at the quarterback to either exert passing pressure or deliver a direct hit, ideally sacking the quarterback and nipping the attack in the bud.

If the quarterback cannot complete the pass, then no matter how strong or excellent the wide receivers and tight ends are, it's all futile because the shells simply cannot be fired.

The Crimson Storm employs a "3-4" formation, whose main characteristic is focusing on pressure with less emphasis on raiding.

This means they mainly disturb, bump, and pressure to disrupt the quarterback's pass but very rarely tear open the pocket to sack the quarterback.

However, "rarely" does not mean they lack such ability.

The old saying rings true: experience counts.

Saban accurately grasped the game's pace, starting with a blitz in the first wave of defense, completely unannounced. Four linebackers stepped up, dispersed, and converged with the defensive line, forming a numerical advantage with a six-player blitz that instantly burst open the pocket. Then, Allen showcased his ability.

A step forward, a tiger pouncing down the mountain.

Sack!

Allen, with an absolutely dominant and sudden manner, violently broke through the Trojans' offensive line's block as if the pocket were merely made of paper. With just one step forward, he leaped towards Danord and fiercely pinned this young player to the ground.

Friction.

And more friction.

Caught off guard, Danord was left dazed, every bone in his body howling in pain, darkness curtained his eyes, and the entire world seemed to fracture before him.

Not just Danord—the slightest tremble touched Hertz's knees as he watched from the side of the field, seeing Allen roar ferociously like the Hulk.

Zhu Zhu: ...

He had just started getting ready to contend with Humphrey once more and then witnessed this tragic scene, ending up petrified on the spot.

Meanwhile, the young Trojans attempted to sound a counterattack.

On the other hand, the savvy Crimson Tide Storm promptly snuffed out the glimmer of resistance.

First down ten yards, a sack, not only failing to gain yardage but also forcing the Trojans to lose five yards.

Second down fifteen yards, everyone thought the Trojans would opt for a pass, but Hayden unexpectedly chose to run the ball. The Crimson Tide Storm defensive group stayed alert, with number ten Foster making a beautiful tackle close to the scrimmage line, pinning the running back down and allowing only two yards of advance.

Third down thirteen yards, cornered, the Trojans had no choice but to go for a pass, not even bothering with a decoy run.

Nevertheless, Hayden made a tactical adjustment, using Zhu Zhu to draw attention, attempting to connect with other wide receivers, relying on Danord's strong arm to turn the tide.

The Crimson Tide Storm executed an unmatched secondary defense, denying Danord's pass, a clean and powerful performance that struck the Trojans out.

Wave after wave, a fierce flurry of attacks left the Trojans gasping for air, bewildered as they left the field, each one dumbstruck.

Young Danord's eyes were filled with confusion, unable to focus.

Total suppression, total domination.

The game, and the scenario they had envisioned, was completely different. So, what should they do next?

As the Crimson Tide Storm's offensive group was gearing up yet again for the slaughter.

Wait, the Crimson Tide Storm's offensive group isn't going to score again, are they?

No way!