Dominate the Super Bowl

Chapter 121 120 Absolute Rule

In 2016, the NCAA regular season had ended, but the real highlight was just beginning.

Unlike the NFL, the NCAA is divided into many leagues, so the playoffs are also divided into two stages:

The first stage, the championship games within each league.

The second stage, the nationwide championship.

The duration of the events was quite extended, with the first stage taking place immediately after the regular season, usually scheduled for the first week of December.

Then, after a three-week break, which was also the time for college final exams, the second stage wouldn't commence until after the Christmas holidays.

Leading off were the league championship games.

The Southeastern Conference games had all concluded, and the league was divided into two divisions:

The East and the South.

Regardless of their individual win-loss records, it always came down to the champions of the East and the South competing for the Southeastern Conference championship.

That year, the Eastern champion was the University of Florida, with a season record of nine wins and three losses; the Southern champion was the University of Alabama, which had remained undefeated throughout the season.

The two teams would meet in the Southeastern Conference championship game.

This was the University of Alabama's third consecutive year advancing to the Southeastern Conference championship under Saban, and it was also the second undefeated season since 2009. As the top seed in the NCAA, the Crimson Tide Storm was naturally the more favored side before the game.

But the University of Florida was not to be underestimated.

This was a team that lacked stars but relied on team strength to win games, and it was entirely dependent on their defense for victories.

In other words, the performance of the University of Florida was relatively stable throughout the season, with little fluctuation, and their status remained consistent. Although they were not highly ranked in the NCAA, always hovering around the twentieth position, their lack of a high ceiling was compensated for by an excellent floor.

They absolutely should not be underestimated.

And that was indeed the case.

The University of Florida drew inspiration from the fierce game between Louisiana State University and Alabama, focusing tightly on Li Wei with their defensive formation, starting with the ground defense and launching a front-field press.

It was evident that the University of Florida had seriously studied the game tapes and made detailed pre-game preparations; they were not prepared to play a mere supporting role. Though understated, their goal was still to aim for the league championship.

However!

The Crimson Tide Storm was well-prepared.

Not just Saban, but the entire offensive group had gained experience, and after a whole season of training, everyone had grown to varying degrees. Facing the University of Florida's targeted defensive strategy once again, their performance this time was much more composed.

He coughed twice, and the noise immediately quieted down as everyone looked toward the door.

"Coach Burns!"

The shouts rose in waves, bringing a smile to Burns's face.

"Be mindful of your diet over Christmas at home, I don't want any of you coming back out of shape, as we won't have time to adjust slowly. We've still got two championships to go after."

The locker room erupted in noise.

"Yes, sir!"

"Yes!"

"Don't worry."

Burns couldn't help but laugh again, then looked around the crowd.

"Li Wei, come over here a second."

Immediately—

"Haha, Li Wei, Li Wei, Li Wei!"

Everyone became boisterous again, buzzing with excitement.

Li Wei didn't mind, spreading his arms and embracing the cheer, even nodding slightly like a superstar on the red carpet, enjoying the cheers and applause.

The locker room was filled with noise.

As Li Wei left, the others began to roughhouse again.

Clark was curious, "What does Coach Burns want with Li Wei at this time?"

Jacobs shook his head, "Not sure, might just be some last-minute instructions on the training plan."

Clark agreed, "Right, since Li Wei didn't train systematically before, he probably doesn't know how to plan his training over the Christmas break."

Thinking it over, with Christmas approaching and the nationwide stage just ahead, Clark became even more excited, "I wonder who we'll be facing in the bowl game."

Meanwhile, Li Wei was also curious about why Burns wanted to see him, vaguely suspecting it might relate to an agreement made before the season started. Was the principal checking on the agreement's outcomes now?

Unexpectedly, they didn't head towards the principal's office but instead approached the entrance to the head coach's office. With a reassuring smile towards Li Wei, Burns knocked and without waiting for a response, entered.

Inside, Saban was sitting behind his desk watching game footage.