…Of course we use the word 'hardware' lightly. Nonetheless, we like to think our awards are slightly different than all the rest. Below — in no particular order — is what made 2013 interestingly unique, fun, wacky, hilarious and entertaining in 2013.
Worst Hit of the Year
Rusian Casey (Wanganui Collegiate School, New Zealand) decks Kip Fawcett (Hamilton St. Paul's Collegiate School, New Zealand) – Rugby.
We could have very easily given this to Jadeveon Clowney, but this New Zealand kid got decked just as hard with no pads.
Sexiest Athlete Caught On Camera
Katherine Webb
Many of us are tired of hearing about A.J. McCarron's Auburn grad girlfriend. But we still can't ever forget Brent Musburger nearly having an orgasm in front of a live television audience at her discovery during the 2013 BCS National Championship game.
This on-camera glimpse…
…Led to opportunities such as this…
…ridiculous.
Best Commercial
Foot Locker – Week of Greatness 2013: All Is Alright
Best Photobomb
Clemson kid at College Gameday
Worst Sports Host
A.J. Clemente
Who could forget this glorious West Virginia grad? It's okay, last we heard he was serving drinks on the east coast — and we all know bartenders in BFE make more money than sports anchors in North Dakota.
Most Embarrassing Play
Manti Te'o
There were some pretty outrageous plays in 2013, but what could be more demoralizing than getting caught having a fake girlfriend? I guess having that fake girlfriend come out as a long-time gay acquaintance who then goes on national television to talk about how they played you. Thank you Manti, for making us all aware of the creeptastic 'catfish' in 2013.
At least we got this out of the whole ordeal:
Short Bus Award (we have a tie!)
Vladimir Putin – Supporter and prime mover of Russia's anti-gay laws
Richie Incognito - Modern Day NFL Bully
Best Broadcasting Call
Auburn's Rod Bramblett – Field goal return miracle vs. Alabama
Aquaman #26 marks the first time in two years the aquatic king has been under a new scribe. Jeff Parker takes over for Geoff Johns and begins the foundation for the 2014 event series, The Seven Seas. It’s a tense time for Aquaman, as he tries to juggle being a hero to the surface and a king to Atlantis. As with all great king stories, Aquaman has few allies and multiple detractors. The tensions are mounting, and when that goes down, something always gives.
Issue #26 is an outline issue. Parker is feeling his way around the story and the characters. The opening page sets up the coming of a monster, something released from the deep by a group of scientists exploring areas in the ocean best left alone. Meanwhile, someone from the government is attempting to locate Aquaman, though the town of Amnesty Bay is being less then helpful. When Aquaman finally appears, he and Mera save a group of Atlanteans from a convection current threatening to roast them alive.
As the action builds, Parker switches to a scientific meeting in Atlantis, one where the lines are drawn between those who believe in their new king and those who find it reprehensible that Aquaman also protects the surface dwellers. Here’s where things begin to get weird. A sea monster called the Karaqan is attacking the surface. It’s a gigantic creature, looking as if a crab and an octopus mated and then grew the size of King Kong. Aquaman desperately attempts to stop it, but is unable to do more than piss it off. Turns out, this Karaqan is supposed to listen to royal blood, which pushes Aquaman to try and connect with it telepathically. When he does, he is pushed into another dimension, a mysterious sunken kingdom that Aquaman doesn’t recognize.
Jeff Parker isn’t kidding. He’s picked up the reigns and decided to run with them as fast, and as far, as he can. Johns spent two years pulling Aquaman from the depths of bad punch lines and being a second tier hero. Now, with his cache full, Parker is throwing everything he can at him. Aquaman #26 is a smooth transition issue and, though it sheds little light on exactly what Parker’s plans are, it hooks you in well enough to ignite interest in the next era of Aquaman.
Paul Pelletier’s art is inconsistent, but in a really odd way. Whole panels never suffer, but items within them will. It’s not each page, just a few strewn throughout the entire issue. Sometimes one character looks fine and the other is off. Pelletier excels in the battle between Aquaman and the Karaqan, but some of the more intimate moments suffer from weird expressions on faces or uneven form. Nothing happening here is bad, it’s just uneven to a point you can’t help but notice.
