Chapitre 81: Stirring the Pot
With the new NCAA season underway, the race for the Heisman Trophy officially began.
In Week 3, Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson made his mark with a breakout performance, instantly becoming the strongest contender for the Heisman, leading the rankings.
In Week 4, the Crimson Tide faced an unexpected battle against Ole Miss. Lance's calm and heroic efforts to turn the tide reignited a media frenzy.
This caused Lance's Heisman Trophy odds to skyrocket, placing him currently in fourth place, right behind Lamar Jackson, Deshaun Watson, and Baker Mayfield—
Fourth place, not too high.
But the key point was that the top three were all quarterbacks, and Lance, as a running back, had climbed to fourth. He had emerged as this season's dark horse, essentially a freshman breaking into the Heisman conversation, attracting immense attention from the national football media, all eager for the latest updates.
Spotlights on him, heavy and layered.
Naturally, as the Crimson Tide continued their undefeated streak, Lance's Heisman buzz only grew stronger, and Jackson started to feel the pressure.
"Lamar, many now consider Lance to be a better and more outstanding player. His Heisman campaign seems to be catching up to yours. What are your thoughts on that?"
Jackson glanced lazily at the recorder pressed against his cheek and flashed a faint smile. Unhurried, he didn't even bother to raise his eyelids.
"Congratulations. I've noticed his performances."
"But perhaps because of the position I play, I'm more interested in Jalen Hurts' performance. I think the Crimson Tide have found their quarterback."
Running back?
Come on, anyone with a shred of sense knows that football is all about quarterbacks, and quarterbacks alone. As for running backs, no matter how good they are, they're just… running backs.
Everyone knows that.
From start to finish, Jackson hadn't genuinely cared about the running back's performances. No matter how good Lance was, he could never surpass Derrick Henry. Last year, Jackson had lost the Heisman to Henry only because he was a freshman and not yet fully developed. This year, there was no chance. The Heisman wasn't going to go to a running back two years in a row, especially with Jackson in the running.
In Jackson's eyes, the only players worth focusing on were quarterbacks like Clemson's Watson and Oklahoma's Mayfield. Other players weren't worth the time or energy.
Running back?
Ha, that's a good joke. Let's not mention it again.
However, the reporters still picked up on Jackson's disdain and sarcasm—
Hurts, from any perspective, wasn't considered a top-tier quarterback. Maybe with some time, he could develop into one, but as a freshman, he was still too raw.
Naturally, the reporters jumped on the chance to dig deeper.
"So, do you think Lance can continue his strong performances moving forward?"
Jackson might have dismissed Lance, but the Crimson Tide, led by Nick Saban, were a different story.
Still holding the number one ranking in the NCAA, the Tide were undoubtedly the strongest contender for this year's national championship. Currently ranked third, Louisville was also eyeing its first-ever national title, so Jackson was closely watching his competition.
Jackson's face lit up with a sly smile, a hint of schadenfreude dancing in his eyes. "Oh, the Crimson Tide's upcoming schedule? I truly wish him the best of luck, that…"
A pause.
Jackson swore he wasn't doing it on purpose, but he genuinely couldn't recall the name of that running back. After all, he was just someone not worth keeping track of.
He figured that after this period, he'd probably never hear that name again.
"That kid." Jackson finally settled on a label, one that seemed to fit just right.
The reporters exchanged knowing glances. Even an idiot could pick up on the subtext, but they didn't press any further and quickly shifted the conversation.
"This week, top-ranked Alabama is set to face seventh-ranked Tennessee. Meanwhile, third-ranked Louisville is going up against fifth-ranked Clemson. Are you confident about that matchup?"
The battle was looming.
The Crimson Tide were preparing for a tough contest, while the clash between Louisville and Clemson was highly anticipated. The upcoming face-off between Heisman frontrunners Jackson and Watson had the media in a frenzy.
Unlike when he mentioned Lance, Jackson's energy visibly shifted when discussing the upcoming game. His eyes flashed with intensity, the competitive fire palpable—
Watson was his real opponent.
"We will win."
Jackson locked eyes with the reporter and slowly, deliberately, voiced his confidence.
As the reporter prepared to follow up, Jackson repeated himself.
"We. Will. Win."
Blunt. Unwavering.
And with that, Jackson turned and walked away, leaving the reporters behind.
The contrast in his attitude was crystal clear.
Meanwhile, back at Bryant-Denny Stadium, reporters swarmed Lance as he prepared to board the bus for the team's upcoming away game, quickly firing off questions.
"Lance, what do you think the outcome will be between Jackson and Watson? The two Heisman frontrunners are going head-to-head—who do you think will come out on top?"
Lance: Huh?
Confused, Lance didn't quite catch the reference. Who were these people again? He thought he heard something about Heisman contenders, so… quarterbacks?
The reporters, noticing Lance's confusion, hurriedly explained the context. "Jackson believes the Crimson Tide have been playing well, but he thinks Hurts deserves more credit than you."
Oh, now it made sense—
They were trying to stir the pot.
Lance immediately saw through the reporters' vague wording and realized their true intentions. So, the media's PR game for the Heisman race had already begun, even before the season's halfway mark?
It was all just a game.
"They have to fight for their own victories, and we have to fight for ours. I don't think games are won with words—if they were, I'd be preparing to win the Super Bowl right now."
Smiles spread across the faces of those present. Lance's confident yet calm response had neatly shifted the focus, and his closing joke drew low chuckles from the crowd.
But the reporters weren't so easily brushed off. For every question deflected, another quickly followed.
"You've already played against Watson in a scrimmage. What's your take on his level? How does he compare to Hurts? Can Watson win the Heisman? Do you think Watson can beat Jackson?"
Undoubtedly, Jackson was red-hot this season, showcasing elite skills in both passing and rushing, arguably surpassing Watson, who had led Clemson to the national championship game last year. Reporters everywhere were eager to pit the two quarterbacks against each other.
Now, it was Lance's turn to weigh in.
Lance raised an eyebrow and smirked, "Hey, give me a beer and some peanuts, and I'll be on your side."
The peanut gallery alliance.
With that, Lance boarded the team bus, leaving behind the sound of reporters calling his name, none of which he responded to.
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