Dominate the Super Bowl

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Generally speaking, ultimate rivals like Crimson Tide Storm and Tigers, to avoid leaking tactical secrets, are better off keeping their distance before the start of the new season.

A bit of mystery benefits both teams, after all, they’re both holding back major moves, waiting to compete again in the nationwide championship.

However, Saban wasn’t an old fool, and Sweeney wasn’t impulsive, one dared to invite, and the other dares to accept, behind it all were their own calculations.

Both coaches knew, historical performance could only serve as a reference, not to mention before the new millennium, even the 2008 game wasn’t much referential, now the teams they had were completely new, with different styles and types, last year’s nationwide championship game was the best proof.

Saban excelled in defense.

And Sweeney?

This coach, who hailed from Wide Receiver, excelled in offense, especially in passing offense, with unpredictable tactics unleashing top-level firepower for the Tigers on the offensive end.

One, a sharp spear; the other, a thick shield.

In this "conflict of the clash," the tactical intentions of both coaches converged, they both hoped to confirm the new season’s tactical playbook through the warm-up match—

Only by facing the strongest opponent could they test their strongest state to prepare for the new season.

Without question, both teams aimed to top the nationwide championship this new season, even though their warm-up match might be against their greatest rival for the title; but honestly, on the road to next January’s nationwide championship final in Tampa, they needed to clear the path bristling with obstacles.

Additionally, Saban had his own little schemes.

The Clemson Tigers’ defensive system was a "4-3," meaning four Defensive linemen and three linebackers, focusing on front line pressure and ground defense.

In last year’s nationwide championship final, Crimson Tide Storm’s Derrick Henry faced a severe challenge, but Henry found a way, using his individual ability to break through and laying the foundation for their championship; this year, without Henry’s heavy artillery, Crimson Tide Storm needed to change offensive strategies.

Here, it’s important to note that Derrick Henry was a typical tank-style running back, 6’2" (191 cm), 247 pounds (112 kg), like a tank, relying on his own strength and size to forcefully advance, which also later earned him the title "Emperor Henry."

However, Crimson Tide Storm currently had no such type of running back in the team.

This also meant that the ground offense tactics from last year, tailored for Henry, were all invalidated this year, necessitating entirely new tactics based on the different styles of the current running backs.

But, Saban didn’t choose a traditional team with strong ground defense, first, because he didn’t want to expose his weak points, second, because he didn’t want to undermine the confidence of the young running backs on the team, and third, most importantly, there was no need to put the cart before the horse, defense was the cornerstone of Crimson Tide Storm’s championship campaign.

So, Saban chose Clemson as their warm-up match opponent.

He needed to test and see how the running backs, with the team’s current lineup, would perform under Clemson’s pressure.

Of course, there’s no denying that topicality, popularity, and television ratings were among the many factors considered.

Behind a seemingly simple decision, Saban had his own considerations, and Stuart Bell, the president of the University of Alabama, naturally welcomed with open arms and legs.

In the end, the arrangement was confirmed.

Li Wei’s professional debut, facing a real opponent, would be against the Clemson Tigers.

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Not only millions of spectators, but also the Crimson Tide Storm team was extraordinarily excited and fervently discussing non-stop.

Within just a few short years, Clemson had leaped to become one of the NCAA’s top teams, giving rise to a batch of young stars well-known to households.

And, notably, within the offensive group.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson, born in 1995, had already become a rising star drawing attention in the professional league as well.

Last season, Watson, only a sophomore, had a breakout year, securing the title of Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year, and placed third in the Heisman Trophy rankings—only behind running backs Derrick Henry of the University of Alabama and Christian McCaffrey of Stanford University—

Both of these players would become well-known top players in the NFL.

Of course, Watson was no exception.

Selected in the first round by the Houston Texans in 2017, Watson delivered top performances from the 2018 to 2020 seasons, earning Pro Bowl selections three years in a row, with his passing yards leading the league in 2020.

Despite later being embroiled in scandals involving harassment, violence, and assault, becoming the target of public condemnation, and facing lawsuits from twenty-two women, making him the most high-profile off-field news during the 2023 off-season, Watson’s popularity in the quarterback-scarce league remained undiminished.

This was a new generation dual-threat quarterback, capable of passing and running, his excellent physical fitness laying the foundation for his agile playing style.

Currently, Watson was the star of the Clemson Tigers, the absolute core of the team whenever Clemson was mentioned, but to think that Clemson had only Watson was clearly the mistake of someone who knows nothing about football.

Wide Receiver Mike Williams, Tight End Jordan Leggett, Running Back Wayne Gallman, and a top-level NCAA offensive line joined forces to form a first-tier college offensive powerhouse.

However.

It was undeniable that a prodigy like Watson remained the absolute focus.

The Crimson Tide Storm team members were all discussing how they should contain Watson, whether Watson, entering his junior year, would further improve, and though the Tigers’ offensive group hadn’t gone through major changes and should be better after spring training camp, no one knew how much they had progressed.

And so on.

Clark noticed Li Wei’s calm amidst the buzz, though Li Wei usually maintained an "Who are you talking about" or "I don’t recognize any of the names you’re saying" expression, with spring training camp nearly over and everyone extra excited, Li Wei’s composure stood out even more.

"Li Wei, aren’t you curious?" Clark couldn’t contain his own fervor and soon became eager to try.

The usually stern-faced Jacobs even glanced at Clark.

Li Wei remained utterly composed, "Not curious. After all, that Mr. Watson isn’t our problem. I’m more curious if they have any popular players or rising stars on their defensive line or among their linemen. I’m looking forward to sitting down and having a heart-to-heart with them."

Pfft.

Clark couldn’t help but laugh out loud, "Of course there are, their defensive line is also very impressive, with top individual talents."

Jacobs, seeing Li Wei’s indifferent expression, couldn’t resist mentioning, "Maybe Coach Sweeney isn’t known for defense, but the Tigers’ defensive line is indeed of All-America First Team caliber, not to be underestimated. Even last year when Henry was still here, we had our struggles."

Li Wei, "Oh."

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