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Bottom 10 year in review: The best/worst moments of 2023

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2 years ago

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Bottom 10 year in review: The best/worst moments of 2023


  • Ryan McGee, ESPN Senior WriterDec 13, 2023, 06:40 AM ET

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    • Senior writer for ESPN The Magazine and ESPN.com
    • 2-time Sports Emmy winner
    • 2010, 2014 NMPA Writer of the Year

Bottom 10 inspirational thought of the week:

Time flies, messy as the mud on your truck tires
Now I’m missing your smile, hear me out
We could just ride around
And the road not taken looks real good now
And it always leads to you and my hometown …

We could call it even
Even though I’m leaving
And I’ll be yours for the weekend
‘Tis the damn season

— “‘tis the Damn Season,” by Travis Kelce’s girlfriend

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Here at Bottom 10 headquarters, located in an abandoned Houston warehouse packed with unsold Bluebonnet Bowl merchandise, we have spent the days since the end of the regular season and the beginning of bowl season contemplating, well, the season itself.

Last weekend we enjoyed Army-Navy and the various lower-level NCAA playoff games, but, like we were during Championship Week before it, we were like my dog after she buried all her toy bones in the yard and then immediately forgot where she’d hid them. Without our beloved Bottom 10 teams on the field, we were a dart without feathers. Lost.

To counter such empty mid-December feelings — and, OK, yes, to give myself an excuse to say “sorry, I have to check my phone” at the neighborhood Christmas party to avoid talking to that guy in my cul-de-sac who went to Florida State — we have procured a list of the most Bottom 10-ish moments and memories of the 2023 college football season. We hope you enjoy it. And we hope that Connor Stalions hasn’t already ruined it for you, because we’re pretty sure we saw a guy in a Central Michigan Chippewas hat with binoculars outside our window earlier.

With apologies to Taylor Swift, 1987 Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl hero Brett Stafford and Steve Harvey, here are the Bottom 10 Moments and Other Stuff for 2023.

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Bottom 10 Entrance of the Year, presented by Doors & More: Oklahoma, Week 13

No sooner had the Sooners hit the field for their season finale and all-time Big 12 finale against TCU than they accidentally reenacted the scene in “The Replacements” where Keanu Reeves & Co. fell out of the tunnel, though OU replaced the trip wire with a teammate’s head.

Bottom 10 News Conference Convo of the Year, presented by MCI Calling Cards: James Franklin on throwing deep

In the days leading up to Penn State’s pseudo-bye week against Bottom 10 stalwart UMess, Nittany Lions coach James Franklin was asked a question about taking shots downfield. Franklin reacted as if he had just been told by Jigsaw that he would have to eat his own arm off in order to escape the room. He ended his “no”-filled response by adding, “I’m hoping we can cut this out so that it doesn’t get out into the universe.” In related news, Penn State ranked 73rd in the nation in yards per play.

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Bottom 10 Injury of the Year, presented by Goody’s Back & Body Pain Powders: Western Kentucky’s Bryson Washington

The WKU Hilltoppers were all up in the midst of a seesaw battle with Louisiana Tech when sixth-year linebacker Bryson Washington was involved in a huge tackle for loss. But during his stomp-footed celebration of the play, his right leg bent like my putter after missing a gimme 2-footer at the local muni course and then getting slammed into the green like Thor’s hammer. The bad news? Washington had to be helped off the field, and his crooked leg took over college football social media timelines. The good news? He returned later, recorded seven tackles and an interception, and won Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week.

Bottom 10 Field of the Year, presented by NBC’s “The Blacklist” starring James Spader: SUNY Morrisville

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There were already college football fields of blue, gray, teal and even red and purple. But NCAA Division III competitors SUNY Morrisville rolled out a new playing surface this season that is solid black. That would never work in the Deep South, where in September such a surface would become one big skillet, but just down the road from Syracuse, the Mustangs have no such worries. Plus, it’s very slimming.

Bottom 10 Stunt of the Year, presented by Cirque du Soleil’s Bazaar: Garrett Shrader, Syracuse

Best I can tell, former St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Ozzie Smith never did his signature backflip at old Yankee Stadium, but on Nov. 11, Syracuse quarterback Garrett Shrader did one in new Yankee Stadium as the Orange hosted Pitt. He had split out wide for an attempted halfback pass and apparently believed that the impromptu gymnastics routine would provide the kind of distraction the trick play would need to work. But not only did the cornerback assigned to defend Shrader not see the flip, the play was run on the opposite side of the field, a double pass that ended flat as running back LeQuint Allen caught a lateral and threw a very deep but very incomplete pass.

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Syracuse QB backflips during team’s trick play

Syracuse runs a trick play, and quarterback Garrett Shrader does a backflip as a diversion.

