Category: Decade

Top Ten of the Decade: #1

by noblequy, posted in Decade, Top 10

THE #1 SPORTS MOMENT FROM THIS LAST DECADE:

Iron Bowl 2013 “The Kick Six”

THERE GOES DAVIS!!! DAVIS IS GOING TO RUN IT ALL THE WAY BACK!!! THEY’RE NOT GONNA KEEP THEM OFF THE FIELD TONIGHT!

Even just by reading, you can hear, in your head, these words being proclaimed loud and proud in an ecstatic deep southern accent by Auburn sportscaster, Rod Bramblett, that gives you goosebumps as you recall the moment when, in the 2013 Alabama- Auburn rivalry game, Alabama attempted the last second 57 yard field goal that would literally just fall short and would project Auburn into the last National Championship of the BCS era. It is one of those moments where people remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when it occurred.

The “Kick Six,” as it has become popularly known as, while an incredible play in it of itself, can not be fully appreciated without some background information to help people fully grasp the significance of that play. First off, Gus Malzahn was in his first year of his head coaching career at Auburn, and had managed to turn an Auburn team that went 0-8 in conference play, in the previous year, to being a national title contender in the next, all in one year. The manner he did so was incredible, squeaking out wins by a score or less against multiple division opponents (24- 20 Mississippi State, 30-22 Ole Miss #24, 45-41 at Texas A&M #7), and just the week before Alabama, Auburn kept their championship hopes alive as QB Nick Marshall, on  4th & 18, with 36 seconds left, from their own 27 yard line, lobbed up a pass that was deflected off a Georgia DB but then fell into the arms of Auburn receiver Ricardo Louis for the go ahead, winning score that would send Auburn into the Iron Bowl 10-1 against undefeated Alabama for a shot at the SEC Championship and a National Championship.

Never before had an end of season rivalry game, with its history and hate already embedded into it, have so much riding on it, on a national stage. Alabama had cruised into Jordan- Hare Stadium on an 11-0 record, crushing the competition with hopes of a 3rd national title as in as many years. Auburn, while hoping to keep its miraculous season going, was projected as the underdog, at home by 10 ½ points, with most of the country picking Alabama to go in and win and preserve their undefeated season. However, once the game began, point spreads and predictions fell to the wayside as two collegiate heavy weights started trading blows as there were multiple lead changes. The game remained tight and tied going into the 4th quarter before Crimson Tide senior quarterback, A.J. McCarron, threw a 99 yard TD pass, the longest play in Alabama history, to super star wide receiver, Amari Cooper, to go up 28-21.

GIF by Bleacher Report

With 2:32, the Auburn defense made a critical stop on their own 27 yard line, as they blocked  Cade Foster’s, senior Alabama kicker out of Southlake, TX, 3rd FG attempt that day, which would’ve put the Crimson Tide up by 2 possessions and made the game nigh impossible for Auburn to come back in. After six consecutive hand offs to Auburn RB Tre Mason, Nick Marshall finally pulled the ball back and sprinting to his left, drew the Alabama defenders in pursuit of him, and then tossed it to a wide open receiver Sammy Coates for a 39 yard touchdown pass, tying the game up at 28-28 with 32 seconds left. Auburn had executed the 2 minute drill to perfection and now looked poised to take the game into OT.

GIF by Bleacher Report

But then, Alabama running back, T.Y. Yelden, on 2 consecutive draw plays against Auburn in the prevent defense, ran all the way to the Auburn 38 yard line and stepped out of bounds when the clock showed 0:00, and it looked like Auburn would force the game into OT. However, Nick Saban fiercely argued that Yelden had been pushed out by Auburn cornerback, Chris Davis (recognize the name?), with a second remaining, and after further review, the clock was reset to 0:01, much to the angst of the Auburn crowd. To everyone’s surprise, Saban elected to go with a 57 yard FG attempt instead of a Hail Mary, and to everyone’s further surprise, sent in redshirt freshman kicker, Adam Griffith, instead of the starting senior, Foster, to conduct the kick. And here, the stage has now been set for the most dramatic and memorable sports moment of the decade.

