Top 10 Plays Of 2015 In Michigan Sports [VIDEOS]
By Dan Jenkins
@DanTJenkins
The was no shortage of amazing plays for our beloved teams in the state of Michigan in 2015. The Lions, Pistons, Tigers, Red Wings, Spartans and Wolverines all make the list of the best plays that our state has seen throughout the year.
Most of these plays were chosen because they were exciting game-winners or had some sort of historical significance. Of course there were plenty of amazing plays that didn't make it on this list, so make sure to let us know in the comments below what you think should have been included.
Make sure to vote in our poll at the end of the list for what you think should be the top play of the year.
10. Andre Drummond scores put-back winner against Indiana Pacers
Many will argue that Andre Drummond is the next best thing in the Detroit sports world. He helped his case on January 16 when this game-winning put-back basket gave the surging Pistons a win over the Indiana Pacers. Not only did he score the winning basket, but he drew a charge on Roy Hibbert on the defensive side to set up the winning play.
9. Lions run 30-yard fake punt while trailing Chicago Bears late in the fourth quarter
Sitting at 0-5, the desperate Lions were looking for their first win of the season against the lowly Chicago Bears on October 18. Trailing 31-24 with just over five minutes left to play, the Lions ran a fake punt that Isa Abdul-Quddus broke off for 30 yards to put the team in field goal range. The play gave the Lions momentum to go on to win the game in overtime.
8. Petr Mrazek robs Lightning with stick save in Playoffs
The Red Wings found themselves in a tightly contested playoff series with the Tampa Bay Lightning as goaltender Petr Mrazek was between the pipes for his first-career postseason series. The Wings would go on to lose the series in seven games, but Mrazek came away with this highlight reel save against Lightning forward Brian Boyle.
7. J.D. Martinez hits longest home run in Comerica Park history
Comerica Park has seen its share of monster home runs over the years, but none have gone further than this blast that J.D. Martinez hit on top of the camera well in center field on July 21. It's hard to believe that eventual Hall of Fame inductee Miguel Cabrera has yet hit one as far as this, which was measured at 466 feet.
6. Crezdon Butler deflects pass to give Lions first win at Lambeau Field since 1991
The Lions had been desperate for a victory in the state of Wisconsin for more than 20 years. That streak came to an end in a thriller at Lambeau field on November 15. Crezdon Butler was signed to replace Rashean Mathis just three days before this game, where he made a game-saving pass deflection in the endzone to ensure a 18-16 victory.
5. Brandon Jennings sinks game-winner against San Antonio Spurs
Just after the New Year, the Pistons were surging after the release of forward Josh Smith in December. On January 6, the Pistons won their sixth straight game after Smith's departure thanks to this game-winning floater from Brandon Jennings against the Spurs. This game also spawned one of Stan Van Gundy's most famous expressions....
4. Miguel Cabrera hits 400th career home run
The accolades continue to pile up for what will be a Hall of Fame career for Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera. The two-time MVP launched his 400th career home run against the St. Louis Cardinals on May 16 to dead center field a Busch Stadium. Cabrera wasted no time getting to the benchmark, hitting home runs No. 397, 398, 399 and 400 all over the course of three games.
3. Michael Geiger kicks game-winning field goal against Ohio State
The Michigan State Spartans have seen a magical season culminate in a trip to the College Football Playoff. There was no shortage of excitement on their path to college football's promised land this season. The Spartans owe their trip to the Big Ten Championship to the leg of kicker Michael Geiger, whose 41-yard field goal beat Ohio State on November 21. Also, his subsequent "windmill" celebration went on to take the internet by storm.
2. L.J. Scott scores go-ahead touchdown against Iowa in the Big Ten Championship game
L.J. Scott's 1-yard touchdown run with 33 seconds to play in the Big Ten Championship capped off what could go down as the best drive in the history of the Michigan State football program. The 22-play, 82-yard drive took over nine minutes off the clock. The true freshman's go-ahead touchdown would go on to send the Spartans to the College Football Playoff.
1. Michigan State scores game-winning touchdown on fumbled snap against Michigan
Rounding out an all-Spartans Top Three, the "Kick Six" against Michigan could go down as the most impactful play in the rivalry's history. This play was so emotionally polarizing -- blissful for the Spartans, and agonizing for the Wolverines. The "Kick Six" was not only the top play in the state of Michigan, but also picked by ESPN as the top play in college football in 2015.
Do you agree with our list? Vote in the poll below for what you think is the top play of 2015!
