Merry Christmas everyone.
And because we do what we do, we're here for the die-hard regulars, even on Christmas morning.
The 5-at-10 clan had a blessed Christmas, and we hope you and yours are together, warm and happy.
That said, let's do work. And remember the mailbag.
From the "Talks too much" studios, joy to the world. (And Jeremiah was a Bullfrog.)
As is our holiday/vacation tradition, we will substitute our regular five things with a single top-five list. Enjoy, and feel free to add yours.
CHRISTMAS SPORTS WISH LIST (for 2014)
- That the Auburn Tigers finish the miracle march.
- That LeBron James and the OKC Thunder meet in the NBA Finals. Good times.
- The continued ascent of the UTC athletics program. Also, for Butch Jones to return the excitement to Saturdays in Knoxville. Things are more fun professionally for us at the TFP when the teams we cover are in the mix. So keep doing work Coach Huesman; keep redefining Chaos Coach Wade; keep doing what you're doing Coach Foster, Coach Eslinger, Coach Guhne and the rest. (And merry Christmas to the fine support staff of Dr. Jay Blackman and Co. They do fine work in an all-too-often thankless gig.)
- For Tiger to be in the mix come Sunday at Augusta. Whether you love him or loathe him, there is no denying that when Tiger is in the hunt, golf tournaments take on a different vibe. And when Tiger is in the hunt at Augusta, there are few sporting events anywhere that can measure up.
- That preseason college football practice started about 10 days after the BCS title game.
We have several more, but want to hear yours too. What's your Christmas sports wish for the coming year?
Merry Christmas.