Chapter 136: A Long-Distance Challenge
Unlike Alabama's dominant performance in the Peach Bowl, the Fiesta Bowl between Clemson and Ohio State was expected to be much closer, more intense, and harder to predict. Before the game, Las Vegas set the odds slightly in favor of Ohio State, predicting the game would be decided by a field goal, with Ohio State barely edging out Clemson to advance to the National Championship.
However, regardless of who emerged victorious, it was clear this would be a closely contested and fiercely fought game, with Lady Luck leaning slightly towards Ohio State.
But—
Determined to prove something, Watson had a different opinion—
The game turned into a rout.
With Watson at the helm, the Clemson Tigers went on a rampage. Not only did the offense shine, but the defense also showcased an unyielding spirit, unleashing relentless pressure. From the opening quarter, Clemson firmly controlled the game, overpowering and pummeling Ohio State.
Ohio State was left dazed and completely dominated, resembling a frightened rabbit trembling under the claws of a ferocious tiger. Confused and repeatedly making errors, the team fell into disarray and never managed to recover.
What was expected to be a fierce clash of titans turned into a one-sided slaughter.
31-0.
Clemson completely dismantled and crushed Ohio State, delivering a resounding victory to reclaim their second-ranked status. For the second year in a row, Clemson advanced to the National Championship to face the Alabama Crimson Tide once again.
2016 NCAA National Championship: Alabama Crimson Tide or Clemson Tigers?
It was bound to be a thrilling showdown!
Undoubtedly thrilling, with maximum buzz and guaranteed excitement.
Earlier, Alabama had cruised to a comfortable victory over Washington, reaffirming their dominance and establishing themselves as the best team of the season.
But now, Clemson sent a powerful message with a crushing shutout of Ohio State, exuding strength and confidence.
Alabama had won their game with a score of 37-14? Clemson responded with 31-0, demonstrating their offensive prowess and defensive excellence. So, let's ask: How does Alabama feel about this?
Suddenly, all eyes were on Alabama and Clemson.
After the game, reporters swarmed Watson in layers, surrounding him completely, pushing microphones and recorders into his face. Normally, Watson would have been irritated by this, but today was different.
More accurately, Watson had been waiting for this moment. Waiting for the media to shift their attention away from Jackson and Lance to focus on him; waiting to reach the final stage of the National Championship to prove himself and face off against Lance and the Crimson Tide.
Everything was falling into place.
This was Watson's perfect moment.
"Watson, earlier today the Crimson Tide secured a flawless victory and advanced to the final. They remain undefeated this season. Are you ready to face such a strong opponent?"
It was a standard question, but exactly the kind of conversation Watson had been hoping for.
"Absolutely," Watson replied confidently.
"Before the game, many people thought Ohio State would beat us. We proved our abilities through action, showing that we can defeat any opponent, including Alabama. We are ready."
"I know we're the underdogs. I know people favor Alabama, but I promise you—whatever Ohio State experienced today, we'll make sure Alabama experiences the same."
"Ha."
Watson flashed a sly smile, making no attempt to hide his arrogance. His eyes gleamed with a mix of disdain, mockery, and challenge.
But that wasn't all.
Locking eyes with the cameras, Watson sent a clear and direct message to a certain someone, conveying his determination to secure victory.
"Honestly, every Sunday, I pray earnestly in church. I pray that Alabama Crimson Tide doesn't lose."
Uh?
The reporters were taken aback, surprised by Watson's statement, and what followed became the most iconic quote of this NCAA season.
"Because we're the only team that can and will beat Alabama Crimson Tide. We're ready for victory. I hope they're ready to lose—
It might sting a little, so bear with it."
It wasn't just confidence; it was outright arrogance.
It was hard to imagine how long Watson had waited to say these words.
During the long days and nights of endless chatter about Jackson and Lance, the third-ranked Watson had been sharpening his skills in the shadows, waiting for the moment to reveal his edge. The media reaction was beyond anything he could have hoped for.
Watson enjoyed the reporters' shock and surprise. It was exactly the effect he desired, and even better than expected—
The only downside was not being able to see Lance's reaction at that moment.
But that wouldn't matter, because the Crimson Tide's media blackout was still in effect. Saban prohibited interviews and restricted players from reading or hearing anything their opponents said, so Lance remained oblivious to Watson's remarks. Watson's efforts to provoke him were like winking at a blind man.
Nonetheless, Watson felt completely satisfied, and the journalists' excitement and clamor matched his expectations, if not exceeded them.
Yet, journalists aren't there to play along quietly. They immediately poked at the wound.
"Uh, Watson, are you sure about that?"
"Last year in the National Championship final, you lost to this same team. And during spring training this year, you lost to them again."
"Clearly, you haven't figured out how to beat Alabama Crimson Tide yet. So why are you confident that the outcome will be different this time?"
The reporters were digging deep, bringing up past failures—a stark reminder of Watson's struggles, which no one had mentioned to his face all season, until now.
Watson's face stiffened, his frustration evident.
"Those were just scrimmages!" Watson snapped.
"And I only played half of that game! It doesn't count!"
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to regain his composure.
"Of course, we know Alabama is strong, but that makes beating them even sweeter. We're the Clemson Tigers, and we're going to step over them to win the National Championship."
"And—"
"I'm going to prove to everyone whether I'm a quarterback or a running back. The truth is, whether I'm a quarterback or a running back, victory is mine. I'm not some idiot who screws up his own chances. I'm going to beat you, and I'm going to smile as I watch you cry."
Though he didn't name names, his target was crystal clear.
Jackson: Achoo!
Lance: Why's my nose itching all of a sudden?
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