The 2023 college football season brought us many thrilling moments, heartbreaking losses, and unforgettable stories that will be etched in the minds of fans for years to come. As we reflect on the ups and downs of the season, let’s take a closer look at some of the most memorable moments that defined the Bottom 10 teams and ignited the passion of college football enthusiasts across the nation.
The Bottom 10 Entrance of the Year: Oklahoma
Week 13 witnessed a rather comical yet unfortunate moment when the Sooners made their entrance onto the field for their final regular-season game against TCU. In a scene reminiscent of “The Replacements,” the Sooners stumbled out of the tunnel, replacing the trip wire with a teammate’s head. This mishap perfectly encapsulated the struggles faced by the Bottom 10 teams throughout the season.
Penn State’s coach, James Franklin, provided us with a memorable moment during a news conference leading up to a game against the Bottom 10 stalwart UMess. When questioned about taking shots downfield, Franklin’s reaction was akin to someone being asked to perform an unimaginable task. His response, filled with emphatic “no’s,” was as memorable as it was entertaining. Ironically, Penn State’s ranking in yards per play reflected their hesitance to take shots downfield.
During a seesaw battle between Western Kentucky and Louisiana Tech, linebacker Bryson Washington suffered a devastating injury. While celebrating a tackle for loss with an exuberant stomp-footed display, Washington’s leg bent in an unnatural manner, causing concern not just for his team but for college football enthusiasts across the nation. However, Washington’s indomitable spirit led him to return to the game, recording impressive stats and ultimately winning Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week.
In a bold move, NCAA Division III’s SUNY Morrisville unveiled a completely unconventional playing surface by opting for a solid black field. While such a surface may not be suitable for scorching climates, it added a unique and slimming touch to the college football landscape in upstate New York. The audacious field design left a lasting impression and showcased the creativity embraced by some Bottom 10 teams.
Syracuse quarterback Garrett Shrader took center stage in one of the season’s most amusing moments. During a trick play against Pitt at Yankee Stadium, Shrader executed a gravity-defying backflip in an attempt to distract the opposing team. Unfortunately, the acrobatics failed to achieve the desired effect, as the play ended in an incomplete pass. Nonetheless, Shrader’s backflip maneuver exemplified the unpredictable and entertaining nature of college football.
While quarterbacks often steal the spotlight, this year it was an Iowa cheerleader who captured our attention. In a moment that could only be described as one for the blooper reel, the cheerleader had an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction during a routine. However, the mishap served as a reminder that mistakes happen even to those outside the realm of the game itself.
The Bottom 10 “Blind Side” of the Year: New Mexico State vs. Hugh Freeze
The college football world witnessed the remarkable impact of underdogs when New Mexico State, a team considered a 21-plus-point underdog, defeated Hugh Freeze’s Auburn squad by a stunning 21-point margin. This victory mirrored a similar upset by New Mexico State against Liberty, coached by none other than Hugh Freeze. The “Blind Side” moment highlighted the unpredictability that makes college football one of the most captivating sports.
The Bottom 10 Uniform of the Year: Florida Gators
The Florida Gators made a bold statement with their solid black uniforms during a game against Arkansas. Departing from their conventional orange and blue color scheme, the Gators aimed to pay homage to the military with their unique choice. However, the only thing darker than their uniforms was the mood of the fans as Arkansas swiftly took a commanding lead. The experiment showcased the risks teams take when trying to make a fashion statement on the field.
The Bottom 10 Game of the Year: Georgia Tech at Miami
A clash between Georgia Tech and Miami provided fans with a dramatic display of the magic and chaos inherent to college football. With half a minute remaining in the game, Miami made a fateful decision to run the ball instead of taking a knee, resulting in a costly fumble. This blunder allowed Georgia Tech to orchestrate an awe-inspiring 74-yard comeback in just 25 seconds, leaving the nation in disbelief. The game served as a testament to the unpredictable nature of college football, where fortunes can change in the blink of an eye.
As the 2023 college football season draws to a close, we bid farewell to Baylor’s mascot, the notorious possum who made an unexpected appearance during Texas Tech’s game against TCU. This furry creature became an unlikely symbol of the season’s end, reminding us of the unpredictable and often whimsical nature of college football. While we say goodbye to this possum, we eagerly await the emergence of new legends and memorable moments in the seasons to come.
The 2023 college football season was replete with unforgettable moments that showcased the resilience, audacity, and sheer unpredictability of the Bottom 10 teams. From comical mishaps to stunning victories, every game had the potential to deliver something extraordinary. As we anticipate the next college football season, we can only hope for even more thrilling moments that will keep us on the edge of our seats and reaffirm our love for the game.