Adam Griffith lined up for the kick and made a very decent kick, just falling short of the goal post into the waiting arms of deep return man Chris Davis, the same Chris Davis that had forced out T.Y. Yelden out with 1 second remaining that had set up this situation. Once Davis caught it, the rest is history as he returned the ball for 109 yards, sprinting past the Alabama players and tightroping the sideline, to send the Auburn Tigers into the SEC Championship, past the vaunted defending back-to-back nation champion Crimson Tide. The call made by Auburn sportscaster, Rod Bramblett, captured and immortalized the moment perfectly:

“ Chris Davis is going to drop back into the end zone in single safety. Well, I guess if this thing comes up short he can field it and run it out. Alright, here we go. 56-yarder, it’s got—no, it does not have the leg. And Chris Davis takes it in the back of the end zone. He’ll run it out to the 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 45—There goes Davis! (White shouts “Oh my God!”) Davis is going to run it all the way back! Auburn’s gonna win the football game! Auburn’s gonna win the football game! He ran the missed field goal back! He ran it back 109 yards! [fans streaming onto the field] They’re not gonna keep them off the field tonight! Holy Cow! Oh, my God! Auburn wins! Auburn has won the Iron Bowl! Auburn has won the Iron Bowl in the most unbelievable fashion you will ever see! I cannot believe it! 34–28!     ”

Courtesy of Auburn Football

It was in that moment, when the world became Auburn fans; an improbable, unbelievable season, riddled with comebacks, tight scores, and answered prayers capped off by the most improbable of all victories. A season where being the underdog and rising to the challenge defined who they were and forged them to become who they would be. Too many, this moment and the call made was as iconic as Al Michaels “DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES” call when another massive underdog team, the 1988 United States’ Olympic hockey team took down the seemingly invincible Soviet hockey team, to put them in the gold medal round and win it all. For Auburn, and many college football fans, this might be the greatest collegiate sports moment of all time, if not in all sports. It was this game where I discovered my love for college football; as a 17 year old junior in high school, looking into the process of college applications for the first, this game set off my excitement for the sport, and while I did not end up going to Auburn (Gig Em baby), the “Kick Six” was burned into my memory for all of time.  It is moments like these that makes sports so great. To see the improbable, the impossible being done. To see a collection of young people get together and work so hard, to give so much of themselves, all for just an opportunity, a chance at being great.

Top Ten of The Decade: #2

by Brian Murray, posted in Decade, Top 10

#2. New England Patriots Super Bowl LI comeback win against the Atlanta Falcons, February 5, 2017.

Without a doubt, this was one of the most legendary games, and probably the best Super Bowl game in NFL History.

This game featured several records being set, including largest comeback in a Super Bowl (25 points) and the first game to be won in OT.

Video by NFL

Down 28-3 with a little more than two minutes left in the third quarter, the Pats finally scored their first TD of the game. They then went on to have a 19 point fourth quarter, all the while, holding a conservative Falcons offense to zero points.

Video by NFL

The comeback and game itself was so legendary that it is tough to put into words. There’s a number of plays that stick out though; Edelman’s absurd catch (see above), Amendola’s screen pass catch for the two point conversion, James White’s multiple TDs and game winning TD, Donta Hightower’s fumble forcing sack of Matt Ryan.

I remember not being able to sleep until about four in the morning after the game. I couldn’t get over what I had just witnessed and I just kept smiling at the ceiling thinking about Tom lifting the Lombardi Trophy in Goodell’s face.

If you’ve got a free 20 minutes, I highly encourage you to watch the video below.

