A Fine Line

In Week 7 of the 2016 NCAA regular season, a string of high-profile matchups fueled the hype, with the excitement and intensity on par with the NFL.

Top-ranked Alabama faced off against seventh-ranked Tennessee. Despite Alabama's six-game winning streak, doubts lingered over the quality of their victories against weaker opponents. This game was the first real test for the Crimson Tide.

Before the game, discussions and analyses flooded in. While Alabama remained the favorite, many experts believed Tennessee, riding a strong season, could pose problems for Nick Saban's team and serve as a true test for Lance.

However.

"49-10."

Alabama's score: 49. Tennessee's: 10.

The game was a blowout. The defending champions silenced all critics with a commanding performance, extending their undefeated streak to seven.

Lance, standing quietly under the spotlight, delivered yet another flawless performance:

180 rushing yards.Three rushing touchdowns.

Lance, along with Jacobs and Clark, utterly dismantled Tennessee's run defense. Everyone knew Alabama was a traditional powerhouse when it came to running backs, but only those who faced the Crimson Tide firsthand could truly understand the terror of their ground game.

It was terrifying.

The Crimson Tide's running back unit collectively scored five rushing touchdowns, an overwhelming display that left Tennessee's defense dazed and unable to catch their breath.

Initially, fans had anticipated a competitive game. Even if Tennessee couldn't win, many thought they could at least test Alabama's limits.

But the match was completely one-sided. By halftime, the game's outcome was no longer in doubt. Alabama outclassed Tennessee on both offense and defense, making the seventh-ranked team look like children playing against seasoned champions.

Disappointed, fans left after hoping for more drama.

Luckily, there were other marquee matchups this week, and the true highlight wasn't this game. Fans turned their attention to the highly anticipated showdown between Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson.

Watson, a junior, was a Heisman favorite last season, finishing third. This season, he had only improved, leading Clemson to new heights as they aimed for the national championship.

Jackson, a sophomore, was the rising star. His ability to both pass and run had captivated fans, carrying the once-unknown Louisville Cardinals to the pinnacle of college football, now a serious championship contender.

Both teams were ranked closely in the NCAA: Louisville at number three and Clemson at number five. But no matter the rankings, Alabama's reign as the number one team remained firm. Any challengers to Saban's squad would first need to prove their mettle against the Crimson Tide's defense.

Which offense could break through Alabama's impenetrable shield?

This match would serve as a preview.

Leading up to the game, trash talk flew between the two teams, tensions mounting.

The game didn't disappoint.

In the first quarter, both teams were so desperate for victory that nerves got the best of them. Mistakes piled up, and neither team scored, leaving fans hoping for an offensive explosion, sorely disappointed.

"0-0."

The tension could be felt from the scoreline alone. But once both teams found their rhythm, they were ready to fire on all cylinders.

"42-36."

The two teams combined for a total of ten touchdowns—six passing and four rushing—along with several field goals.

With three minutes left in the game, Louisville led 36-34. But Watson, showing nerves of steel, completed a 25-yard touchdown pass in the final drive and then succeeded in a daring two-point conversion, sealing the win.

The thrilling, back-and-forth battle ended with the junior Watson emerging victorious.

Jackson, who had been riding high all season, finally hit a wall. As a result, the Heisman odds shifted slightly.

Though Jackson remained the favorite, Watson had closed the gap. The two quarterbacks were now neck and neck, undoubtedly the biggest storyline of the college football season.

Jackson was frustrated, but things were about to get even more irritating for him.

"Who?"

Jackson couldn't believe his ears.

Why, in a post-game interview discussing the Heisman battle between two elite quarterbacks, was a running back's name being mentioned?

A running back! That's all he was!

But the reporters didn't care. Seeing Jackson's reaction only fueled their excitement.

On one side, Alabama won; on the other, Louisville lost. Lance continued to gain attention with each strong performance, while Jackson hit a wall against Watson. In the reporters' eyes, Jackson had lost to Watson, and Watson had lost to Lance, so by some twisted logic, Jackson had lost to Lance?

From heaven to hell, the line was thin.

Now, the reporters couldn't wait to push Jackson over the edge.

"In Week 7, the Crimson Tide won again. Lance rushed for three touchdowns, and the top-ranked team crushed Tennessee. What's your take on that?"

Jackson took a deep breath, trying to contain his frustration. This… this was absurd!

He was prepared to talk about Watson, his future battles, the implications of this game, his thoughts on the Heisman race, and his outlook for the rest of the season.

But Lance?

What was that about?

The usually composed Jackson couldn't hold back his anger. He let out a sarcastic laugh.

"That was just Tennessee. No need to overreact, right? Alabama hasn't faced Florida State or Clemson yet. I don't see their win as anything worth discussing."

"Let me tell you this: I don't think Alabama is a championship favorite. NCAA rankings? They've never meant anything. Surely you know that."

"And don't forget, the last time they played that team—what was it, ranked 17th or 19th? They almost lost, didn't they? In the upcoming games, their so-called strong offense will be exposed. Believe me, it won't take long."

He was referring to the near loss to Ole Miss. Jackson wasn't being spiteful—he genuinely hadn't paid attention and didn't care.

And that was precisely why the reporters pressing him about Lance only made him feel more absurd and angry. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

With the sound of fury roaring in his ears, Jackson had to muster every bit of self-control to stop himself from exploding.

"For now?"

"I don't care about other teams or players. We'll focus on ourselves, learn from this game, and keep improving. We'll grow stronger."

"When the season ends, the championship will be ours."

Simple but firm.

Jackson was sincere. One hundred percent sincere.

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