I Am Sporticus

Last week, the site www.fanmanual.com released a sub par list of “The Best Finishes in College Sports” with abundance of Duke plays and lackluster finishes. While I agree with his selection of Boise State in the Top 5, all the rest of the plays belong on the sidelines. While I would love to rank these finishes, I do not believe it is possible. So, here are the BEST finishes in college sports history that the site happened to leave out.

Appalachian State vs. Michigan - 2007

In what is deemed the greatest upset in college football history, the southern boys from a small North Carolina school upset one of the greatest football programs in the nation. The game wasn’t even televised in their home state, as impending defeat surely loomed for the Mountaineers. What they did that day will always be remembered.

The Guilford College Miracle Throw - 2006

Down by 2 points with 0.6 seconds left to go, Guilford College’s opponents miss a free throw which would surely end the game. However, Guilford guard Jordan Snipes, a small town boy from Siler City, NC had other plans 90 ft from the basket.

The Timeout - 1993

I love Chris Webber in all his glory, but when you are down by 2 points in the National Championship game, try not to walk then commit a technical foul during the last possession.

LSU vs. Kentucky - The Bluegrass Miracle – 2002

Kentucky drank the coolaid a little too early in this game. Plus you get a short glimpse at the “Hefty Lefty” . . . the “Pillsbury Throwboy” . . . and then an amazing catch for the win.

Trinity vs. Millsaps - 2007

15 laterals. 62 seconds. 7 players touching the ball. This isn’t only one of the most impressive single touchdowns of all time, it’s also one of the most impressive finishes.

Doug Flutie’s Miracle in Miami – 1984

Probably one of the most impressive and memorable hailmary’s in the history of college football to give BC the 47-45 win over Miami. Truly incredible.

NC State vs. Houston – The Dunk - 1984

When the clock was winding down, and all hope was lost, this desperation shot somehow found the basket. We all know how this ends.

So earlier today USC basketball superstar OJ Mayo denied ever receiving gifts from the university or supporters for playing in his one and only season at the school.

I call BS on this statement by just looking at the attitude of this young man.

First of all, Mayo had the nerve to call up Coach Tim Floyd and tell him “Coach, this is O. J. Mayo. I’d like to come to your school.” Now that is completely fine in this day and age, but he then responded “Don’t worry about recruiting [. . .] I’ll take care of it”. It was right then that OJ Mayo had a grip over the control of Floyd. Although critics will argue that “he was just trying to leave a mark” or “he still was a good kid”, I will respond with the actions of his last basketball game.

What kind of player does an off the backboard self alley-oop, catches the ball, slings it into the stands, and leaves his final game under an ejection? One that is showy, self indulged, and likes to be flashy.

Why would anyone believe that a player such as this wouldn’t accept $30,000 cash, flat screen tvs, cell phones, or airline tickets to see his extravagant lifestyle? After all, a player that went to a school to merely “better market himself” can’t do so without money. It had to come from somewhere and the monthly living stipends for regular college students are unlikely to be the case.