In America, the winner takes all.

Chapter 165 2000 Miles
In the blink of an eye, it was already the 5th day of departure from Los Angeles.

Ethan drove alone throughout the entire journey, leaving California, passing through Arizona, New Mexico, and entering Texas.

Ethan was not driving very slowly. He drove seven or eight hours a day along Interstate 40. The main reason was that the scenery along the way was really desolate. The endless sand dunes and wasteland seemed to have entered the world of the movie Mad Max. , if it weren't for the many vehicles coming and going on the road, and the chatty Mary beside him, I'm afraid he would have gone crazy.

“Let the Sewanee tigers scratch, let the yellow jackets sting, let the Georgia bulldogs bite, Alabama is still right!”

"Whether we win or lose, we will all smile, because this is Bama's fighting style. You are Dixie's football pride, Crimson Tide (Roll Tide)!" Mary, who was sitting in the passenger seat, began to hum the Crimson Tide's fight song at this time. .

The song originated from a team song competition in 1926, when the Crimson Tide had just won the Rose Bowl.

At this time, her seat was tilted back so that her body was lying at an angle. Naturally, she took off her shoes. Her feet in black nylon stockings rested on the passenger armrest, which made her feel very relaxed.

After these few days of chatting, Ethan learned that two or three generations of her family were die-hard Crimson Tide fans, and she had also grown up watching Crimson Tide games.

No wonder she cried because she didn't make the Crimson Tide.

"This time I will be the pride of the whole family. After all, I personally brought Ethan O'Connor to the Crimson Tide!" Mary said with a smile on her face.

This sense of accomplishment of being able to bring core players to her home team is unparalleled for her.

"By the way, I've always been curious, is it so profitable to play rugby in Los Angeles?" Mary couldn't help but sigh as she looked at the eye-catching Bordeaux red interior of the car and touched the soft and delicate leather packages everywhere in the car.

She recognized the car logo, but she didn't know what model the car was. However, just by sitting in it, she could tell that this car was not cheap and could be considered a "luxury product."

In fact, this 928GTS is indeed very expensive. There are no more than 600 units in the United States. The only problem is that it is not easy to repair if it breaks down.

"Playing basketball itself doesn't make money, but you can make money from other places." Ethan didn't know where to start. He sold his BMW and replaced it with a higher-end performance car.

"Complex business logic. In short, I know that you people in Los Angeles have been assimilated by the Jews. As soon as you hear the sound of gold coins falling, your brain starts to work." Mary said slightly casually.

Just as Alabamians are stereotyped in developed areas like California, Alabamians are also biased against Californians.

Chaotic parties, promiscuous Hollywood stars, a large number of Mexicans, fake Nai, and coders wearing glasses who always want to destroy the world. In short, these keywords are inseparable...

"We should be able to reach Dallas tonight. From there, there will be lush vegetation on the roadside, which is much better than the bare desert." Mary reminded.

Arriving in Dallas also heralds the second half of the journey.

"I think you're driving too fast? Maybe we can change the route and go south to Louisiana to see your opponent this season, the lSU Tigers?" Mary turned sideways and looked at Ethan who was driving.

After passing Dallas, it means entering the territory of the SEC.

SEC, Southeastern Conference, one of the top five conferences.

Not only Alabama, but other traditional Southern states are also obsessed with college football, which makes the Southern Conference games more popular.

Currently, the Southeastern Conference is edging out the Big Ten in the Great Lakes region, and is the one with the largest attention, revenue, and scale among the five major conferences.As for the West...people in the West and the North actually pay more attention to professional football.

There used to be a Southwest Conference, but its popularity declined rapidly in the 90s. It is said that several powerful universities in the Southwest Conference have begun to seek to join other conferences.

"Can LSU pose a threat to the Red Tide?" Ethan asked subconsciously.

But in his mind, he recalled what Adam once said. He felt that LSU had the best cheerleading team in the country...

"Of course, anyone can pose a threat to the Crimson Tide. The 'champion' is often not the strongest one, but the one who treats every opponent as a 'champion.'" Mary raised her foot and kicked Yi Sen.