It’s a real shame that Superman Unchained #5 comes out this close to the new year. Books released around this time often get lost in the shuffle, and Superman Unchained needs to be seen. Issue #5 is the crux of the series, the beginning of how writer Scott Snyder will coalesce his ideas of what it means to be Superman. The New 52 has received a lot of fire on how it rebooted the first superhero. Superman Unchained seems to be trying to right those wrongs.
It’s never easy to make a god into a man. Superman can blow out a star or change the trajectory of a planet with his muscles. To make a character that extraordinary relatable, you have to exploit whatever weaknesses he has. In Superman’s case, it is his heritage versus his upbringing. The idea of who he is juxtaposed against who he wants to be. Superman very much wants to be Clark Kent, but he will always be Superman. The emotional complexity behind that push and pull is Snyder’s real achievement with this book.
Opening with a flashback, issue #5 tackles that right away. A young Clark Kent and his then-crush Lana Lang, are atop a silo attempting their annual thrill of getting as close to the edge as possible. When Lana falls and pulls Clark over with her, young Mr. Kent saves the day in a most unusual fashion. Jump to the present day, where Lois Lane is learning of the history of the Ascension and how they have managed to take control of the world’s technology. Often subplots feel forced, as if they were shoehorned in to give the other characters something to do. Snyder avoids that by making Lois a central battery to the power of the subplot. He also manages to make the Ascension interesting, and their motives quite sinister.
Wraith’s examples have nothing to do with domination of a weaker species, but more the reality of Superman’s life, something he doesn’t want to face. There is not a lot of action in Unchained #5, but you don’t notice it. The dialogue is too good, and the ideas being set up too interesting. I also enjoy how this is falling in line with what Greg Pak is attempting in Action Comics and Charles Soule is a attempting in Superman/Wonder Woman. All three books are looking to explore the reality of Superman, and his terror in being inhuman but filled with human ideas and sentimentality.
Then you have Jim Lee, who expands what he’s been doing in Superman Unchained. During the flashbacks, Lee uses a lighter touch, giving those scenes a dreamlike quality. In the present day, he’s back to the strong lines and hardcore detail work. Lee is obviously an iconic art presence for a reason, and Superman Unchained is further proof of that. No matter how long he’s in the game, Lee attacks each panel with the same hungry veracity that made him a legend.
Great fun to read, and beautiful to look at, Superman Unchained is subversive. Wrapped within an exciting comic book tale are ideas and emotions that will go on to redefine Superman as an icon.
When 2013 began, I looked at comic books with much the same attitude as the Joker in the film The Dark Knight.
“I wanted to see what you’d do.”
\Jump ahead to the final days of 2013.
“And you didn’t disappoint.”
2013 was a crackling year for storytelling through sequential art. So much went down, and most of it was spectacular. 2014 has a tough act to follow, but it feels like the comic book universe is gearing up to give us something really good. Some of the secrets in the upcoming comic book year have been revealed, and they look mighty tempting. We here at Crave Online realize how busy you are, so we’ve come up with twelve events we are stoked about in 2014, and we think you will be, too.
The next year is shining bright for comic books. Just as 2013 did a year ago, the excitement for the 2014 comic book year is palpable. Did these wet your appetite? Did we miss any? What events outside of these are you looking forward to?
Predictions. What would the end of the year be without predictions? 2013 was a staggering year for comic books, ergo 2014 will probably kick just as much ass. So what do we think? Well, Crave Online has spent many days in a dimly lit room, surrounded by cigarette smoke and cheap booze, in order to really analyze what might happen in 2014. So, without further ado, here are Ten Predictions For Comics In 2014.
There you have it. My predictions for 2014. What do you think this year is going to bring?
UFC’s final event of 2013 certainly taught us a lot about some of the big names in the organization. Travis Browne looks like the next heavyweight contender. Meisha Tate is a big fan of Katy Perry. Diego Brandao needs to eat fewer donuts.
