Muleskinner

Issue date: 12/8/05 Section: Sports

Being the sports guy, I understand the stereotypes. No one thinks I have any room in my absent-minded brain for anything besides sports. For the most part you are right. But there is a part of me that does understand other things.

That's why this week, I'm going to share my 'Top Five' things to be grateful for this holiday season.

•Number Five- College basketball begins to heat up as the weather cools down.

All across the nation teams play important non-conference games to get ready for the conference season.

The Missouri Tigers will be looking to beat Illinois in the annual Bragging Rights game in St. Louis. It would be a miracle if it really happened, but this is the time of year to believe in the unthinkable, right?

The top-two teams in the nation, Duke and Texas, are on a roll but play each other Saturday. That will be a can't-miss game.

•Number Four- As strange as this may sound, it is time to be gratefull for Major League Baseball.

This is the time of year when players start signing their big contracts with their new employers. The annual winter meetings are taking place, and general managers, players and agents are making their contacts before the dotted-line is signed.

This year is a little different though. Allard Baird has the go-ahead from the Royals and the cash to spend on a few free agents. He hasn't had that luxury very often, and hopefully he can put the money to 'good' use.

•Number Three- The NFL playoff-push will be in full effect.

This is the best time to be an NFL fan. There are many teams fighting for a playoff spot and division titles. It's so exciting to see the teams who are in-the-hunt to battle each other with so much on the line.

The Chiefs, after a couple of key wins at Arrowhead, are right where they want to be. I know I said a few weeks a ago Kansas City wouldn't make the playoffs, but I may have been wrong. They have a legitimate chance now, and that's what makes it so great.

•Number Two- Sticking with the football theme, the holiday season brings on Bowl season.

I haven't been into college football all that long. Just a few seasons ago, I really didn't pay much attention to it, but now, I really enjoy it.

The bowl season is great. What other time of year, other than March Madness, can you sit around all day eating chips, drinking beer and watching games all day long?

The Big XII will be a part of eight bowl games this season. It will be great to see how the Midwest stacks up against the rest of the nation. I hope all the teams win so they can stick it to the 'coastal bias media.' Go Longhorns.

•Number One- There will be no more NASCAR for the rest of the year.

This may not be the best reason to be grateful for this time of year, but it has to be way up there. I don't understand the meaning of watching cars fly around in an oval over and over again. To me, it is the most pointless American sport. That is the reason it topped my list.

Oops, I guess you are right. I don't have any room in my mind for anything other than sports. Oh well, at least I tried.

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