Video by NFL

Top 10 of The Decade: #3

by Jeremy Fernando, posted in Decade, Top 10

#3. Derek Jeter’s final game at Yankee Stadium

Photo by Giphy

Derek Jeter. The MLB icon who enjoyed a storybook career playing for his childhood team, the New York Yankees, decided 2014 would be his final season as a baseball player. Thus, the whole season was dedicated to Jeter’s farewell tour in which he received numerous gifts from each opposing ballpark he visited. As Jeter’s career drew to a close, his legacy as a player was discussed by analysts and fans alike. Pretty much everyone other than Keith Olbermann, marveled at the illustrious career Jeter had in Pinstripes. As Jeter’s Yankee career drew to a close in his final game at Yankee Stadium on September 25, 2014, baseball fans of all ages gathered around their T.V.’s to witness greatness one last time. And similar to the rest of his storied career, he would not disappoint.

Video by Wall Street Journal

In his 1st at-bat of the game facing Orioles pitcher Kevin Gausman, Jeter ripped a 3-1 fastball that nearly cleared the left-center field fence. The ball hit off the very top of the wall and Jeter coasted into second base with a double in front of 48,000 screaming fans. The the next 2 at-bats were less successful and Jeter stepped to the plate in the 7th inning, many fans expecting this to be his last home at-bat. With the game tied 2-2 and the bases loaded, he grounded to shortstop J.J. Hardy who, in an attempt to turn a double play, threw the ball into the outfield. 2 runs scored and Jeter arrived safely at first.

Heading into the 9th inning, the Yankees were up 5-2 with star closer David Robertson in the game. The crowd broke into “Thank you, Derek” chants expecting Robertson to end the game. However, 3 runs later and the game now tied, the Yankees came to the plate hoping to give Mr. Jeter one last at-bat in the Bronx. With a runner at second base and 2 outs, Jeter stepped up to the plate. Bob Shepherd’s legendary voice echoed through the stadium with the words “Now batting for the Yankees, No. 2, Derek Jeter, No. 2.” Yankees fans around the country did what they had done for the last 20 years: expect Derek Jeter to come up clutch. And that he did. He jumped on the first pitch from Orioles pitcher Evan Meek and hit it, in typical Jeter fashion, between the first and second baseman into the outfield for a base hit. Runner Antoan Richardson raced around third and slid in safely at home and pandemonium broke out in the stadium. Jeter leaped into the air with his smile beaming from ear to ear. A Yankee legend had once again left his mark.

Video by MLB

With Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” echoing throughout the stadium, Jeter was met by Yankee legends and former teammates Bernie Williams, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada, Tino Martinez and former manager Joe Torre. A memorable exit for a truly remarkable baseball player. Derek Jeter was a figure that was larger than life whose consistent play and flare for the dramatic made him an all-time great and a crowd favorite. As a Yankees fan growing up, it was always his dream to suit up in the Pinstripes. Thus, Michael Kay’s words “Derek Jeter: Where fantasy becomes reality” rang true, especially in that final at-bat. Jeter’s last home game at Yankee Stadium will go down as one of the most iconic moments in MLB history.

Top Ten of the Decade: #4

by Brian Murray, posted in Decade, Top 10

Boston Red Sox winning the 2013 World Series

Boston Strong

The 2013 baseball season in Boston was led by one mantra, “Boston Strong”. That April, two terrorists carried out a deadly attack during the Boston Marathon. They set off bombs, killing and wounding many innocent Americans.

Because the attacks happened at the beginning of the baseball season, the team took it upon themselves to take on the city’s sorrows and be a source of healing. In the first home game after the bombing, World Series MVP, David Ortiz, took the mic and spoke the now famous phrase “This is our f****** city”. His speech was the beginning point of healing for a city that was knocked down hard, but would come back stronger than ever that October.

When I think about the 2013 World Series and the 2013 playoffs in general, I think about a charismatic team that really gelled together and loved each other.

The pitching staff was led by Jon Lester, John Lackey, Clay Buchholz, Ryan Dempster and Jake Peavy. All five are true veterans and simply knew how to get outs. None of these guys, Lester excluded, were really in the prime of their careers, but all of them battled just like the rest of Boston did. Lackey’s performance in game six in particular stands out to me. He went 6 2/3, and gave up one run while scattering nine hits.

