Chapter 33 Warming Up Opponents
Generally speaking, in order to avoid leaking tactical secrets from ultimate opponents like the Crimson Tide Storm and Tigers, it is best to keep a distance before the start of the new season.
A little mystery is a good thing for both teams. After all, they are holding back their big moves and waiting for the National Championship Game to compete again.
However, Shaban is not an old fool, and Sweeney is not a reckless person. One who dares to invite and the other dares to agree naturally have their own calculations behind it.
Both coaches know that historical results can only be used as a reference. Not to mention before the new century, even the 2008 game has no reference value. Now they have a brand new team with different styles and types. Last year's National Championship game The decisive battle is the best proof.
Shaban is good at defense.
And Sweeney?
This wide receiver-turned-coach is good at offense, especially passing offense. His elusive tactics allow the Tigers to show top firepower on the offensive end.
A sharp spear; a thick shield.
In this "war of contradictions", the two coaches have the same tactical intentions. They both hope to determine the tactical manual for the new season through the warm-up match——
Only by facing the strongest opponents 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 reach the national championship. Although the opponents in the warm-up match may be their biggest enemies in the championship; but to be honest, on the road to Tampa, where the national championship finals will be held next January, On the way, they still need to overcome obstacles along the way.
In addition, Shaban has his own little abacus.
The Clemson Tigers' defensive system is "4-3", which means four defensive frontmen and three linebackers, focusing on frontline pressure and ground defense.
In last year's National Championship finals, the Crimson Tide's Derrick Henry faced a severe challenge, but Henry found a way to complete a breakthrough with his personal ability, laying the foundation for their championship. This year, without a heavy weapon like Henry, the Crimson Tide needs to change. Offensive strategy.
Here, it should be noted that Derrick Henry is a typical tank running back, 6.2 feet (191 cm), 247 pounds (112 kg), like a tank, relying on his own strength and size to push forward, which is why he later won An important reason for the title "Henry the Great".
However, the Crimson Tide currently do not have this type of running back on their team.
This also means that the ground attack tactics adapted to Henry last year are all invalid this year. They must develop new tactics based on the styles of different running backs.
However, Shaban did not choose a traditional strong team with ground defense. Firstly, he did not want to expose his shortcomings. Secondly, he did not want to undermine the confidence of the team's young running backs. Thirdly, and most importantly, there was no need to put the cart before the horse. , defense is the cornerstone of the Crimson Tide Storm's championship.
Therefore, Shaban chose Clemson as his opponent in the warm-up match.
He needs to test to see how the running backs in the team's current configuration perform when faced with pressure from Clemson.
Of course, it is undeniable that topicality, popularity and ratings are also among the many factors considered.
Behind a seemingly simple decision, Shaban had his own considerations. Stuart Bell, the president of the University of Alabama, 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 the Clemson Tigers.
Not only were there tens of thousands of spectators, but the Crimson Tide Storm team was also extremely excited and excited, and there was a lot of discussion going on.
In just a few years, Clemson has become one of the top teams in the NCAA, and a number of well-known young promising stars have emerged on the team.
And, focus on the offensive team. Quarterback, DeShaun Watson, this young man born in 1995 has become a new star that the professional league is beginning to pay attention to.
Last season, Watson, who was only a sophomore, had a full-scale breakout. He was awarded 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 the University of Alabama running back. Guard Derrick Henry and Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey -
These two will be top players with names in the NFL in the future.
Of course, the same goes for Watson.
Selected in the first round by the Houston Texans in 2017 and turning professional, Watson brought top performance for three consecutive years from the 2018 season to the 2020 season, and was selected to the Pro Bowl for three consecutive years. In 2020, he led the league in passing yards.
Although Watson was later involved in harassment, violence, and assault incidents and became the target of numerous accusations. He was jointly sued by 22 women and became the most high-profile off-field news in the 2023 offseason. However, after four minutes In a league where guards are scarce, Watson's popularity remains unabated.
This is a new-generation running quarterback who can pass and run the ball. His excellent physical fitness lays the foundation for his flexible playing style.
Currently, Watson is the star of the Clemson Tigers. When people mention Clemson, Watson is always the absolute core; but if you think there is only one Watson in Clemson, then it is obviously A layman with no knowledge of football.
Wide receiver Mike Williams, tight end Jordan Leggett, running back Wayne Gallman and a top-level offensive line in the NCAA join hands. A strong offensive team that makes up the first echelon of this university.
but.
It is undeniable that a talented person like Watson is still the absolute focus.
Everyone in the Crimson Tide Storm team is discussing how they should restrict Watson and whether Watson, who has entered his junior year in the new season, will further grow. The Tigers' offensive team, which has not undergone a major overhaul, should be even better after spring training camp, but I don't know how far it has progressed.
And so on.
Clark noticed Levi's quietness. Even though Levi usually had "who are you talking about" and "I don't recognize any of the names you mentioned" expressions on his face when discussing gossip within the team, the spring training camp was about to end and everyone was extremely excited. , Li Wei's calmness became more and more prominent.
"Levi? Aren't you curious?" Clark couldn't control his blood boiling, and he became eager to try as he spoke.
Even Jacobs, who looked serious, glanced at Clark.
Levi remained calm, "I'm not curious. Anyway, Mr. Watson is not our problem. I'm more curious. Are there any popular players or rising stars on their defensive front and linebackers? I'm more curious. I look forward to sitting down and having a heart-to-heart talk with them.”
puff.
Clark couldn't hold back his laughter and said, "Yes, why not? Their defensive front is also very good, and their personal abilities are top-notch."
Jacobs looked at the indifferent expression on Levi's face and couldn't help but remind him, "Maybe Coach Sweeney is not good at defense, but the Tigers' defensive front is indeed at the level of the first team in the United States and should not be underestimated. Even if Henry was still there last year I also suffered a lot during that time.”
Levi, "Oh."
Dear book friends, please vote, everything is getting better little by little, and niche football among the niche can also have spring! The boy once again thanks you all for your support, thank you all!
(End of this chapter)