Chapter 139: A Neck-and-Neck Battle 2
A true showdown deserves its reputation, as Alabama's Crimson Tide and Clemson's Tigers clashed in a titanic struggle. Both teams calculated their moves and countered each other, making the head-to-head matchup electrifying as if the very air were boiling over.
"You have a clever strategy, but I have my own tricks."
The coaching duel between Saban and Swinney ran through the entire first half. Swinney's daring strategy was especially eye-catching, skillfully maximizing Clemson's offensive strengths while minimizing their defensive weaknesses, and boldly dragging the game into their own rhythm.
"24:24."
At halftime, neither team held an advantage.
Both teams scored three touchdowns and one field goal, with no lead gained or lost. Most importantly, each offense managed to score on every possession, displaying outstanding efficiency and keeping the excitement alive throughout the entire first half—no dull moments, just continuous thrills.
The game was now in a deadlock. Any mistake or missed scoring opportunity could break the balance and tip the entire game.
In other words, every minute could be the decisive moment.
Intense!
This is a true battle of the titans. Alabama's Crimson Tide and Clemson's Tigers were undoubtedly the two best-performing teams in the NCAA over the past two seasons. Last season's championship game was a nail-biter until the very end, with both teams combining to score 40 points in the fourth quarter alone, resulting in a narrow 45-40 victory for Alabama. This season continued that trend.
It's truly intense!
As the second half commenced, the tension and tight competition escalated.
On one hand, both young teams were fired up, driven by their hunger for victory and their burning desire to defeat their opponents.
On the other hand, the physical toll began to manifest after the all-out first half, making the situation even more precarious.
Mistakes were inevitable, adding to the nervous and thrilling atmosphere.
Clemson's offense opened the second half, with Watson once again showing leadership. Twice, he converted challenging third-and-long situations against all odds, ultimately running in for a touchdown himself and delivering a bold statement of his championship aspirations.
Not to be outdone, Alabama's Crimson Tide responded in kind. Saban took a daring risk on a fourth-and-four play, and Lance, seemingly unstoppable, delivered a critical run to keep the drive alive, culminating in another touchdown. Alabama wasn't backing down.
The deadlock continued.
"37:37."
Time flew by, and the fourth quarter was already halfway done. Despite several mistakes and challenges, both teams had held their ground, with each possession now resulting in field goals after the initial touchdowns. The teams traded scores, remaining neck-and-neck.
Then—
Watson put on yet another show. With a 14-yard rushing touchdown, he capitalized on Clemson's slight advantage as the first team to possess the ball in the second half, once again putting his team ahead and increasing the pressure on Alabama.
"44:37."
The tension was palpable, the heat suffocating. Richmond-James Stadium felt like it was on the verge of melting.
Alabama now faced not only the pressure to score but also the challenge of managing the clock.
With five minutes and forty-seven seconds left in the game, Alabama's offense took the field again.
Lance was breathing heavily, the fatigue catching up with him. Clemson's strategy of wearing them down was starting to show its impact on him.
Every run was more intense and draining than anyone had anticipated. Lance was also shouldering a record number of carries today.
The relentless scoring by both teams meant that failing to score even once would break the delicate balance, making a comeback almost impossible. This extended Lance's time on the field and significantly increased his workload.
All season, Lance had averaged 25.36 carries per game. But today, with the game still unfinished, he had already carried the ball 31 times.
Now, Lance could clearly feel his limits, like walking a tightrope high in the air, where every step was tense, shaky, and nerve-wracking.
After another successful five-yard carry for a first down, Saban rotated Lance out and brought in Jake to shift the tempo of the ground game, balancing playing time and conserving energy.
It wasn't just Lance; Alabama's entire squad was exhausted.
Maintaining an undefeated season had pushed their mental and physical limits to new heights. Saban's foresight to keep the team away from media distractions was wise—while the pressure was invisible, it was undeniably real, and the team had been operating on a razor's edge all season.
Moreover, their smooth sailing up until now, aside from tough games against Tennessee and LSU, meant they hadn't faced many real challenges. Suddenly encountering such a tough opponent in the form of Clemson, and having to endure such a long, hard-fought battle, was a significant drain on them.
Still, despite sitting on the sidelines, the game held their complete attention. Their eyes were locked on the action unfolding on the field.
"Lance…"
As Burns waited for Lance to take a gulp of water, he continued, "Pay attention later. There might be more chances on the left wing…"
Burns shifted the markers on his strategy board to illustrate Clemson's defensive changes, emphasizing their need to adapt on the fly.
But suddenly, a muffled collision caught their attention, and both Lance and Burns looked up—
Bang!
In an instant, they saw a helmet fly loose from its straps, dislodged by a massive and forceful hit.
It was Jake!
A head-on collision.
Burns and Lance jumped to their feet simultaneously, just in time to see Jake fall hard, his limp body obscured by the tangle of legs surrounding him, adding to the chaos.
Huff!
Fumble.
After taking a direct hit, Jake lost the ball, and players from both teams pounced on it, frantically scrambling for possession.
Then—
Clemson's defensive tackle, number 94, Carlos Watkins, clung to the ball like a turtle in its shell, securing it tightly.
The entire stadium erupted.
"Fumble!"
"Clemson Tigers forced a fumble, and Watkins secured possession."
"My God, the first turnover of the entire game comes at such a critical moment. Clemson's unheralded defensive tackle, Watkins, emerges as the hero who has shifted the tide, giving the Tigers possession and pushing the reigning champions to the edge of the cliff…"
"Turnover!"
But amid the chaotic crowd and noise, Lance noticed something immediately—
Jake hadn't gotten up.
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