I also think about guys like David Ross, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Jonny Gomes, Shane Victorino, Mike Napoli, Daniel Nava, and Stephen Drew. All didn’t have long tenures in Boston, all were relatively low level free agent signings and mostly on the tail end of their careers. However, all of them found ways to come up clutch and make huge impacts during the 2013 season. Gomes in particular really had no business starting in left field for a MLB team in the World Series. He’s average at best in every metric except for the most important one, heart. Gomes and Napoli led the way with growing beards throughout the season. The beards became a rallying point for everyone associated with the Red Sox. Besides Big Papi, I’m not sure if there was anyone more clutch than Shane Victorino. In game six, Victorino hit the bases clearing three run triple to start the scoring, and he also had another hit to extend the lead. I think the most excited I’ve ever been watching a baseball game was his grand slam in the ALCS that year.

I’d be remiss to not mention the contributions of David Ortiz and Koji Uehara as well. Ortiz hit an absurd .688 in the World Series after having an abysmal ALCS in which he hit .091.

Koji led the way in the bullpen, carving people up with his patented arm side run 81 MPH splitter. He was untouchable. His last pitch in game six to Matt Carpenter will forever be etched in my mind.

In short, all World Series wins are special and mean a lot to the city and the fan base that wins it. But this one just meant more. Boston had been through so much in 2013. This Red Sox team took on all the sorrows of the city and did a damn good job erasing them with winning baseball. Stories like this one is what makes sports so special and I am thankful to have been alive for it.

Top 10 of The Decade: #5

by jstuursma19, posted in Decade, Top 10

5. Chicago Cubs win World Series after 108 year drought

Photo by MLB

My Cubs roots run deep. From the moment I was born, I was immersed in the culture and fandom of the Chicago Cubs baseball team. I grew up imitating the Moisės Alou’s cockeyed stance, shaking my head to Carlos Zambrano’s temper tantrums, and living for Sammy Sosa’s homerun leaps. I still remember the gut wrenching 2003 NLCS series. Having a World Series seem like a sure thing with a Cubs game six 3-0 lead in the late innings, only to watch it slip through our fingers with the Florida Marlins eight run eighth inning. And then the absolute devastation of a game seven loss at home. I remember going to sleep in my parent’s bed that night in my Sammy Sosa jersey, crying myself to sleep with my mom. Being a Cubs fan was full of heartbreaks; that was until the 2016 World Series game 7.

I watched game 7 as a sophomore at the College of Wooster, a small college just north of Columbus. Because of the location, I watched that game in a room full of Cleveland Indians fans wanting nothing more than for the Cubs to break my heart once again. But an extra inning Ben Zobrist double and a final out from Kris Bryant to Anthony Rizzo brought me one of the best moments of my life. The room of Indians fans quickly cleared out and there I sat, long after the game was over, wrapped in my W flag, soaking in every moment of the celebration. I took that time to call all my family and friends who had faithfully stood by this team through all the tough times. I remember specifically calling my Grandpa, an 80 year old man who had dedicated his life to the Cubs franchise. He even bought a house in Arizona where he had owned season tickets to Cubs spring training for the past 25 years. He was in tears when I called him, and I couldn’t help from tearing up myself with overwhelming joy. Our lovable losers and finally become champions, a moment that will live on forever.

Photo by MLB

Top 10 of The Decade: #6

by Ethan Myers, posted in Decade, Top 10

6. Cavs 3-1 comeback against the 73-9 Warriors in the 2016 finals.

“It’s a man’s league. I guess his feelings just got hurt.”

These were the famous post-game words uttered by Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson after Game 4 of the 2016 NBA Finals, referring to LeBron James reacting after Draymond Green swung at James’ groin. The Warriors were riding high after taking a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers, just one game away from capping off their legendary 73-win season with a 2nd championship. The storylines were writing themselves: the 2016 Warriors were the greatest team of all time, and LeBron James couldn’t bring the big one home to the city of Cleveland.

