Jayhawk Fans: It’s Time to Give Thanks. And Lots of It.

As I woke this morning, I was overcome with feelings of anticipation as I thought about the week ahead and the Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, introspection and taking time out to give thanks for the many people and blessings in our lives. It’s a time to gather with family and friends, to enjoy a long holiday weekend, to savor every bite of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pie.

This Thanksgiving, however, is going to be an extra special one for Jayhawk fans all across the country.

This Thanksgiving, Jayhawk hearts will be overflowing with more love and joy than ever. This Thanksgiving every Jayhawk fan is going to have an extra bounce in their step. This Thanksgiving every Jayhawk fan is going to be talking about the game in Arrowhead Stadium on November 24th against the Misery Tiggers. This Thanksgiving will be one that Jayhawk fans will talk about for years to come.

With that in mind, here is the Jayhawk version of “Things I am thankful for.”:

*11-0
*#2 BCS ranking and #2 ranking in the AP and Coach’s poll
*Mark Mangino and his entire coaching staff
*A legitimate shot at the National Championship in both football and basketball
*The sustained ability to take it “one game at a time”. Brandon McAnderson said it best: "This week our focus was Iowa State, and last week our focus was Oklahoma State. It sounds like a cliché, and it sounds like something that everybody says, but it's just the way we are."
*Todd Reesing. His 30 touchdown passes have him tied for second-place on KU's all-time TD pass list. And he’s only a sophomore. Oh, and he has yet to lose as a starting college quarterback.
*The least penalized team in college football
*Winning on the road
*The entire wide receiver corps with their ability to create separation, catch the ball, get yards after the catch, and sustain their downfield blocks.
*Turnover margin. KU has gone 18 quarters without a turnover and leads the nation plus-21 in turnovers.
*Jake Sharp and 1,000 yard rusher Brandon McAnderson
*KU students camping out for football tickets
*The fact that KU is, as ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit termed it, “THE story of the year in college football”
*76 points on Homecoming against Nebraska
*Ed Warriner. Someone should create an Offensive Coordinator of the Year Award with his image and likeness. They can call it The Warriner Award.
*KU football games on national television every week
*Lew Perkins
*The fact that, though few will admit it, KU and MU fans both respect what the other has accomplished this year.
*KU football games in HD
*KU cheerleaders and the Rock Chalk Dancers
*Marcus Hereford
*The infamous YouTube video of Mark Mangino ripping into Raimond Pendleton
*The infamous YouTube video of Misery Tigger QB Chase Daniel picking his nose and then enjoying
an “appetizer”
*Memorial Stadium and a single season attendance record, averaging 46,498 fans over 7 games
*That most KU fans that own a “MUCK FIZZOU” shirt have finally decided to quit wearing them and use them for what they were originally intended: Cleaning the toilet.
*Expansion of the football facilities
*Derek Fine
*That KU fans won’t rush the field at Arrowhead Stadium when we beat MU.
*Kerry Meier, EASILY college football’s M.U.P. (Most Unselfish Player)
*Beating K-State 3 out of the last 4
*The most underrated offensive line in college football
*Mike Riviera
*Easiest bet to win: The Jayhawks are 10-0 against the Las Vegas point spread this season.
*Scott Webb: KU’s new leading single season scoring leader with 110 points.
*Bill Young
*Former KU football coach Don Fambrough’s absolute disgust for Missouri.
*Punter Kyle Tucker has rarely been needed this season.
*Aqib Talib
*Winning with CLASS and knowing that MU never will.
*The 13 seniors on the Jayhawk football team that have been instrumental in laying a foundation for the future success of the program. Sometimes there aren’t enough words…
*The #2 ranked scoring defense in the country
*James McClinton
*My friend’s parents who are selling me their two extra tickets to the KU-Missouri game and not ripping me off like every ticket broker in the country.
*A chance to shut up the predominantly ignorant MU fan base for another year.
*A chance to hear the Rock Chalk Chant throughout the state of Kansas…AND Missouri…on Nov. 24th.
*Joe Mortensen
*Keeping the Jayhawk train rolling after football season. The Jayhawk basketball team is in the Top 5, Brandon Rush is back, and we’ve got a team that has a legitimate shot at the Final Four and National Championship. Oh, and we just signed another Top 10 recruiting class.

But the one thing that I am MOST THANKFUL for?

KU-Misery: November 24th: Sold out Arrowhead Stadium. 7 p.m. on ABC. 100% of ABC affiliates will air the game. Yes, that means the ENTIRE COUNTRY will be watching. ESPN College Gameday in Kansas City. The most anticipated college game in Kansas City history. The biggest game in the long history of the rivalry. The biggest game in college football to this point in the season. Coach of the Year on the line. Big 12 North title on the line (KU is already guaranteed a share of the Big 12 North title. But we don’t like to share. Especially not with Misery.) Entry into the Big 12 Championship Game on the line. National Championship aspirations.

Yes, Jayhawk fans, we have so much to be thankful for this season. Perhaps more than ever. Eat some turkey, then eat a little more, and then get your GAME FACES on.
Oh, who am I kidding? My game face is already on.
GO JAYHAWKS! POUND THE MISERY TIGGERS!

Keep Rockin’ and Chalkin’ and Happy Thanksgiving to all,

Mic Johnson
www.jaytalkers.com