Bab 33: Warm-Up Opponent
Typically, for teams like the Crimson Tide and the Tigers—top-tier rivals—it's better to maintain some distance before the new season to avoid revealing any strategic secrets. A bit of mystery benefits both teams since they're likely holding back their best plays for a potential showdown in the national championship.
However, Saban isn't losing his edge, and Swinney isn't reckless. If one coach dares to propose a match and the other agrees, there's clearly a strategy behind it.
Both coaches know that past records are just a reference point. Not only is the pre-2000 era irrelevant, but even games from 2008 are no longer significant. The teams they now command are entirely new, with different styles and strengths. Last year's national championship game is proof of that.
Saban excels in defense.
As for Swinney? This former wide receiver coach specializes in offense, particularly in passing plays. His unpredictable strategies have turned Clemson into an offensive powerhouse.
One wields a sharp spear; the other, a sturdy shield.
In this upcoming "battle of spear versus shield," both coaches share a common goal: using the warm-up game to finalize their game plans for the new season.
Only by facing the strongest opponents can they test their own readiness and fine-tune for the road ahead.
Without question, both teams aim to claim the national championship. While their biggest competition may be each other, they must first navigate a challenging season on their way to Tampa, the host of the January championship game.
Saban, of course, has his own strategy.
Clemson's defensive system is a 4-3 formation—four defensive linemen and three linebackers—designed to pressure the front line and defend against the run.
Last year, in the national championship game, Derrick Henry faced tough opposition but found ways to break through, using his individual talent to help secure Alabama's victory. This year, however, with no Henry on the roster, the Crimson Tide must adjust their offensive strategy.
It's worth noting that Derrick Henry is the epitome of a power running back, standing 6'2" (191 cm) and weighing 247 lbs (112 kg). His size and strength earned him the nickname "King Henry" as he bulldozed his way through defenses.
However, Alabama no longer has a running back of Henry's size and power.
This means that last year's ground game, tailored to Henry, is now obsolete. The team must develop new strategies that suit their current running backs.
Saban didn't select a traditional run-stopping team for their warm-up game for several reasons: he didn't want to expose his team's weaknesses, he didn't want to undermine the confidence of his young running backs, and most importantly, defense remains the cornerstone of Alabama's championship hopes.
Thus, Saban chose Clemson as their warm-up opponent.
He wants to see how his current roster of running backs performs under Clemson's defensive pressure.
Of course, the buzz, popularity, and TV ratings also played a part in the decision.
With Saban's careful consideration, Alabama's president, Stuart Bell, enthusiastically supported the idea.
And so, the decision was made.
Lance's first official career appearance—facing a real opponent—would be against the Clemson Tigers.
Not only were millions of viewers eagerly anticipating the game, but the Crimson Tide players were also buzzing with excitement.
In just a few short years, Clemson had risen to become a top-tier NCAA team, producing a host of young stars recognized nationwide.
Most of them, notably, were on the offensive side of the ball.
The quarterback, Deshaun Watson, born in 1995, had already become a star, drawing attention even from the NFL. Last season, as a sophomore, Watson had a breakout year, earning ACC Player of the Year honors and finishing third in the Heisman Trophy race—just behind Alabama's Derrick Henry and Stanford's Christian McCaffrey.
Both of these running backs would go on to become top-tier NFL players.
And, of course, Watson would follow suit.
In 2017, Watson was selected in the first round by the Houston Texans and became a dominant NFL player from 2018 to 2020, making the Pro Bowl three consecutive years. In 2020, he led the league in passing yards.
Although Watson's reputation later took a hit, with allegations of misconduct and harassment leading to lawsuits by 22 women and becoming the biggest off-field scandal of 2023, he remained highly sought-after in a quarterback-starved league.
Watson is a new-generation dual-threat quarterback, capable of both passing and running, with outstanding physical skills that complement his dynamic playstyle.
Currently, Watson is the face of the Clemson Tigers. Whenever people mention Clemson, Watson's name comes to mind. But to think Clemson's success rests solely on Watson would be a gross underestimation of their depth.
Clemson's offensive firepower includes wide receiver Mike Williams, tight end Jordan Leggett, running back Wayne Gallman, and one of the best offensive lines in the NCAA, making them a formidable team.
Still, there's no denying that Watson is the heart and soul of the team.
Throughout the Crimson Tide locker room, players discussed how they might contain Watson. As Watson enters his junior year, everyone wondered whether he had further refined his game. Clemson's offense had undergone little change, so after spring camp, they were expected to be even more formidable. But how much better had they become?
Such were the conversations.
Clark couldn't help but notice Lance's calm demeanor. While Lance often appeared lost during team gossip sessions—"Who are you talking about?" "I don't know any of these names"—his indifference now stood out more starkly as everyone else became increasingly hyped with the end of spring training approaching.
"Lance? Aren't you at least a little curious?" Clark, unable to contain his excitement, found himself itching for the upcoming showdown.
Even Jacobs, usually so serious, glanced at Clark in response.
Lance, still as calm as ever, replied, "Not really. Mr. Watson isn't our problem. I'm more curious about their defensive line and linebackers. Are there any rising stars? I'm looking forward to getting to know them better."
Clark burst into laughter. "Oh, they've got stars. Their defensive line is top-tier, and they're all highly skilled."
Jacobs, noticing Lance's indifference, felt compelled to add a word of caution, "Coach Swinney might not be a defensive genius, but Clemson's D-line is definitely one of the best in the country. Don't underestimate them. Even Henry struggled last year."
Lance responded with a simple, "Oh."
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