With all the major sports on hiatus as the world continues to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, there’s not a lot to watch in terms of live sports. However, ESPN is keeping the masses entertained with a bevy of classic games on its many networks.
Whether you’re a fan of college sports or professional sports, here are 10 Classic Games, in no particular order, to look out for that’ll be on ESPN and its networks in the coming weeks. (Note: All times listed are Pacific Standard Time.)
#12 Florida State vs. #5 Duke (Championship) (ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament) on ESPNU at 12 a.m. (March 23)
Led by Zion Williamson’s 21 points, the Blue Devils beat the Seminoles, 73-63, capping off a dominant run that earned him the tournament MVP. R.J. Barrett chipped in 17 points and nine rebounds for Duke, as they used a 14-point lead halfway through the second half to put the game away.
#6 Georgia vs. #23 Ole Miss (Semifinal #1) (Baseball) on SEC-ESPN Network at 8:30 a.m. (March 23)
With the game tied at 3 in the fifth inning, Ole Miss catcher Grae Kessinger blasted a 2-1 pitch over the left field wall to help the Rebels beat #6 Georgia Bulldogs, 5-3. The Bulldogs had won its previous two contests in dramatic fashion, winning in the ninth inning against Texas A&M, 2-0, and scoring three runs in the seventh and eighth inning against No. 7 Arkansas to win 3-1. But the Bulldogs’ luck ran out.
#16 Texas A&M vs. #8 Mississippi State (W Basketball) on SEC-ESPN Network at 5:30 a.m. (March 24)
After finding themselves down big at the half, 37-26, #8 Mississippi State rode the momentum from Myah Taylor’s 16 points (all in the fourth quarter), six assists and three steals to help beat #16 Texas A&M, 69-57. Two-time SEC Freshman of the Week Rickea Jackson had 21 points and 10 rebounds for Mississippi State.
USC Trojans vs. Texas Longhorns (ESPN Classic Football) on Longhorn Network at 6 a.m. (March 24)
Even though the Trojans scored 14 points in the early moments of the game, the Longhorns stormed back and outscored the Trojans 34-0 to win 37-14. It was the Texas’ 900th win in the program’s history. The Longhorns also won their 800th game against USC as well, back in 2006.
State Farm All-Star Football Challenge on ESPNU at 6 p.m. (March 25)
Although not technically a game, the 22nd annual State Farm All-Star Football Challenge features five teams representing the each of the college conferences with four players from said conferences on the team. There is also a “Wild Card” team, which has the four best players out of the Power Five. The teams battle to see which conference will reign supreme.
#7 South Carolina vs. #6 Arkansas (Championship) (W Soccer) on SEC-ESPN Network at 9 p.m. (March 25)
With the Gamecocks keeping a clean sheet throughout the entirety of the SEC Tournament, the championship game against #6 Arkansas Razorback proved to be no different: #7 South Carolina won, 1-0, thanks to a goal by junior forward Ryan Gareis. The win gave South Carolina its second SEC Tournament championship.
#5 UConn vs. #1 South Carolina (W Basketball) on SEC-ESPN Network at 12 p.m. (March 26)
The battle of two of the top-five best women’s college basketball teams was anything but: #1 South Carolina held the Huskies to two points, a record low, in the first quarter and held a 21-point lead in the second quarter. It was the Gamecocks’ 17th straight win and their ninth win in 10 against ranked opponents.
#10 Kentucky vs. South Carolina (M Basketball) on SEC-ESPN Network at 1:30 p.m. (March 26)
In an unexpected turn of events, freshman Jermaine Couisnard hit a three to sink the Wildcats, 81-78, at the buzzer. That three gave him 26 points on the night — his first start — as the Gamecocks stunned Kentucky after being down by as much as 14 with about 15 minutes left in the game.
#23 Texas A&M vs. Arkansas (Football) on SEC-ESPN Network at 11:30 p.m. (March 27)
Considering the Razorbacks’ recent history against the Aggies, losing eight in a row since Texas A&M left the Big 12, Arkansas almost saw their fortunes turn as they led 24-21 to start the third quarter. But it was not meant to be as the Aggies scored 10 in the fourth to keep Arkansas losing streak alive.
2019 Powerade JamFest on ESPNU at 1 a.m. (April 1)
Much like the State Farm All-Star Challenge, the 2019 Powerade JamFest features the next wave of stars in college basketball. Cole Anthony and Francesca Belibi headline the 2019 Powerade JamFest, with sweet shooting and thunderous dunks.