Chapter 73 Racing all the way
Zhu Zhu was a little confused.
Is this, is this definitely still a red tide storm?
The Crimson Tide team that relied on defense to build a dynasty? The Crimson Tide offense that is limping without Derrick Henry? The Crimson Tide Storm, a ground running team that relies entirely on positional attack?
Are you sure?
Since the opening, the Crimson Tide offensive team scored three touchdowns in three appearances. Their absolutely strong performance made the Trojans defensive team unable to parry.
Originally, after guessing the coin correctly, Hayden chose to let the Crimson Tide Storm take the lead in attacking without hesitation; but now, the Crimson Tide Storm firmly seized the opportunity to expand their advantage, and the devastating offensive severely suppressed the morale of the Trojans. Don't wait for the counterattack in the second half. Now Pupil The focus has collapsed.
It could be said that it was luck once or twice, but there was no room for excuse three times in a row. The Crimson Tide Storm offensive team showed incredible strength and joined forces with the already excellent defensive team.
How can we play this game?
Zhu Zhu turned around and looked around, trying to find a place to stay or a life-saving straw. Anyone or anything would do it, so that the uneasiness and confusion floating in the air could settle down, and he could regain his center of gravity and balance.
Then, Zhu Zhu saw Darnold——
Poor Darnold, staring straight ahead in trance, was tortured to the point of autistic.
Zhu Zhu:......
We can't blame Zhu Zhu and Darnold. Even the studio was stunned and speechless by the crazy output of the Crimson Tide Storm. One or two of them were like rookies watching a football game for the first time.
At this moment, Zhu Zhu's blank vision caught a figure:
Humphrey.
Humphrey again!
The guy stood on the opposite side of the court and danced the elephant dance again amidst the cheers of the Crimson Tide Storm players, with his constantly twisting butt being a special prelude.
In the distance, the wind carried laughter and singing.
"...Elephant, why is your trunk so long?"
This time, Zhu Zhu is also autistic.
Obviously, this opener was different from what the Trojans expected, and what all the professionals and viewers expected.
Even though it was expected that the defending champions would be able to defeat the Trojans smoothly, they did not expect that they would be defeated in the first half, and the gap was too big.
The young Trojans paid a heavy price for their lack of experience. Before they could gain a firm foothold, they were swept away by several consecutive waves of the red tide storm. The subsequent games became more and more impatient, sloppy, and low-level. Mistakes will follow.
The red tide storm is in sharp contrast, fully entering the state and opening up the situation.
Especially the offensive team.
Not only Levi, but Jacobs and Clark also performed well on the ground. The Trojans' defensive team lacked changes and the rigid and rigid tactical routines continuously made loopholes and mistakes, and they could not prevent the ground attack at all——
They retreated steadily, panicking.
At the same time, relying on strong ground attack cover, Hurts' passing attack finally showed style and momentum, showing his ability and talent. Even if it is a Crimson Tide storm, the starting quarterback is not a waste.
Different passing tactics and different passing combinations opened up aerial channels, and the Trojans, who were not good at passing defense, were in a desperate situation.
It was a dilemma for the Trojans.
Attacking, shrinking hands and feet, is like sleepwalking.
Defense, comprehensive suppression, full of loopholes.
At the end of the first half, the Crimson Tide scored an incredible six touchdowns and entered the locker room with an incredible "42:0" lead over their opponents.
AT&T Arena was stunned. For a moment, I didn't know whether I should be shocked that the Crimson Tide had a clean sheet against the Trojans, or that the Crimson Tide's offensive team went crazy in the first half.
There is no doubt that Levi was the brightest and most outstanding presence in the entire first half. Although at the beginning of the second quarter, Shaban consciously controlled Levi's playing time to allow Jacobs and Clark to get more opportunities, but Levi still easily ran for 177 yards and three touchdowns.
Looking at this situation, Levi should be able to get off work early.
However, Haydn did not give up.
At halftime, Hayden still regained his senses and boosted the team's morale. Even if it was not for victory, the Trojans could not surrender easily. The season had just begun and there was a long time to come. They should take a long-term view. In the second half, they still needed it on both offense and defense. Just adjust your tactics.
"The game is not over and the game should not be over at halftime."
"This is a new season. We should forget everything that happened last year and start from scratch. Even if the opponent is the defending champion, what if they are the same as us, with a zero-win and zero-loss season record."
"So what if we are 42 points behind? We can still play our own style and our own football. Once we score one touchdown and two touchdowns, the game will change."
“Don’t forget, in competitive sports, anything is possible!”
Young, energetic and passionate.
Hayden's call finally awakened the fighting spirit of the young Trojans, and they returned to AT&T Arena. It seemed that they had gained a foothold for the first time since the first wave of offense and defense in the opening game, and finally found their sanity amid the turmoil.
But rugby is a confrontational sport, Haydn has his own calculations, and Shaban is no exception.
In the second half, Levi did not appear.
The season is long, rugby is so competitive, and injuries are inevitable. Shaban needs to consider the overall situation of the entire season. With such a huge lead now, there is really no need to continue to consume Levi's physical energy.
Instead, it was the team's fourth running back Emmons, the running back who partnered with Levi on the bench, and he also got a chance to play.
At the same time, the defensive team also began to rotate.
Shaban did not replace all the main players, half of the main players and half as substitute partners, and then rotated the lineup. Does this scene look familiar?
The season opener was abruptly turned into a pre-season warm-up match.
Because of this, the Trojans finally got some breathing room. Although it was limited, they still stood firm and regained some form after the mental encouragement from the halftime break. The confrontation in the second half was obviously more intense.
However--
Ginger is still spicy.
Even though Shaban only uses half of the main lineup, his ability to deploy troops is still among the best in the NCAA. Even with relatively simple tactics, Shaban can still give full play to the players' personal abilities and rely on excellent Tactical mobilization to achieve teamwork.
The youth and immaturity of the Trojans are fully exposed.
Whether Darnold or Zhu Zhu, they have talent, but how to translate talent into performance on the field is still a course that requires careful study.
In the second half, the Trojans got some chances but wasted more opportunities. Young Hayden and young players stood in front of Shaban to pay their tuition. With the last three-yard power play on fourth gear failing, the game ended.
"55:3".
The merciless Crimson Tide storm only allowed the Trojans to score one free kick in the entire game, but their own offensive team continued to score points unstoppably. Without the help of Levi, they still scored one touchdown and two free kicks. The ball, firmly holding the initiative in the palm of your hand.
At the end of the game, the Crimson Tide Storm started their title defense journey with a crushing massacre.
The first update today. I sincerely appreciate all the book friends for their strong support in the new book issue, thank you all!
(End of this chapter)