Chapter 34 Black-faced Yama
"Yo! Yo! Yo!"
In Bryant-Denny Stadium, the whole stadium was booed, and the surging red wave was pouring towards the end zone with its teeth and claws, and the sound was rolling. However, Deshaun Watson was not affected at all and stood dancing in the end zone. ——
Literally.
In response to the boos from the audience, Watson imitated the coquettish dance steps in Drake's latest hit "Hotline-Bling" and twerked in a small range. Although his expression was not visible because of the helmet, The dance steps that deserve a beating are extremely insulting.
The louder the boos got, the more excited Watson became.
For Clemson, who is playing away from home, this is the best reward.
In fact, Clemson came prepared for today's warm-up match. Although it was only a warm-up match, coaches Shaban and Sweeney had their own plans, and each followed the plan and implemented it firmly.
In the first half, the Clemson Tigers used their main force and went all out to open up the situation; while the Alabama Crimson Tide Storm hid some tricks and used their main offensive team and substitute defensive team to form a confrontation.
Shaban has his own considerations——
First of all, in the team practice match, the substitute defensive team performed really well. They only made eight first attacks in the whole game, which stunned the main offensive team led by Hurts. Shaban had more expectations for the substitute players.
Secondly, in the first half, the focus was on offense, and in the second half, the lineup was changed to improve defense; so in the first half, Shaban almost tempted Sweeney to attack, while he continued to observe Clemson's offensive tactics.
Strategy, no problem, even brilliant.
But Shaban underestimated the determination of Clemson. From Sweeney to Watson, everyone was sharpening their skills to avenge their defeat in the National Championship finals in January this year. They played very aggressively from the beginning.
Watson is indeed an NCAA star. Not only is he the biggest contender for the Heisman Award in the new season, he is also a popular candidate for the No. 1 pick in next year's draft.
Watson did not forget that this warm-up match was broadcast live across the United States, which was an excellent opportunity——
Usually, NFL teams have no time to watch NCAA games. All teams are the same. Professional scouts are responsible for collecting information, so what is placed on the desks of head coaches and team managers are just scout reports, unless They are interested, otherwise they would not look for game videos to watch.
But today is different.
It is still spring training camp. The NFL has just concluded its draft and the training camp has not started yet. Players and coaches are on vacation. In order to pass the time, they occasionally watch the game. This ESPN live game may come into their view. Questions are the best stage to gain visibility.
Warm-up matches also have special significance.
Watson is ready to take advantage of his opportunity.
Therefore, as soon as he appeared on the field, Watson quickly entered the state, able to pass and run, with full firepower. He opened the situation with a dazzling attack and caught the Crimson Tide Storm off guard with a devastating attitude.
"14:0".
It seemed that before they had time to breathe, Clemson was already leading by two touchdowns in the away game. Watson's dazzling performance even overshadowed the outstanding performance of the Tigers' defensive team. He passed the ball for a touchdown and ran the ball for a touchdown. , and then there was a scene of dancing in the end zone of the Red Tide Storm.
Today, the Bryant-Denny Stadium is packed with people. Facing the defeated players in last season's National Championship game who are also close rivals, the residents of this small town came out in full force. Even if it was just a warm-up game, they showed the momentum of the National Championship game. A red tide surged throughout the venue.
However, Watson was very flamboyant and unbridled. He performed at a top level from the first wave of offense, so that people completely forgot about the existence of Hurts.
The Crimson Tide Storm played a little dull in the first quarter.
Shaban was not fazed.
First of all, it must be admitted that Clemson has performed well since the beginning; but taking a step back, is Clemson really that good? Let's start with the Crimson Tide's offense. The root problem is the ground attack. Shaban's team is not good at passing offense, so the ground attack is the key to opening up the situation. Sweeney also knows that the Crimson Tide, which lacks Derrick Henry, is running. Encountering a dilemma at the guard position, he seized the opportunity, made targeted arrangements, and completely grabbed the throat of the Crimson Tide Storm.
The four defensive fronts of the Tigers' defense are all top-notch in personal ability. In fact, Sweeney's defensive tactics are just those same routines over and over again, but the ability of the defensive fronts to fight individually is really outstanding, and it is not the same strength. Among the four players With at least three first-class players, even if there are not many tactical changes, they can still form a collective advantage.
Carlos Watkins, junior in September, defensive tackle.
Christian Wilkins, sophomore in September, defensive end.
Dexter-Lawrence, enrolled in September, defensive tackle.
Shaban is familiar with Watkins and has already played against him last year. This is a blue-collar player who is conscientious and conscientious. Although he lacks some explosive power, the focus is on missing fewer tackles and completing each defensive task solidly and steadily. In this way Its existence is like the magic needle that fixes the sea.
The real highlight is the two young men, Wilkins and Lawrence, who are strong and fierce enough, and both have the qualifications to be a first-round pick in terms of talent and ability.
The biggest difference between football and other sports is that there are a large number of people. Therefore, those who can enter the first round of the draft are all abnormal. Not to mention the first round, the first three rounds of rookies are all capable people and strangers.
"First round pick", this is the best affirmation.
In addition, there are many positions on the football field. When drafting, teams often do not choose the ones with the most outstanding talents, but choose the ones they need most. Therefore, it is even more rare for players in some positions to enter the first round.
That's what the defensive line is like.
In Shaban's view, Wilkins and Lawrence do have first-round potential.
The two of them, one responsible for the inside and the other for the outside, were like the black-faced Yama, completely strangling the ground attack, and the running ball of Jacobs and Clark could not open up the situation at all.
So much so that when Hurts tried to pass the ball, his tactical intentions were repeatedly seen in advance, the accuracy of the pass fluctuated drastically, and the offense fell into trouble.
Pressure creates a vicious cycle.
In Shaban's view, it's still a matter of momentum.
Whether Jacobs or Clark, they all know the intimidating power of Derrick Henry last season. As long as Henry is on the court, he can intimidate the opponent's defensive team. Deep down, they know that they cannot match Henry, but subconsciously Trying to prove he can fill Henry's shoes -
This is contradictory.
Because of this contradictory mentality, when they advanced on the ground, they lacked observation and thinking, and bumped into the wall again and again.
Jacobs was a little irritated. Still young.
The situation in front of us has reasons for our opponents as well as our own reasons. Shaban is very calm and always observing the overall situation.
Let’s talk about the Crimson Tide Storm’s defense.
The core reason lies in Watson's growth. The Crimson Tide Storm defensive team has never been able to see through Watson's tactical choices. This athletically gifted quarterback has carried the Tigers' offensive banner entirely on his own.
Thanks to Xiao Dengtou for the reward! Dear book lovers, the competition for the new book list is fierce. The young man begs for all kinds of support and throws in your votes as much as you can. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!
(End of this chapter)