Related image
Photo by Ball Memes

However, as every sports fan knows, it’s not over until it’s over. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving exploded in Game 5, with both players scoring 41 points apiece in a 112-97 Cavaliers victory that stunned the crowd at Oracle Arena. But it was just one game, right? After all, this Warriors team unstoppable, and LeBron just didn’t have what it takes. That is, until LeBron dropped 41 points again in a 115-101 victory, ending in Warriors point guard Stephen Curry fouling out and launching his mouthguard at a fan. It was all going back to Oracle Arena in California for Game 7, and there was a surprising lack of snide comments from Warriors players leading up to the game. Collars getting tight around their neck?

Game 7 was one for the ages. The match was a dogfight, with 20 lead changes between the teams. The Warriors seemed to start to pull away at halftime with a 49-42 lead, until Cavaliers shooting guard JR Smith came into the second half with back-to-back 3’s to tighten the game up. The score went back and forth until the final 2 minutes, when the Cavaliers’s Big 3 of James, Irving, and forward Kevin Love each had a massive play that will forever go down in Cleveland lore.

Image result for lebron james block
Photo by NBA

Tied at 89-all, LeBron James had the greatest block in NBA history, chasing Andre Iguodala across the court and stuffing Iguodala’s fast-break layup attempt. Next, Kyrie Irving caught Curry with his hand down and splashed a 3 over Curry to take a 92-89 lead. Finally with 30 seconds left, Kevin Love got switched onto Curry and proceeded to lock him down, causing Curry to throw up a brick. The Cavaliers got the rebound, LeBron iced the game with a free throw, and when the clock hit zero, LeBron James and the city of Cleveland were champions once again. 52 years of heartbreak wiped out, toppling perhaps the most arrogant team of all time, and coming back from a 3-1 series deficit for the first time in the history of the NBA Finals. After that series, basketball fans around the country had no choice to agree that LeBron James was truly the King, and the city of Cleveland could finally celebrate once again.

Image result for lebron james nba finals cleveland trophy
Photo by the LA Times

Top 10 of The Decade: #7

by Jeremy Fernando, posted in Decade, Top 10

7. Dee Gordon’s home run against the New York Mets in 2016, one day after the death of teammate Jose Fernandez.

On September 25, 2016, Jose Fernandez, an MLB All-Star and one of the games most well-liked players, passed away due to a boating accident. Players and fans alike around the league were devastated. Fernandez was only 24 years old but had established himself as one of the premier pitchers in the league.

On Monday September 26, 2016, the Miami Marlins played their first game since Fernandez’s passing against the New York Mets. Dee Gordon, the 2B of the Marlins and one of Fernandez’s closest friends, was the leadoff hitter that day. Gordon, typically a left-handed hitter, stepped into the right-handed batters box wearing Fernandez’s helmet. After seeing the first pitch from Mets’ pitcher Bartolo Colon, Gordon proceeded to switch to the left-hand side of the plate. On a 2-0 fastball from Colon, Gordon promptly smacked a homerun to the right-field bleachers and began to weep uncontrollably as he rounded the bases. As he crossed home plate, he pointed to the sky in remembrance of his good friend. It was a moment that will be forever be remembered by baseball fans around the world.

Video by MLB

In the postgame interview, Gordon told a reporter “I don’t have kids, so hitting a homerun for Jose Fernandez is the best moment of my life.” It is in these moments where sports can truly bring everyone together. Dee Gordon’s homerun is one, as a baseball fan, I will never forget.

Top 10 of The Decade: #8

by brandonwayman, posted in Decade, Moments

8. Marshawn Lynch’s Beastmode run against the New Orleans Saints in 2010.

Trying to milk the clock while holding onto a 34-30 lead in the 2010 NFC Wild Card Round, the Seahawks faced a 2nd and 10 on their own 33-yard line versus the defending Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints. Not many pundits had given the 7-9 Seahawks a chance in the game due to them being the first team with a losing record to make the postseason in NFL history. With nothing to lose and respect to gain, the Seahawks elected to hand off the ball to their midseason acquisition Marshawn Lynch on a power run. Lynch then activated his now infamous “Beast Mode” running style, and he broke eight attempted tackles by the Saints’ defenders. The run peaked when Lynch threw a stiff arm that sent Roman Harper flying to the grown, and Lynch added an exclamation mark by diving into the endzone to extend the Seahawks lead to double digits with 3 minutes and 22 seconds left in the game. The run left the crowd in such a frenzy that the roar registered on Seismograph readings.

