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As a kid born and raised in Cincinnati I have certainly undergone my fair share of losing seasons by my beloved sports teams. Particularly at the professional level, Cincinnati is now known for producing many winners, especially in the past 15 years.  However, as a Cincinnati kid and an Ohio State alum, this Thanksgiving there is a lot to be thankful for.  Here is my Top Ten list.  

1.  Cincinnati Bearcat Football.  College football has officially arrived in the Queen City and the Bearcats are one of the top five teams in the country. Led by head coach Brian Kelly, Cincinnati has one of the most explosive and dynamic offenses in college football.  While this is not a huge surprise, considering the success of last season's team, this is clearly the best team in the history of Cincinnati football and for that I could not be more thankful. It was not more than five years ago when season tickets for basketball were a big seller and to get them you had to buy season tickets for football. Wow how the times have changed.  

2.  The Jungle is Back in Cincinnati.  Despite the embarrassing loss to Oakland on Sunday, the Cincinnati Bengals are here to stay...at least for this season.  For the first time in my life, I'm actually enjoying watching the Bengals when they don't have the ball. In years past watching their defense was almost unbearable.  This years team is different from those of yester year's and for that I am grateful.  I look forward to watching the Bengals every Sunday instead of letting it ruin my weekend.  On this Thanksgiving I am proud to say 'Who-Dey'.  

3.  The Return of Cincinnati Bearcat Basketball.  After a three-year absence rebuilding the program destroyed by former President Nancy Zimpher, Mick Cronin finally has the talent to return to the NCAA Tournament.  After two early season wins in Maui over ranked opponents, Cincinnati basketball is on the way back.  Cronin has as much talent as the program has had in years and a trip back to the Big Dance looks probable.  This team is physical, athletic and fun to watch...almost like a Bob Huggins team.  It is safe to say Bearcat basketball is back.

4.  Elder High School in State Final Four.  Today I am also thankful that my alma mater Elder High School is in the Division 1 football state final four for the fourth time in eight years.  Elder will take on Hilliard Davidson on Saturday at Dayton's Welcome Stadium for a trip to their second straight state championship.  There is nothing like high school football in Cincinnati and there is nothing even close to the tradition and sprit of the Elder Panthers.     

5.  The Buckeyes Return to the Rose Bowl.  While it's not another trip to the National Championship, it's the next best thing for the Ohio State Buckeyes...a trip to Pasadena.  The Buckeyes have won or shared the past five Big Ten titles, but have not been to the Rose Bowl since 1997.  Going back to the Rose Bowl just feels right and bringing home a victory would be a sweet way to ring in the New Year on January 1.  

6.  The Recruiting Abilities of Thad Matta.  The best in the business is how I would describe the recruiting prowess of one Thad Matta.  His ability to bring in top-notch talent will have Ohio State in the Top 25 in the country for years and even decades to come. Ohio State basketball is more than a coach, but as long as Matta is in town there will be enough talent for Ohio State basketball to win Big Ten titles and contend for National Championships.  

7.  Evan Turner.  What's not to love about this guy?  From what I have seen so far this season, Turner is the best player in the country.  An absolute stat stuffer, he has already recorded two triple-doubles this season.  There had only been one in the history of Ohio State basketball before this season.  His averages of 21 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists are all team highs.  Beyond that Turner is an unselfish kid who does it all both on an off the court.  

8.  The Two-Headed UC Quarterback.  Tony Pike and Zach Collaros are no doubt a two-deaded monster at the quarterback position for Cincinnati. No team in the country could overcome an injury to such a high profile player and succeed on offense like Cincinnati has in the absence of Tony Pike. With Pike's return only two days away, UC now has a two-headed monster at quarterback, which will prove beneficial down the stretch.  Good luck preparing for both of these guys.  

9.  The Young Reds Talent.  While the Reds are not World Series contenders, there is more young talent on their team than almost anybody in baseball.  With young arms like Johnny Cueto and Edinson Volquez, Cincinnati is well equipped with starting pitching.  With the emergence of young outfielders Drew Stubbs, Jay Bruce and soon to be star Chris Heisey, the Reds will be loaded for years to come.  Joey Votto is only 25 and one of the top hitters in the league and Brandon Phillips is just entering his prime.  It's safe to say, things are looking up for baseball in Cincinnati.

10.  Chad Ochocinco.  The NFL's best entertainer and the man formerly known as Chad Johnson is back.  After a down year with no antics or pranks from this fan favorite, Ochocinco has returned in rare form this season.  Not only is he catching passes like he is known to do, Ochocinco is pulling the pranks that once made him famous.  A good season for Chad Ochocinco is not only measured in yards and touchdowns, but in fines by the NFL. It is great to finally see Chad being Chad once again.  

There is my Top Ten list.  Let the debate begin.  I wish a Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and I look forward to spending the day with my friends and family who I am most thankful for.  As a Cincinnati sports fan I could not be happier this Thanksgiving.  

Tags: brandon phillips, drew stubbs, evan turner, jay bruce, joey votto, mick cronin, pasadena, rose bowl, thad matta, tony pike, zach collaros