However, the biggest takeaway from the showcase, at least for me, was the fact that Chris Weidman is absolutely, unequivocally, a true champion. If Anderson Silva’s career really is over after suffering a gruesome broken leg that bears a recovery time of between three and six months, the UFC’s middleweight division is in good hands with ‘The All-American” as the title holder.
Weidman has heard doubters throughout his career as a fighter. He wasn’t supposed to beat Silva in their first matchup, his first victory was a fluke because of a lucky punch, et cetera, et cetera. UFC 168 was billed under the slogan, “Leave no doubt.” It was supposed to be a chance to find out once and for all whether Weidman was truly the best 185-pound fighter in the world. A win was supposed to validate his status at the top of the UFC’s food chain.
Well, the 29-year old Weidman got the win, but, unfortunately for him, Silva’s injury overshadowed his triumph. Now, even on the off chance that Spider does fight again, he’ll probably never be the Anderson Silva that fight fans remember, the one that seemed, during his 16-fight UFC win streak, as unbeatable as the Dream Team.
It’s a testament to how great Silva was for so long that many gave him the benefit of the doubt after his first defeat at Weidman’s hands. The fact that he was still a 3-2 favorite heading into the rematch on Saturday shows that even experts believed that less clowning and a more a serious approach from Silva would surely be enough for him to regain the belt. It didn’t turn out that way; not by a long shot.
Silva played the second fight against Weidman completely straight; there was no feigning of injuries or any other such gamesmanship, but it didn’t propel him to victory. In the first round, Weidman attacked and hurt Silva with a strong right to the challenger’s head. All-American then took Silva down and rained a barrage of punches on him that almost (and some would say, should have) ended the fight.
In short, Weidman thoroughly outfought Silva before the leg injury. In addition, the broken leg itself was no accident, but the result of a move, known as the “Destruction” by his trainers, that Weidman had practiced in order to defend himself from Silva’s leg kicks. He obviously didn’t think or hope it would break Silva’s leg, but it was a planned move to stop the Brazilian from using the kicks that had been so effective in their first fight.
Those still wishing to doubt the champion’s credibility will overlook these realities. As an impartial observer, I refuse to do any such thing. The fact is that the New York native has now beaten one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in the UFC twice in a row. The old adage in the organization is that you’re not really the champion until you defend your title. Weidman did that and it’s time to give him the respect he’s due.
Yes, Silva’s injury is awful and devastating and any other word you want to use to describe it, but it should not take away from Weidman’s accomplishment. He is a better fighter than Silva, period. He’s earned his belt and, if I were a betting man, I would say that fans should be prepared to see the former All-American wrestler at the top of the division for a long time. Bring on Vitor Belfort.
Dylan Sinn is a freelance contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him onTwitter @DylanSinnor “like”CraveOnline Sports onFacebook.
Actor/director Sarah Polley as well as Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor were disclosed yesterday as the newest Order of Canada appointments.
According to a press release, Governor General of Canada David Johnston announced 90 new appointments to the Order of Canada, including four Companions (C.C.), 25 Officers (O.C.) and 61 Members (C.M.). These appointments were made on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada. Recipients will be invited to accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held at a later date.
The Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, was established in 1967 during Canada’s centennial year to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Over the last 45 years, more than 6000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.
The Red Wings and Maple Leafs will face off in this still fairly new hockey winter tradition. This year's Classic is special in that the game will be played in Ann Arbor, Michigan inside "The Big House," where they will attempt to break the world record for the highest attended hockey game -- more than 115,000 are expected. The weather? About 20 degrees with a 70 percent chance of snow.
The Apocalypse Twins have tricked the Scarlet Witch into engineering their mutant rapture for them as her last desperate act, and now with Wanda and Rogue gone, it's up to a fiery pissed Thunder God to take the fight to them, to make amends for this disaster he started centuries ago out of hubris and anger at Apocalypse himself. Also, apparently the Wasp is going to have to do something drastic that won't leave her unscathed.