But he was caught by Yi Sen.

"Drive well." Mary blushed and pulled her foot back.

It's not that she's shy, it's just that she's embarrassed. She practiced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu when she was a student at Alabama State University. In fact, that was a few years ago.

"Not bad response," Mary muttered as she pulled her foot back.

Having said that, as one of the top high school quarterbacks in history, Ethan has no shortcomings.

"You're right." Ethan thought about what she had just said. The gap between the teams at the university level was no longer so obvious. She couldn't be tempted to underestimate the enemy.

"Originally, the Crimson Tide wins a lot and loses a lot of games."

That night, the two had dinner together and stayed at a hotel in Dallas.

Whether it was eating or staying in a hotel, Mary maintained a relationship with Ethan throughout the whole process, and she had no intention of taking advantage of Ethan.

From Dallas, follow Highway 20 to Louisiana and take Highway 49 south. Ethan spent a whole day and finally arrived at LSU.

"Although it has been 40 years since the last time the LSU Tigers won the title of the strongest in the country, the LSU Tigers in the past few years cannot be underestimated. Although they lost to us last year, they defeated Michigan in the Independence Bowl. This year we are a strong competitor for the Western Region championship." Mary reminded emphatically.

Michigan Eason knows that Brady has always been among the top players in the Big Ten and where he will end up in the future.

"But Jimmy Howard, the meritorious quarterback, has graduated this year and is participating in the MLB draft. I don't know who LSU's quarterback will be this year..."

The two of them were walking in the quiet campus. Midsummer was one of the few leisure times in a university.

"Speaking of which, about the LSU cheerleading team..." Ethan asked about this somewhat in his words.

As Southerners pay attention to college football, the competition on the field is fierce, and this involution also extends to off the field.

The hostess group was started by the University of Alabama, followed by Louisiana and Auburn universities.More than recruiting, more than performances, more than anything else to do with football.

The Alabama Crimsonettes are a prime example.

"I know what you want to ask, Golden Girls, right?" Mary immediately saw through Ethan's thoughts.

The iconic platinum one-piece swimsuit, the same fishnet stockings as the bunny girl, and beige dance shoes are also a pretty business card of LSU.

But when I think about the two sides being enemies, I can only say that they are destined to be together but not destined to each other.

The two later went to the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University. Both universities are in the Western half of the Southeastern Conference.

Although both are public universities in Mississippi, the University of Michigan is a research university.Michigan State is an educational university.

The value of a degree from a research university is obviously higher, and the name of Michigan State was later changed. It was previously called Mississippi A&M University.This caused many UM students to dislike it, and the Mississippi Derby between the two schools was naturally full of excitement.

Historically, the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) football strength is significantly stronger than Mississippi State (MSU).

Last year, the two of them were ranked one of the top two in the Western Conference, and they could be regarded as inseparable brothers.The MSU Bulldogs won just one game and missed both bowl games.

There used to be an Arkansas Pigs team in the north, which ranked first in the West Region last year. However, it was a long way to go. The school was located in the far northwest of Arkansas, and Ethan didn't go.The two wandered all the way and finally entered the territory of Alabama.

Along the way, from California to Arizona, then to Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, the landscape outside the car window became more and more desolate and primitive. The dilapidated kapok-tiled houses reminded Ethan of his hometown 20 years ago. Although he was mentally prepared, But the poverty in Alabama shocked him.

"Unless you are a large farmer, no one knows how to farm. The cost is high and it is hard work. In addition, the money earned is not much different from receiving relief funds, so I just leave it there." Mary explained.

Her family is a local farmer, growing hundreds of acres of cotton alone.

The other conditions are similar to what Lisa said. Except for gas stations, there are very few open shops and the roads are full of potholes. It is estimated that these roads are older than Ethan and Mary combined.

"The pace of life here is very slow. People here seem to have 48 hours a day. There are almost no recreational facilities except around the school. This is good, so you can concentrate on practicing."

Ethan glanced at his phone and saw that it was indeed a mess.

Before arriving in Tuscaloosa, there is the last stop on this trip-Auburn University.