Bottom 10 Other Stunt of the Year, presented by Sansabelt slacks: Iowa Cheer

Hey, at least Shrader kept his pants on …

Bottom 10 “Blind Side” of the Year, presented by the Memphis Lawyers Institute for Billable Hours: New Mexico State vs. Hugh Freeze

When Auburn and first-year coach Hugh Freeze were stunned on the Plains by a 31-10 loss to Bottom 10 legends-turned-Conference USA contenders New Mexico State, it marked only the second time in recent memory that a team went into a game as a 21-plus-point underdog but won by 21 points or more. The last time it happened? One year ago, when those same Aggies did the same thing at Liberty, which was coached by … Hugh Freeze.

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Bottom 10 Uniform of the Year, presented by Pearl Jam’s “Black”: Florida Gators, Week 10

The Gators still own the distinction of having won our Bottom 10 All-Time Worst Uniforms title a few years back, via their duds that were supposed to resemble real gator skin but wound up looking like tree bark. There were no such distracting details in their military salute unis against Arkansas, which instead were solid black. Not orange. Not blue. Not even white. Black. At noon in central Florida. Those in the Swamp were having a difficult time deciding how they felt about the look. But when the Hogs were already up 14-0 after three minutes of play, Florida fans’ minds had gone to a place as dark as the threads on the field.

Bottom 10 Game of the Year, presented by Timex: Georgia Tech at Miami, Week 6

As that tweeter — or X’er, whatever — had warned, black magic was very real in 2023. Just one month earlier, the Canes seemingly had Georgia Tech put away, up three points in the middle of Yellow Jacket territory as visiting Tech had no timeouts remaining (or maybe they did; there was some confusion about that, too). That’s when Miami chose to run the ball instead of taking a knee and presumably ending the game with half a minute remaining, icing the win and successfully defending its No. 17 national ranking. But the Canes ran it. And fumbled it. And then Tech went 74 yards in four plays and 25 seconds. And then Miami lost. And then the nation lost it.

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Miami’s coaching blunder leads to epic Georgia Tech comeback

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Miami’s choice to run the ball leads to a crucial fumble, which Georgia Tech recovers and later completes the miracle comeback.

Bottom 10 Exit of the Year, presented by your Uncle Lonnie and his Irish exit later this month after Christmas dinner: O possum, my possum

This mad marsupial being forced to exit Texas Tech’s game with TCU back on Week 10 will be us all in a few weeks as the 2023 college football season comes to a close. And if you think he’s cute, head to Lubbock, where this possum has become a full-on critter corporation, spawning T-shirts and signage wherever the Red Raiders teams show their teeth.





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Atlanta, GA

This Atlanta Neighborhood With A Quirky Name Has Walkable Streets And Trendy Eats – Islands

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7 hours ago

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January 6, 2026

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This Atlanta Neighborhood With A Quirky Name Has Walkable Streets And Trendy Eats – Islands








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It’s sometimes hard to believe that Atlanta has been destroyed by fire twice — first toward the end of the Civil War, and again in 1917, when a blaze destroyed 3,400 buildings. In the century since, the city’s undergone much development, often at the expense of historic communities. “Atlanta has an unfortunate habit of bulldozing historic properties in exchange for shiny new ones,” according to Atlanta Magazine. Despite this, ATL remains defined by its neighborhoods, a rich mix of historic districts, green spaces, and celebrated food scenes. Longstanding neighborhoods like Cabbagetown — a queer-friendly enclave known for its eateries — and Inman Park — an artsy neighborhood with charming architecture and cafés — reflect this past and present. SoNo, a quirky nickname derived from “South of North,” as in “South of North Avenue,” sits at the center of it all. Located west of Old Fourth Ward, a historic neighborhood with good shopping, SoNo has emerged as a thriving hub thanks to its trendy eats, entertainment options, and historic vibe. It’s also considered one of Atlanta’s most walkable neighborhoods.

Interstate 85 runs along SoNo’s western edge, providing quick access from elsewhere. With a transit score of 65 on WalkScore.com, the neighborhood is obviously well connected to the rest of the city. Although surrounded by skyscrapers and office buildings, SoNo retains its history through smaller buildings and long-standing businesses. Roughly 100 establishments, from coffee shops to restaurants to music venues, call SoNo home, including the original J.R. Crickets, an acclaimed chicken wings chain. For entertainment there’s the Fox Theatre, built in 1929, as well as the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, home to Atlanta’s Shakespeare Company. And like most Atlanta enclaves, there’s no shortage of green spaces. Folk Art Park features city skyline views, while sprawling Central Park sits just east.

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SoNo has carved out a quirky balance of modern and historic


Large urban skyscrapers mark SoNo's place in Atlanta skyline
nito/Shutterstock

When you look at the Atlanta skyline from a distance, you’re seeing SoNo. SoNo is bounded to the north by North Avenue — once the city’s northernmost boundary — Central Park to the east, and Interstate 85 to the west and south. Midtown sits just above North Avenue. SoNo received its modern moniker around 2005, when new development revitalized the area, introducing contemporary apartments and helping the neighborhood carve out a distinct identity among Atlanta’s many districts. Today, SoNo features contemporary high-rise condos and apartment buildings that contribute to the city skyline, with average rents on Apartments.com reported at $1,782 for studios.