Check out these preview pages from Uncanny Avengers #16, from Rick Remender and Steve McNiven.
Apparent suicide bombings in Russia on back-to-back days have raised red flags for the international community headed to the country for the Winter Olympics less than six weeks away.
Not only did a blast kill 17 people and wound 35 at a main train Station in Volgograd Sunday, but another followed Monday in the city, the second bomb killing 14. Needless to say, the security issue in Russia is a topic that has grown exponentially more important in recent hours.
[CNN]
No one claimed responsibility for the Volgograd blasts, but they occurred several months after the leader of a Chechen separatist group pledged violence to disrupt the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics that begin on February 7….
…"The entire international movement joins me in utterly condemning this cowardly act," Bach said in a statement, adding that he wrote Russian President Vladimir Putin to express condolences as well as "our confidence in the Russian authorities to deliver safe and secure Games in Sochi."
The United States on Monday condemned the Volgograd attacks and offered its "full support to the Russian government in security preparations for the Sochi Olympic Games," National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said in a statement.
"We would welcome the opportunity for closer cooperation for the safety of the athletes, spectators, and other participants," Hayden said.
While it might be possible to secure the actual campus of the Olympic games and their host village, the actual travel routes the athletes and personnel need to take in order to reach Sochi may be another story.
Volgograd is a major rail hub in southern Russia and a main transit point for people traveling by train to Sochi on the Black Sea, just over 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) to the southwest. Each day, thousands of passengers use the station in the city once called Stalingrad….
…Putin has maintained that the Sochi games will be safe and security will be tight. Visitors to Sochi and the surrounding area are subjected to rigorous security checks, and vehicle license plates are monitored….
…The fact that the bombers are targeting transportation is "not lost on Olympic Committee organizers and security officials," she added.
Athletes are "most vulnerable" when moving between the Olympic Village and the sites of their events, she said.
Townsend, who coordinated with Greek officials before the Olympics in Athens in 2004, said security officials all over the world will be asking Russia for detailed information about these attacks, including whether there were any indications or warnings. They'll also ask about what information Russian intelligence has on the capabilities of terrorist groups to pull off further attacks.
We can only hope and pray the games go smoothly as planned, but if terrorism increases as we get closer to the games it won't be surprising to see some athletes pull their names. Either way, the violence added into the anti-gay laws doesn't bode well for great P.R. out of Russia.
Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him @JHelmuth or "like" CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
It's been a year since Dr. Octopus forcibly took Peter Parker's place as Spider-Man, and it's certainly been a tumultuous 2013 for him. But he's never faced Peter Parker's greatest enemy… and that's about to change. The Green Goblin Kingpin of Crime may signal the beginning of the end for the Superior Spider-Man as he starts a full-on war with Roderick Kingsley, the Hobgoblin, and reveals that he has an army to go up against Otto's. Also, 8-BALL SHOWS UP!
Check out this first look at Superior Spider-Man #26, from writer Dan Slott and artists Humberto Ramos, Javier Rodriguez and Marcos Martin, with a cover by Ryan Stegman.
With the 2013 NFL fantasy football season over, it's time to hand out some hardware. Below is my personal awards for players that have achieved greatness, as well as those who have crashed and burned for a variety of reasons.
The Good
Player of the Year: Jamaal Charles RB – Kansas City Chiefs
At nearly 2,000 total yards with 19 touchdowns, Charles edges out Peyton Manning as the number one fantasy player in 2013. These numbers become even more amazing when you see that he only went over 20 carries in a game four times this season while averaging an impressive 5.0 yards per carry. This easy workload combined with him only being 26 makes me think that Charles may be occupying this top fantasy spot for the next few years and may even end up in the fantasy hall of fame.
Runner Up: Peyton Manning QB – Denver Broncos
Breakout Play of the Year: Josh Gordon WR – Cleveland Browns
Can you believe that the Browns were briefly dangling Gordon on the trade block earlier this season? I think it's safe to say that isn't the case now as Gordon has exploded onto the top fantasy wideout scene with 1,564 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Awesome stats made even better by two facts: he missed the first two games of the season and he had sub par quarterbacks throwing him the ball all year. This guy is going to be awesome for years to come.
