Zhu Zhu was a bit stunned.
"Is this still the Crimson Tide Storm?"
The Crimson Tide Storm that built its dynasty on defense? The Crimson Tide Storm that hobbles without Derrick Henry on offense? The Crimson Tide Storm that relied solely on ground assaults for its running game?
"Are you sure?"
Since the start of the game, the Crimson Tide Storm offensive group had made three appearances and scored three touchdowns, displaying absolute dominance that left the Trojans' defensive group unable to cope.
Originally, after winning the coin toss, Hayden had unhesitatingly chosen to let the Crimson Tide Storm start on offense; but now, the Crimson Tide Storm had firmly seized the opportunity to increase their advantage, their overwhelming offensive overwhelming the Trojans' morale, not even waiting for a second-half comeback— their focus was already scattering.
Once or twice might be called luck, but three consecutive times left no room for excuses; the Crimson Tide Storm offensive group showed incredible strength, working in tandem with the already excellent defensive group.
"How can we even play this game?"
Zhu Zhu turned his head to look around, trying to find a footing or a lifeline, anything or anyone that could help settle the floating anxiety and confusion, and regain focus and balance.
Then, Zhu Zhu saw Danord—
Poor Danord, staring blankly ahead, devastated to the point of shutdown.
Zhu Zhu: "..."
It wasn't just Zhu Zhu and Danord to blame, even the broadcast studio was left speechless and dumbstruck by the Crimson Tide Storm's first, second, and third waves of furious output, resembling rookies watching a football game for the first time.
At that moment, Zhu Zhu's blank gaze caught a figure:
Humphrey.
It was Humphrey again!
There he was, standing across the field, dancing the elephant dance again amidst the cheers of the Crimson Tide Storm players, his twisting butt particularly provocative.
From afar, the sound of laughter and singing carried.
"...Elephant, why is your nose so long."
Now, Zhu Zhu was shutting down too.
"So what if we're behind by forty-two points? We can still play our own style of football. Once we score one touchdown, then another, the game will change."
"Don't forget, in competitive sports, anything is possible!"
Young and passionate.
Hayden's call finally awakened the Trojan's fighting spirit. They returned to AT&T Stadium, perhaps for the first time since the start of the game, they stood their ground and managed to regain their composure amidst the instability.
But football is a contact sport, and while Hayden had his strategies, Saban was no exception.
In the second half, Li Wei did not play.
The season was long and football was highly physical. Injuries were inevitable, and Saban needed to consider the bigger picture for the entire season. With such a substantial lead, there really wasn't any need to continue depleting Li Wei's energy.
In his place, the team's fourth running back, Emmons, who also partnered with Li Wei in the reserve team, got the chance to play.
At the same time, the defensive group also rotated their players.
Saban didn't replace all the starters; he mixed half starters with half reserves, then rotated the lineup. Does this scene seem familiar?
The season opener was forcibly turned into a preseason warm-up game.
Because of this, the Trojans finally got a bit of breathing space. Though limited, the spirit lifted during the halftime break helped them to stand their ground and recover some form. The confrontation in the second half was noticeably more intense.
However—
Experience still counts.
Even with only half of the starting lineup, Saban's ability to deploy his players was still among the elite in the NCAA. Even in relatively simple tactical situations, Saban could still fully leverage individual player skills and rely on excellent strategic movements to achieve team coordination.
The youth and inexperience of the Trojans were fully exposed.
Whether it was Danord or Zhu Zhu, they had talent, but how to translate that talent into performance on the field was still a subject that required deep study.
In the second half, the Trojans had some opportunities but wasted even more. The young Hayden and players paid their tuition in front of Saban, and with the last attempt of three yards on fourth down failing, the entire game ended.
"55:3".
The merciful Crimson Tide Storm, allowing the Trojans only one field goal while their own offensive group continued to score relentlessly. Without Li Wei's help, they still secured one touchdown and two field goals, firmly taking control in their hands.
The game ended, and Crimson Tide Storm began their title defense with a crushing victory.