2015 was an incredible year across a multitude of different cities, sports and teams. It saw championship wins from the underdogs – Kansas City in the MLB, Golden State in the NBA – and from the perennials – the Blackhawks, Patriots, Duke and Ohio State. It’s time to relive some of the best plays from this year as Sconnie Sports Talk counts down the Top Moments from 2015.
10. Carli Lloyd’s shot from midfield gets her the hat trick.
During the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, American Carli Lloyd delivered this beauty of a strike from midfield to secure a hat trick against Japan. Team USA went on to win, 4-0.
9. Jake Arrieta’s incredible 2nd half highlighted with a no-hitter.
On August 30th, Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta blanked the Los Angeles Dodgers, highlighting a second half in which he went 12-1 with a 0.75 ERA. Arrieta went on to win the NL Cy Young award.
8. American Pharaoh wins the first Triple Crown since 1978.
The 12th triple crown winner, American Pharaoh took home the distinction with a 5.5 length lead at Belmont.
7. Miami’s insane laterals get them the win vs. Duke.
Using the classic lateral strategy on the final play of the game, Miami was able to upset conference rival Duke with a 30-27 win.
6. Stanford’s Francis Owusu registers the catch of the year – “that is utterly incredible!”
On a deep route, Stanford WR Francis Owusu was able to secure an insane catch behind the back of a UCLA defender for a deep touchdown. Stanford went on to beat UCLA, 56-35.
5. Klay Thompson breaks record for most points in a quarter.
“On fire” was an understatement as Warriors guard Klay Thompson went for 37 points in the 3rd quarter alone, breaking the record for most points in a quarter. He was 13 for 13 shooting, including an incredible 9 of 9 from deep.
4. “38-1”: Wisconsin upsets undefeated Kentucky in the Final Four.
As part of what was a truly magical run in Bo Ryan’s last full season as head coach, Frank Kaminsky, Sam Dekker and crew downed 38-0 Kentucky 71-64 to play Duke in the NCAA National Championship.
3. Malcolm Butler’s interception seals the Super Bowl win for New England.
As time was winding down in Super Bowl XLIX, cornerback Malcolm Butler picked off Russell Wilson on a short throw to the end zone to seal the close win for the Patriots. The Seahawks probably should have run the ball.
2. Aaron Rodgers completes Hail Mary to TE Richard Rodgers; Packers win in Detroit.
Aaron Rodgers narrowly avoided the sack and completed the 62-yard Hail Mary to his tight end with the same last name to win the game as time expired, 27-23.
1. Michigan State takes down Michigan on the last play of the game – a blocked punt.
Michigan simply needed to punt the ball away to secure a win over the undefeated Spartans. Instead, Michigan fumbled the punt and State returned it for a touchdown. They’re now playing in their first ever College Football Playoff after going 12-1 and winning the Big Ten Championship.