Just like the rivalry between the two Mississippi universities, Alabama State and Auburn University also regard each other as a thorn in each other's side. This is not an exaggeration. The "Iron Bowl" between the two college football teams often appears after the game. Large-scale fan conflicts have transcended the scope of football and have become social incidents.

Coincidentally, Auburn University was also called Alabama A&M University before. The two universities competed in all aspects, competing for players and honors.The Auburn Tigers finished third in the West behind the Crimson Tide last season.

"Auburn University stole many of our athletes last year. The Tigerettes and Tiger Hosts are just a bunch of wild poultry!"

"They go to whoever we go to, and they wear the same skirt as us, CTMD!" Mary seemed to be cursing as soon as she got out of the car and entered Auburn University.

As a front-line recruiting staff member, Mary often had conflicts with people at Auburn University.

"Ethan, no matter what, you have to win this year's game against Auburn University! If you win, I will follow you..."

"Stop it. You don't have to make excuses." Ethan stopped her with a smile.

But you are too dangerous... Mary said in her heart.

Following Ethan all the way, this young man with a bad look was either in contact with this girl or texting with that girl all day long.Mary kept her distance from the playboy.

"In addition, I have to explain. The vast majority of ordinary students at UA are locals, and their families have been Puritans for generations. They are different from your chaotic Californians. You'd better think carefully to avoid being shot by someone else's father. Say I didn't warn you." Mary felt that Ethan would most likely let himself go after school started, so she reminded him specifically.

"That's just right. As a pious person, I also hope that the other party is pious enough." Ethan used the "Magic Gate Card" again.

Who is not a Puritan these days?

"Do you believe in Satan?" Mary sneered.

Ethan tells the "truth".

Even though Mary knew that Ethan was probably using this as a shield, she couldn't say anything more.

"Then you have to be responsible." That was all Mary could say.

"Do I seem like an irresponsible person?" Ethan asked.

"so similar."

"Then you may have misjudged me."

The two were chatting when they suddenly noticed that many people around them started to stare.At first, they were walking around the two of them. Within half a minute, more and more people were around.

Ethan felt like something wasn't right.

"Ethan O'Connor?" Someone shouted.

Then several people stopped Ethan's steps.

"University of Alabama players are not welcome here, leave now!" one of the leaders said.

"go out!"

"People from UA, get out!"

Mary immediately tugged on Ethan's arm.

"Let's go. Athletic Director Boone has probably announced that you were locked up by the University of Alabama." Mary said to Ethan in a low voice.

Now that it has been announced, it is even more impossible to leave.

Ethan thought to himself.

His face was calm: "Locked by Alabama? Even I don't know about it. Could it be someone from Auburn helped me lock it?"

"As a reserve, I've made an appointment with the school's hostess group and I'm here to visit the school today."

"Now you have to get out of the way." Ethan took a step forward, his huge body showing a strong sense of oppression.

"Who are you contacting? Now come here and she will pick you up." The other party refused to give in.

"To let or not to let?"

The other party seemed a little hesitant, but finally gave way.

Then came the second, third, and fourth. Although Ethan and Mary were surrounded, Ethan still opened a passage.

Then, with everyone watching, Ethan remained calm and took a brief walk around the school with Mary. By the second half of the trip, the surrounding area was almost full of water, but no one dared to step forward to stop them.

Strictly speaking, Ethan is not really from the University of Alabama. This is a public school and a public area, so of course he can visit.

At the last moment, Ethan deliberately said to Mary: "The school building is not very good, and the team performance is worse than UA. There is really nothing that attracts me."

After saying that, he shook his head, obviously disdainful of Auburn University.

"You're right, UA is the best at Auburn!" Mary beamed. No one has ever dared to ride on Auburn University's head and ask for a defense like this. Even before Ethan entered the UA campus, Auburn was disgraced. He has Californians don’t have the same kind of blood.

"Mary? How did you get in!" In the crowd, several young women wearing orange slim-fitting dresses squeezed to the front and exclaimed when they saw Mary.

Ethan was not from UA, but Mary was. For safety reasons, Ethan immediately picked up Mary and ran away...

(End of this chapter)