Other standout landmarks include Bank of America Plaza, Atlanta’s tallest building, and the Rufus M. Rose House, a rare, late Victorian Queen Anne-style mansion once owned by the founder of Four Roses Distillery (interior tours not available as of this writing). Nearby, the W.W. Orr Building, a 1930s-era Art Deco structure, continues to function as part of the Emory University Hospital Midtown campus, and One Georgia Center adds to the area’s quirky mix of historic and modern.

One of SoNo’s most historic stretches is the Baltimore Block, a series of rowhouses uncommon in the South, where historic residential architecture typically consists of semi-detached duplexes or shotgun-style homes. Built by Baltimore native Jacob J. Rosenthal, the 14 rowhouses became the city’s first long-term lease rental units. They were considered modern and opulent for the time, featuring rare luxuries like central heating, gaslight fixtures, and marble mantels. The area was briefly a hotspot for Atlanta’s white high society, though it eventually fell into disrepair, with some buildings demolished. Slowly, restoration began in the 1930s, and by the 1980s, Baltimore Block had been converted into a mixed-use office and apartment complex.

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Enjoy SoNo’s walkable selection of trendy eats

SoNo’s WalkScore rating of 87 in walkability pairs with a bike score of 72, meaning it’s easy to get around. While its own restaurant scene isn’t as large or widely known as Bucktown, Little Five Points, or nearby Midtown — a vibrant district with festivals, rooftop spaces, and art – SoNo still has a few standout, innovative and trendy eating options. Poor Calvin’s, in the neighborhood since 2012, was once known for a “killer brunch” but now focuses on dinner, offering fusion Thai-American dishes like Deviled eggs with crab, lobster macaroni and cheese, frog legs, and Fuji apple cake. “Imagine shrimp curry with a side of mac-and-cheese,” wrote one TripAdvisor reviewer. “I could not possibly recommend this restaurant more.” Another agreed: “This is such a popular restaurant and there’s no need to guess why.”

Nikolai’s Roof on the 30th floor of the Hilton Atlanta, a short walk south of SoNo, is perfect for celebratory events. Its fine dining menu features seared foie gras, duck breast, and a ricotta-gruyère lasagna, plus caviar service, complemented by a wine list and cocktails. “Nikolai’s is a gem!” wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer. “The small details are not overlooked and the food was delicious.” Another agreed: “Amazing food, great views of the city, awesome environment. 10/10 definitely recommend.” There are plenty more restaurants offering a diverse range of cuisines, and there’s the aforementioned J.R. Crickets, an acclaimed fried chicken wing spot.

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While the historic Fox Theatre and Publik Draft House are just north of North Avenue, they’re easily walkable or bikable from SoNo, making it simple to enjoy the broader Midtown dining and nightlife scene. You could even make it on foot to the one-Michelin star Lazy Betty for innovative contemporary dishes, about a mile walk.





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Atlanta, GA

Hawks working to move Trae Young

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19 hours ago

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January 5, 2026

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Hawks working to move Trae Young


Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) drives past Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead during the second half in the home opener at State Farm Arena, Thursday, October 22, 2025, in Atlanta. The Raptors won 138-118 over the Hawks. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

The end of the Trae Young era in Atlanta appears near.

The Hawks appear to be working with Young’s camp to find a new home for the four-time All-Star, according to people familiar with the situation.

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Atlanta, GA

Where do the Atlanta Falcons pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?

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1 day ago

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January 5, 2026

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Where do the Atlanta Falcons pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?


The Atlanta Falcons do not have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft, and they currently don’t have a general manager to make the selection. Team owner Arthur Blank dismissed both head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot following the team’s 8-9 finish.

While the Falcons didn’t make the playoffs this season, Fontenot’s bold draft day trade for James Pearce Jr. paid off in a big way. Pearce finished with 10.5 sacks, leading all rookies, and the Falcons went from having the NFL’s second-worst pass rush to having the No. 2 unit with 57 sacks in 2025.

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As for the pick that Atlanta sent to Los Angeles in the Pearce trade, it will officially land at 13th overall. But what about the team’s other picks? Check out the Falcons’ current selections in the 2026 NFL Draft below.

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Atlanta Falcons: List of picks in 2026 NFL Draft

  • Round 2 (Projected pick No. 48)

  • Round 3 (Projected pick No. 79)

  • Round 4 (Projected pick No. 114)

  • Round 6 (Projected pick No. 197)

  • Round 7 (Projected pick No. 231)

Not only did Pearce lead all rookies with 10.5 sacks, but former third-round pick Xavier Watts led the 2025 draft class with five interceptions. The Falcons will have to find some more mid-round gems in 2026.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons picks in each round



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