College sports consistently delivered some of the most intense moments recorded in athleticism. From the hardcourt to the football field, there were so many jaw-dropping moments that kept fans glued to the edge of their seats. And it is no different this 2023. So as the year wraps up, we look through some incredible highlights that unfolded over various collegiate level competitions.
1. Kansas State Wildcats vs. Kentucky Wildcats - NCAA Basketball
One of the most intense basketball matches for the year was between the two Wildcats during March Madness of this year. Kansas State held off Kentucky spectacularly as they were more than ready to compete with ferocity on the court. While there was offensive prowess evident from Kentucky on the hardcourt, they just couldn’t compete with Kansas State’s tremendous passing ability. The win secured Kansas State a place in the league’s Sweet Sixteen.
Senior guard Markquis Nowell led the charge for Kansas State, scoring a whopping 27 points while playing throughout the game. Audiences went ballistic with Nowell’s impressive lobs and launches, which earned him three assists, including a decisive alley-oop. There was no denying that the odds were in Kansas State’s favor.
Speaking of odds, there are still games left as more hard court action hits before the next March Madness. Betting odds may turn lucrative for these games. For more information, click here to see who’s favored for these games.
2. San Diego State Aztecs vs. Florida Atlantic Owls - NCAA Basketball
Nothing could have been more nerve-wracking than the game between San Diego State Aztecs and Florida Atlantic Owls. Ending at 72-71, the Aztecs secured a place in the championship games in a tightly defended game from the Owls. The offense coming off from the Owls guard Alijah Martin proved competitive, firing off 27 points in the game. For the Aztecs, they relied on the offensive prowess of their guard, Matt Bradley, finishing with 21 points.
However, the winning shot was made by Aztecs guard Lamont Butler. He finished the game with nine points, but secured a crucial shot from 17 feet with only seven seconds left on the clock. Butler said that it was always a dream for him to secure such a shot, and it now turned into reality, taking his team to glory in the process.
3. USC Trojans vs. Ohio State Buckeyes - NCAA Women’s Basketball
The debut game for the University of Southern California Trojans freshman JuJu Watkins grabbed a lot of attention during their match against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Watkins’ debut was highly anticipated since she was expected to be a star on the hardcourt. Needless to say, her shine burned very bright once she had the opportunity.
Watkins scored 32 points for her college debut against the Buckeyes, along with six rebounds and seven assists. But that isn’t to say that the Buckeyes were not firing on all cylinders on the offensive end. The Buckeyes guarding duo of Jacy Sheldon and Taylor Thierry scored 28 and 16 points, respectively, with most of Thierry’s shots coming off the three-point line. Ultimately, however, it was Trojans forward Rayah Marshall’s tremendous defensive efforts that kept the Buckeyes from the game, securing a double-double with 18 points and 17 rebounds.
4. Duke Blue Devils vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish - NCAA Football
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish had a chip on their shoulder coming into this game against the Duke Blue Devils. After losing a game a week before against Ohio State from a last-minute touchdown, the Fighting Irish competed fiercely on the field against a determined Blue Devils composition. Throughout the game, the Fighting Irish had to chase a significant lead from the Blue Devils.
But the Fighting Irish proved that they are fast learners, as they applied what Ohio State pulled off at their expense during the previous week. When the ball fell into the hands of Fighting Irish running back Adric Estime, he made sure to maneuver across a tight crowd. He successfully slipped out of the field, scoring a 30-yard touchdown with just 31 seconds remaining on the clock. The game ended at 21-14, increasing the Fighting Irish’s win record at 30 straight wins against their rivals at the Atlantic Coast Conference.
5. Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Auburn Tigers - NCAA Football
The Iron Bowl takes the center stage once more for another magnificent matchup this year. Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers always had an amazing rivalry and for this game, it’s no different. Both teams played closely and fiercely, with the Crimson Tide being heavily favored by speculators. But the Tigers ran through their defenses and gained a tide-turning lead at 20-24.
Alabama would not falter, who would then further reinforce their defenses to impede the Tigers’ momentum. This strategy proved successful, as the Tigers stumbled with their offense against the Crimson Tide. Ultimately, Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milore saw an opportunity to turn the game around by making an impossible pass to their wide receiver Isiah Bond in the back corner of the endzone. The game closed with 27-24, with the Tide securing victory, including the SEC and a spot at the College Football Playoff.
The year has been full of incredible highlights from all kinds of college sports this year. Should the level of competition increase, then we might have more exciting games for us in the future. But for now, the games that made highlights this year have been nothing short of spectacular!
