Dominate the Super Bowl

Chapter 86: 085 Copper and Iron Walls

Bang!

Violently, heavily, Li Wei felt as if he had been hit by a truck—a ruthless force blindsided him, causing his organs to churn tumultuously, involuntarily making him groan.

But!

Before he had a chance to steady himself, a second force came crashing down head-on, toppling the last bit of strength supporting Li Wei's body, then his control was lost, and he collapsed with a boom.

Boom, he hit the ground heavily, like a meteor crashing into Earth.

Pain, like a tidal wave, instantly engulfed his brain; every muscle, every cell in his body felt the impact and the pressure, and all surging emotions were compressed into his chest—oppressed, further oppressed—

Muffled, stifled, angry.

Huff!

His lungs, blazing.

His blood, boiling.

Yet he couldn't vent it out, hitting the wall, again and again, all the passion suppressed, making him seem clumsy and somber.

Li Wei had never been so miserable.

Since his first step onto the football field at the spring training camp, this was a first.

Although Saban had anticipated a tough and bitter fight, the reality still exceeded expectations; it was undoubtedly the toughest test for the Crimson Tide Storm this season, surpassing even the fierce battle against the University of Mississippi.

Of course, the situation wasn't that simple—

With eight consecutive victories, the team might have grown a bit complacent, plus both mentally and physically they had reached a tipping point; the effects of dopamine and adrenaline were waning, fatigue began to show, steps became heavier, reactions slower, and even high spirits were hollow.

In the long season, fluctuations in performance were inevitable.

But to Li Wei, there was no need for excuses; so far, the opponent had performed better, not only well-prepared but also executed brilliantly; it was that simple.

The Louisiana State University Tigers, like the Crimson Tide Storm, chose a "3-4" defensive formation, with three defensive linemen and four linebackers.

Moreover, when adding the possibility of a sudden attack from the defensive line, that is to say, Orgeron used at least three and sometimes even four players to mark the running back, piling up airtight numbers for defense, thoroughly severing the ground offense, and in such a manner, forcing Crimson Tide Storm to pass.

Orgeron was betting that Crimson Tide Storm's passing offense couldn't break the deadlock.

First, he bet that Hertz wouldn't dare to go long.

Therefore, both safeties moved up their positions, effectively abandoning the deep pass zone altogether, desperately deploying heavy forces at the confrontation line.

Second, he bet that Hertz's short passes might be challenged—

Orgeron was not casually letting Hertz pass the ball. Cornerback Tre'Davious White had first-round talent, and Cornerback Donte Jackson, slightly inferior but still presenting third-round level, were responsible for man coverage.

Unlike run defense, in pass defense, Orgeron relied more on the individual abilities of his players, relying on them to stick to their assignments in man coverage.

Even if the defense failed, it did not matter; they needed to tightly mark Hertz's intended targets, forcing him to pass under pressure.

Third, he bet that Hertz would fluster under pressure.

Orgeron played to the strength of his four linebackers; besides two of them covering the run, the other two's positions were unpredictable.

Sometimes, they assisted in short pass defense; sometimes, they supported run defense; sometimes, they would merge with the defensive line to launch a blitz, applying enough pressure to Hertz.

Under such a strategy, Hertz's inexperience and naivety were starkly exposed, and his pass defense faced a series of serious challenges.

In the past, Crimson Tide Storm always resolved problems with their ground offense, relying on the running back to advance and disrupt the formation, easing the pressure on Hertz and thereby carving out space for the passing offense; but today, Orgeron's specifically targeted mass strategy completely blocked the ground offense, and Crimson Tide Storm's offense was paralyzed.

Whether it was individual ability or team coordination, Louisiana State University truly demonstrated a resolve that was unified in spirit and purpose.

"0:0".

The second half had already started, but the score remained stuck in place.

Although Louisiana State University's offensive group also hit wall after wall, facing the fierce treatment of Alabama's defensive group and being aggressively ground into the turf; similarly, Alabama's offensive group was unable to find a breakthrough.

Just now.

Li Wei's run was blocked again, double-teamed, the standard setup, over and over again.