[ad_1]

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (WIAT) — Throughout the year, 2022 proved to be a good year for several sports in Alabama.

Neither the University of Alabama nor Auburn University football teams were able to take home the national championship this year, but sports fans watched other teams sweep away and clinch the conference championship. And there’s still the chance that basketball season will begin and bring the state even more championships.

Here are some of the sports highlights from the past year in Alabama.

Birmingham Stallions (11-1), (2022 USFL Champions)

The USFL started its first season in April. With all games being played in Birmingham, the Stallions were able to play home games every week until the playoffs. They were able to cap off a phenomenal 11-1 season in his USFL Championship against the Philadelphia Stars in Canton, Ohio, where he won 33-30. Bo, a former Alabama running back, played a major role in helping the team with his Scablow skipping his Holtz as his coach and Victor Bolden Jr. as his MVP in his championship games. did.

CANTON, Ohio – July 3: Birmingham Stallion running back CJ Marble (#11) and offensive center Cameron Hunt (#78) pitch wide receiver Victor after a fourth-quarter touchdown at the Tom Benson Hall of Philadelphia Stars. Celebrate with Bolden Jr. #7). July 3, 2022 at Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Galen Morse/Getty Images)

Crimson Tide Football (10-2), (6-2 SEC)

It wasn’t the year many Alabama fans hoped to consider, especially with defensive depth returning. The Tide has had many close matches this season, but Tennessee and he against LSU, they couldn’t pull it off. Bama lacked playmaking from the wide receiver position at times, but this hasn’t been an issue for a while. In a season full of ups and downs, Crimson his tide missed his playoff chance in college football. Bama will face Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl at 11am on New Year’s Eve.
With quarterback Bryce Young and linebacker Will Anderson likely to declare themselves in the 2023 NFL Draft after the Sugar Bowl, it will be interesting to see what happens next season for the team.

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, 9, greets fans as he leaves the field after an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

Auburn Tigers football (5-7), (2-6 seconds)

Last season was a roller coaster for the Tigers. Head coach Brian Hershin was fired midway through the season after a 3-5 start. Led by interim head coach Cadillac Williams, the Tigers went 5-7 in the final four games of the season. With John Cohen hired as his AU’s new Athletic Director and Hugh Freese hired as his new Head of Football his coach, Auburn has had many changes. The Tigers are looking to get back to winning ways in his 2023.

Auburn running back Giarquez Hunter, 27, celebrates after scoring a touchdown against San Jose State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Auburn, Alabama, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

UAB Blazers Football (7-6), (4-4 C-USA)

The Blazers didn’t have the same success they had in 2021-22, but ended the season on a right note with a 24-20 win over Miami, Ohio in the Bahamas Bowl. The Blazers have announced former NFL quarterback and Super Bowl champion Trent Dilfer as their next head coach. He aims to bring the Blazers back to the top of Conference USA, and even wants the Blazers to join college football in his playoffs.

Trent Dilfer at UAB on Wednesday, November 30th. He was named the school’s next head football coach. (Courtesy of Jen Cardone)

Samford Football (11-2), (8-0 SoCon champions)

The Samford Bulldogs had a great season and advanced to the NCAA Division 1-FCS Playoffs. They were crowned Southern Conference champions for the first time since 2013 after beating Chattanooga 35-24. Chris Hatcher is the Bulldogs’ head coach and is expected to have another successful season next season.

FILE – Samford head coach Chris Hatcher greets players off the field during the second half of the NCAA college football game in Gainesville, Florida, Saturday, November 13, 2021. The team, which ranked him No. 2 in the Top 25 after an impressive first win over Oregon, will play his first home game of the season against Samford on Saturday. The game will mark a reunion between Georgia coach Kirby Smart and Samford coach Chris Hatcher, who was given his first coaching job at Valdosta State University in 2000. (AP Photo/John Raoux) , File)

Troy Football (12-2), (7-1 Sun Belt Champions)

After starting the season 1-2, the Trojans went on an 11-game winning streak, including a 45-26 win over Coastal Carolina for the Sun Belt Championship. Troy ranked him 24th in the country and in the Duluth Trading Cure Bowl he was ranked 25th against UTSA and won 18–12. Huntsville native Jon Samrall had great success in his first year as head coach. The future of Trojan horses looks bright.