Runner Up: Nick Foles QB – Philadelphia Eagles
Rookie of the Year: Eddie Lacy RB – Green Bay Packers
Lacy entered the season with question marks galore thanks to injury and durability questions. Well, almost a full season in and you can rest a little easier as Lacy has shown he can be a great player in the NFL. With over 1300 total yards and 10 touchdowns, mostly without Aaron Rodgers I might add, Lacy is the top rookie in a class with its fair share of impressive players.
Runner Up: Le'Veon Bell RB – Pittsburgh Steelers
The Bad
Worst Timed Injury of the Year: Aaron Rodgers QB – Green Bay Packers
Rodgers owners across the country are probably still crying foul over the November 4th injury that has kept Rodgers out of their line-up since then. Arguably the first quarterback off the board, Rodgers is the type of star that can carry an average team to a fantasy championship, but when he isn't on the field, average is just, well, average. To add insult to his injury, Rodgers suited up in week 17 for a juicy matchup with the Chicago Bears. That's one week too late for most championships.
Runner Up: Rob Gronkowski TE – New England Patriots
Most Frustrating Running Back Situation: The New York Giants
What else can you say about the Giants running game than it pretty much kept pace with the Giants passing game. Which means, for those keeping track, is that it was bad anywhere you look. In a season where David Wilson and Andre Brown were expected to dominate, neither showed up enough to matter. Brown went down early with a broken leg while Wilson failed to hold on to the ball enough to matter before suffering his own injury. The Giants performance as a whole was so horrendous that the stench of it will definitely carry over into the 2014 fantasy draft, a possible silver lining for those looking for draft day steals next year.
Runner Up: Lamar Miller/Daniel Thomas – Miami Dolphins
The Ugly
Underachieving Player of the Year: Ray Rice RB – Baltimore Ravens
Those who drafted Rice expect the solid dual threat back that has been operating at a high level over the past few years. Instead they got nothing more than a bowl full of disappointment as Rice saw his overall numbers drop by almost 50 percent compared to last season. With 645 yards rushing and 286 receiving with just four touchdowns, Rice broke the heart of many an owner this season.
Runner Up: Robert Griffin III QB – Washington Redskins
Worst No-Show in Championship Week 16: Alex Smith QB – Kansas City Chiefs
Week 16 Stats: 16 of 29 for 153 yards and two interceptions
Smith has had his best season as a pro in 2013, throwing for over 3,300 yards with 23 touchdowns but he really threw up a stinker when owners needed him the most. Coming off of a week 15 explosion that saw him toss 5 touchdown passes, Smith failed to reach the endzone in championship week while committing two interceptions.
Runner Up: Carson Palmer QB – Arizona Cardinals
Week 16 Stats: 13 of 25 for 178 yards, 1 touchdown, four interceptions
James LeBeau is an avid fantasy sports participant and a sports contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on twitter @LoboISbroke or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
The past year in sports has provided us constant water cooler chatter and has fans asking themselves “Did that just happen?” As we approach the final days of 2013, we review the year’s best games.
Atlanta Falcons vs Seattle Seahawks – NFC Divisional Playoff
The top seeded Atlanta Falcons faced a lot of criticism on their inability to win a playoff game. Future Hall of Famer and Falcon, Tony Gonzalez, had actually never won a playoff game in his entire career. Both parties managed to silence the critics with an epic win over Seattle. Leading 27-7 going into the 4th quarter, the Falcons appeared to be headed for an easier victory. Then in Falcon fashion, they proceeded to blow the lead, giving up 21 straight points to Seattle. Down 28-27 with :25 seconds remaining, Matt Ryan completed two big passes to set up a game winning field goal by kicker Matt Bryant to head to the NFC championship. Their season would end in dramatic fashion one week later to the 49ers, but this game against Seattle will be one Atlanta fans won't soon forget.
