January in sports

Jack Markert ‘19

The college football season wrapped up this month with #2 Clemson soundly defeating #1 Alabama 44-16 in their fourth national championship rematch, led by freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who threw for 347 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions, and running back Travis Etienne, who ran for 86 yards and 2 touchdowns. Top draft prospects for the NFL draft include Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa, Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins, Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, and Heisman trophy-winning Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray.

Meanwhile, in the NFL, the Patriots and the Rams prepare to face off in the Super Bowl this Sunday. Both the Patriots and the Rams are coming off controversial overtime victories, the Patriots to the Chiefs 37-31 and the Rams to the Saints 26-23. A blown pass interference call allowed for the Rams to defeat the Saints in overtime on a game-winning 57-yard field goal from Greg Zuerlein. Additionally, a defensive offsides penalty before the play began where Tom Brady threw an interception allowed for Tom Brady and the Patriots to defeat the Chiefs in overtime. Additionally, the AFC, led by Patrick Mahomes, triumphed over the NFC in the Pro Bowl this past weekend 26-7.

In the NBA, the Warriors have reasserted their dominance over the Western Conference and don’t appear to be stopping with DeMarcus Cousins returning from injury. The Nuggets and Thunder trail close behind. Meanwhile, the Giannis-led Bucks and Kawhi-led Raptors lead the Eastern Conference, with the 76ers close behind. With the trade deadline coming up in a week, all talk surrounds Anthony Davis, who recently requested a trade from the Pelicans. Right now the top three destinations for Anthony Davis include the Lakers to team up with Lebron, the Celtics who have the most trade assets, and the Knicks who have the largest market. Regardless of where he ends up, Anthony Davis could definitely transform a lottery team into a playoff team.