FILE – Troy linebacker Carlton Martial (2) plays during an NCAA college football game in Troy, Alabama, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019. several weeks. (AP Photo/Marvin Gentry, File)

Thompson High Warriors Football (11-3)

The Thompson Warriors have been the face of 7A and Alabama High School football for the past four years and show no signs of slowing down. Head coach Mark Freeman helped lead the Warriors to his fourth straight state championship. Eighth grader Trent Seaborn became a memorable name for leading the team, and now year after year he looks like the face of a program that produces D-1 talent. After he started 0-2 against his two of the nation’s best teams like Buford and Lipscombe Academy, the Warriors beat Hoover with just one loss and he dominated 7A. did. The two teams met again in the playoffs, and Thompson won his 40-10 victory over Auburn in the state championship, where he beat Auburn 49-24, leaving no doubt that they are the better team. was.

University of Alabama Basketball (10-2)

Alabama basketball has been on a tear so far this season. The Crimson Tide has already upset his two No. 1 teams in North Carolina and Houston. The team excels in talent, length and athleticism. Freshman Brandon Miller is leading the way for Bama as he is expected to be a top 10 pick in his 2023 NBA Draft. Currently ranked No. 8, Crimson Tide looks forward to continued success and a big run in the NCAA Tournament.

Alabama forward Brandon Miller (24) will face Gonzaga forward Anton Watson (22) in the first half of the NCAA college basketball game in Birmingham, Alabama on Saturday, December 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

Auburn University Basketball (10-2)

Auburn Basketball is also off to an impressive start and has one of the best home court advantages of all college basketball. Led by head coach Bruce Pearl, the Tigers are aiming to win the SEC again after winning the SEC regular season championship last season. Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler are now in the NBA, but the Tigers brought back Wendell Green Jr., Sepp his Jasper and KD Johnson as starters last season, giving them title shots. I guess.

Auburn guard KD Johnson (0) reacts after making a 3-pointer against Georgia in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022 in Auburn, Alabama. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

UAB Basketball (10-2)

The UAB men’s basketball team has already beaten SEC schools Georgia and South Carolina by double digits to start the season. Heading up the Blazers are senior Jordan Walker, LSU-transferred Eric Gaines and Clemson-transferred Trey Jemison. If the Blazers can keep winning, they have a chance to qualify for the NCAA Tournament.

UAB guard Jordan Walker, 10, beats Louisiana Tech guard Amory Archibald ( 3) Participate in layups with (AP Photo/LM Otello)

Auburn University Baseball (43-22), (16-13 SEC)

Auburn baseball had a magical season when they found themselves in Omaha at the end of the season. After an impressive run in the NCAA Regionals, advancing to Corvallis and a stunning No. 3 Oregon State, the Tigers finished the season after his 11–1 loss to Arkansas. They were headed by co-SEC Baseball Player of the Year, Sonny Di Chiara. Hoover native Dikiara moved from Samford as a senior year, batting . 383 with 22 home runs and he had 59 RBIs. He was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the fifth round of the 2022 MLB Draft.

Auburn pitcher Mason Burnett throws against Oregon State on Monday, June 13, 2022, in the first inning of the Super Regional Game of the NCAA College Baseball Tournament in Corvallis, Oregon. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)

University of Alabama Women’s Soccer (23-3-1), (10-0 SEC)

It was a special year for Alabama women’s soccer, who won 15 straight games during the regular season. The Crimson Tide earned the No. 1 seed in the Women’s College Cup, finishing the season with four wins before she lost 3–0 in the semifinals against UCLA. Reina Reyes won her 2022 SEC Defender of the Year award and helped anchor her backline with a program record of her 23 wins and her 12 shutouts.