Auburn vs Georgia
The Auburn Tigers have been labeled a team of destiny due to such improbable finishes. This game is the origin of that label. Auburn had previously lead by 20 points but found themselves trailing Georgia 38-37 and facing 4th and 18 from their own 27 yard line with just :36 seconds remaining. Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall’s pass was deflected by two Georgia defenders before landing in the hands of receiver Ricardo Louis, who then coasted in for a miraculous game winning touchdown. The dream was still alive — more on that later in the countdown.
Baltimore Ravens vs San Francisco 49ers – Super Bowl XLVII
Super Bowl XLVII, otherwise known as the Harbaugh Bowl, in reference to brothers Jim and John Harbaugh coaching against each other, became so intense that the lights were blown out…literally. Up 28-6, the Ravens and QB Joe Flacco were turning the title game into a blowout before the power went off and delayed the game for 34 minutes. The Ravens' momentum died off and the 49ers took advantage and scored 17 straight points by the end of the third quarter. With momentum now on the 49ers' side, they only trailed 34-29 with the ball inside the ten yard line and less than two minutes to go in the game. However, the Ravens defense stood firm on four straight plays, sending Ray Lewis out a winner and giving the Ravens their second Super Bowl in franchise history.
St. Louis Cardinals vs Boston Red Sox – World Series Game 3
With the series tied at one game a piece, Game 3 would end up becoming arguably the most controversial finish in World Series history. The Red Sox were down 4-2 but scored two runs in the eighth inning to tie the game. In the bottom of the ninth, with one out and men on second and third, and the infield playing in, the Cardinals Jon Jay stepped to the plate. Jay hit a grounder to a diving second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who popped up and threw to home plate to tag out Yadier Molina. But Boston catcher, Jarrod Saltalamacchia threw wide to third baseman, Will Middlebrooks trying to get the Cardinals' Adam Craig who was attempting to advance from second to third. The ball went behind Middlebrooks and into foul territory, prompting Craig to try to advance to home plate. While laying on his stomach, Middlebrooks raised his legs to trip Craig and slow him down en route. It worked…sort of. Craig was unable to get to home plate before the catcher, now with the ball, was there to tag him out. However, third base umpire Jim Joyce, signaled obstruction.
The call resulted in a Game 3 victory for the Cardinals causing Red Sox players to freak out and argue the call. It was a bizarre and lousy way to end a game. Regardless of the call, the Cardinals wouldn't win another game in the series.
Miami Heat vs San Antonio Spurs – NBA Finals Game 6
The Miami Heat were a mere seconds away from being dethroned and missing out on their second consecutive NBA championship. Up by five with :28 seconds to go, the Spurs subbed out Tim Duncan for defensive purposes. Lebron James put up a hideous brick that didn’t even hit the rim, but with Duncan out the Spurs were unable to grab the rebound and somehow James got it back to hit a three pointer with :20 seconds remaining. The Heat would foul Kawhi Leonard, who would only make one of two at the line. Now down 95-92 and with Duncan back on the bench again, the Heat pushed it up the court. James bricked another three but Miami’s Chris Bosh grabbed the offensive rebound and passed to Ray Allen in the corner; Allen decided to save Lebron and be Mr. Clutch, hitting a game-tying three pointer with just five seconds left on the clock. The Heat would go on to win in overtime, tying the series, and ultimately winning the deciding game seven.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Boston Bruins – Stanley Cup Finals Game 6
The 2013 Stanley Cup finals had fans biting their nails and sitting on the edge of their seats throughout the entire series. Both teams seemed evenly matched and with three of the first four games of the series going into overtime, it is hard to dispute such a statement. No moment culminated such an epic championship series like Game 6 though. With the Blackhawks up three games to two, the Bruins led 2-1 with under a minute and a half remaining. All of Boston was expecting a dramatic Game 7 to be decided in Chicago. The Blackhawks had other plans. Chicago’s Bryan Bickell scored the tying goal with 1:16 to go. Another overtime, right? Nope. Just 17 seconds later, Chicago’s Dave Bolland scored the series winning goal. The Bruins’ choke job now rivals Bill Buckner’s folly in the 86’ World Series.
