This has been one of the most anticipated college basketball seasons in some time. After coming to a halt last March, players and coaches are ready to be back to showcase their talents to millions of fans around the globe.
Rankings
The top 4 teams seem to have separated themselves from the rest, Gonzaga, Baylor, Illinois and Michigan while Iowa, Alabama and Villanova look to push their way through.
It seems as if the season is flying by with miracle finishes. Michigan came back off a long pause due to COVID and won their game against rival Ohio State in a Big Ten showdown and suddenly the SEC is much deeper than expected.
March Madness
The NCAA has announced the Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament is set to tip-off in Indiana. Selection Sunday is scheduled for March 14 with the first tip on March 18.
The tournament will be held in a bubble environment on two courts inside Lucas Oil Stadium, as well as Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Hinkle FieldHouse, Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Mackey Arena and Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington.
Will Fans be Allowed?
The NCAA will allow a certain number of fans for each round that is played. According to a statement from the NCAA, “Event capacity will include all participants, essential staff and family members of each participating team, student-athletes, coaches and a reduced number of fans. All attendees will be required to wear face coverings and physical distance during the event.”
College Football Season 2020-21
The 2020-2021 college football season will be one to remember for a long time. Heartbreaking finishes were a regular occurrence. Alabama winning its second championship in two years is something most people have gotten used to with head coach Nick Saban, who has more national championships than any other college football coach.
In early July, when nobody knew whether there would or should be a college football season, university administrators discussed that exact situation.
Six months later Alabama and Ohio State took the field in Miami for the college football championship. There were a reported 18.7 million people who viewed the game.
Heisman Trophy
It was difficult to make a choice for this year’s Heisman Trophy winner. DeVonta Smith, Kyle Trask, Mac Jones and Najee Harris were all the top players in college football this past season, but only one was able to take the crown.
Alabama’s DeVonta Smith won by a landslide putting up ridiculous numbers, a 1,641-yard season with 105 receptions. He was the first wide receiver to win the award since Desmond Howard from Michigan in 1991.
A Look Into Next Season
The 2021 season will start Aug. 28 with Week 1 kicking off as Miami will play Alabama in Atlanta. Two of the most storied programs in college football history. Alabama will look to win their second consecutive championship while Miami is searching for their first since 2001.
At first, it seemed impossible to have a season but knowing what would be lost is even more important to think of. A COVID-19 vaccine brings hope for a season with full schedules, fewer disruptions and more fans in the stands.
“I know that there’s a lot in front of us,” Boston College Athletic Director Patrick Kraft said. “We’re going to get back to having full stadiums and the athletes having their parents come and watch them play.”
Last season there were many game cancellations, but with the help of doctors, vaccines and testing the season could be underway on time.