Video by NFL

The Seahawks would go on to win the game 41-36. However, the great run had a greater impact than just propelling the Seahawks to the divisional round. The victory set the tone for the Pete Carroll era where the Seahawks went on to make the playoffs 8 times, the Super Bowl twice, and win Super Bowl XLVIII in the decade.

Top 10 of The Decade: #9

by Jeremy Fernando, posted in Decade, Moments

9. #16 seed UMBC beats #1 seed Virginia in 2018.

A sixteen seed had never beaten a one seed in March Madness. The closest any sixteen seed had come to this impressive feat was in 1996 when Western Carolina lost 73-71 to Purdue. However, on March 16th 2018, history was made when the University of Maryland-Baltimore County beat the first ranked Virginia Cavaliers 74-54.

Virginia came into the tournament with championship aspirations as the number one overall seed. They went 31-2 including a 20-1 record in the ACC, arguably the best conference in the NCAA. They had the top-ranked defense in the country and were led by one of the best young minds in college basketball in head coach Tony Bennett. The Cavaliers came into the game as 20.5-point favorites making it the 2nd biggest upset in NCAA tournament history behind Norfolk State’s upset over Missouri in 2012.

On the other hand, the Retrievers were far less talented than the Cavs and were only in the NCAA tournament due to a last second 3-pointer from senior guard Jairus Lyles in the America East Conference championship over Vermont. As one would expect, the Retrievers came in as heavy underdogs and were projected to lose by 20.5 points according to the sportsbooks in Vegas.

However, on this night it was the Retrievers who played as if they were the heavy favorites. The once vaunted UVA defense had absolutely no answer for Lyles who scored a game high 28 points. In the words of Coach Bennett at the postgame press conference, it was a “thorough butt whipping.” America was stunned as millions of brackets around the country were now busted.

While the Retrievers put on a show on the court, it was their Twitter account who stole the hearts of Americans with some of the most memorable tweets of the decade.

The Retrievers would go on to lose in the next round against Kansas State, however their victory over the Cavaliers will live in infamy. In 2019, the Cavaliers would once again be a number one seed in the NCAA tournament. This time though the outcome was far different as they would go on to win the NCAA Division One basketball championship and celebrate by cutting the nets. No college basketball fan will ever forget where they were the night the sixteen seed beat the one seed.

Top 10 of The Decade: #10

by colewest86, posted in Decade, Moments

10. 2016 NCAA Championship: Villanova over UNC

Coming in at #10 for sports moments for the decade is the 2016 NCAA basketball championship where Villanova beat UNC 77-74 off a last second three-point shot. This game was a close back-and-fourth matchup between two powerhouse schools for the NCAA championship.

With 6 seconds left, UNC guard, Marcus Paige, hit an awkward double clutched 3- point shot to tie the game. 74-74. This was one of the most clutch shots seen. The defender jumped to block his shot, but Paiges double clutch allowed him to avoid the block, and still get the shot off. With just 6 seconds, left, most spectators were gearing up for overtime.

Kris Jenkins inbounds the ball to Villanova guard, Ryan Arcidiacono. Arcidiacono dribbles the ball up the floor to the 3- point line, and then turns around to flip the ball to forward, Kris Jenkins, who trailed Arcidiacono. Arcidiacono used his body to shield, so Jenkins could have clean 3-point shot. The shot goes up… and swish. Game over.

This national championship featured one of the best back and fourths in the final seconds of the decade. The game also featured big name players who went on to play in the NBA such as Villanova guards, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, as well as UNC forwards, Justin Jackson and Kennedy Meeks.