Baltimore Ravens vs Denver Broncos – AFC Divisional Playoffs
This game would later be known as The Mile High Miracle. Peyton Manning’s run at another Super Bowl would have to wait another season. Both teams couldn’t break free from each other and neither team ever lead by more than one score. However, things looked grim for the Ravens as they faced a 28-35 deficit and were on their own 30 yard line with just 42 seconds on the clock. Baltimore’s Joe Flacco dropped back and, trying to avoid the rush, stepped up and threw a hail mary to a streaking Jacoby Jones. Denver’s safety, Rahim Moore, completely misjudged the ball as it went over his head into Jones’ hands for the tying score that sent the game into overtime. Justin Tucker’s 47 yard field goal in overtime would win it for Baltimore, completing a game for the ages.
Boston Red Sox vs Detroit Tigers – ALCS Game 2
The Tigers led 5-1 in the bottom of the eighth, with two outs, the bases loaded, and Boston’s most clutch hitter, David Ortiz, up to bat. With one swing, Big Papi’s line drive to right field sailed over the wall — as did Detroit’s Torii Hunter, who was trying to catch it. The grand slam tied the game and sent Fenway Park into a frenzy. The baseball world was provided an iconic image when Bullpen cop, Steve Horgan, a Red Sox fan, threw his arms up in celebration with no concern at all for Hunter, who had injured himself right beside Horgan. It was classic and hilarious. One inning later, Boston’s Jarrod Saltalamacchia’s single would drive in Johnny Gomes for the winning run.
Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs – Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 7
The Boston Bruins proved that you should never give up when there is still time on the clock. After being dominated the whole night and trailing 4-1 to Toronto with less than 11 minutes go to in the game, things suddenly turned in Boston’s favor. Nathan Horton scored, making it 4-2. The Maple Leafs showed very little concern. Only 90 seconds remained in the contest with the score 4-2. The home crowd in Boston just seemed to be going through the motions waiting to see if their Bruins could pad the stats or do the ‘unthinkable.’ No one could see what came next. Boston’s Milan Lucic scored to make it 4-3 with 1:22 to go. With 51 seconds left, Patrice Bergeron scored the tying goal. The crowd erupted in a roar and the sound was defining. Could the Bruins actually pull this off?
In overtime, it would be the Bruins’ Bergeron, again, scoring the deciding goal and putting the dagger into the Leafs’ throat.
Auburn vs Alabama – The Iron Bowl
There are no words that can properly describe this hate-filled rivalry or the improbable finish that would occur when these two teams would meet in this year’s Iron Bowl. No.1 Alabama and No. 4 Auburn would battle with the SEC and national championship hopes on the line. The stakes were high, to say the least. The 4th quarter alone was movie-esque. Early in the 4th quarter, the game tied, the defending champions were at their own one yard line. Bama quarterback A.J. McCarron ran a play-action pass to Amari Cooper, who had no problem catching it down the right side and scampering to the endzone for a 99-yard TD. Now trailing by seven, Auburn’s Nick Marshall would fake the run and hit a wide open Sammie Coates for a 39 yard score to tie the game with only :32 seconds left. The Tide would attempt to answer back. After some controversy on how much time was left following Alabama running back T.J. Yeldon's run, the officials decided to put one more second on the clock instead of going to overtime.
Auburn, meet your destiny.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban would make his worst coaching decision in his life. Instead of opting for a hail mary, he looked to a freshmen kicker to try and hit a 57 yard field goal. The kick was short and Auburn’s Chris Davis fielded the kick from nine yards into his own endzone. Davis sprinted down the left side of the field to score a game winning 109 yard field-goal return for a touchdown. The level of this rivalry, combined with the high stakes and the miraculous finish, make this one of the greatest games of all time.
Joshua Caudill is a writer for CraveOnline Sports, a surfing enthusiast, a college sports fanatic, and an expert on all things Patrick Swayze. You can follow him on @JoshuaCaudill85 or "like" CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
