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What are Kentucky fans thankful for this year? 5 things all Cats fans are rejoicing about on Thanksgiving

By Drew Holbrook

Jun 19, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Kentucky Wildcats right fielder Eli Small (54) makes a play against the Florida Gators during the ninth inning at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images
Jun 19, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Kentucky Wildcats right fielder Eli Small (54) makes a play against the Florida Gators during the ninth inning at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images / Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images
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2024 has been an incredible year for Kentucky fans, though not without its challenges. Today, however, is a day to come together and give thanks. Let’s keep it positive and take a look at 10 things Kentucky fans can be grateful for this year:

1. Mark Pope

After yet another disappointing first-round exit, John Calipari left Kentucky for Arkansas, marking the first coaching change in over a decade. The search for his replacement was long and winding. Danny Hurley reportedly turned down a lucrative offer to remain at UConn, while Baylor’s Scott Drew came close, even scouting Lexington with his family, but ultimately chose to stay in Waco.

The process ended with BYU’s Mark Pope. Though fans were skeptical—Pope had never won an NCAA Tournament game—he has quickly silenced doubters. After an undefeated start to the season and a thrilling upset over Duke, the Wildcats enter Thanksgiving unbeaten for the first time since 2017.

2. Kentucky Baseball

The Bat Cats stunned the SEC this year, earning a share of the conference title. While the SEC Tournament didn’t go as planned, Kentucky rallied in postseason play, winning both their regional and super regional to advance to the College World Series for the first time ever. They even secured their first win in Omaha, cementing a historic season.

3. Kenny Brooks

Kenny Brooks, Georgia Amoore
Music City Classic / Johnnie Izquierdo/GettyImages

After a tough stretch under Kyra Elzy, who went just 24-39 over her final two seasons, Mitch Barnhart made a bold hire by bringing in Kenny Brooks from Virginia Tech.

Brooks, who took Va Tech to it's only Final Four appearance, has Kentucky’s women’s basketball team undefeated and ranked in the top 15. Better yet, they beat Louisville for the first time since 2015.

4. Mark Stoops going for it on 4th down

A frustrating decision to punt against Georgia earlier this season left fans questioning Stoops’ play-calling when the game is on the line. But in Oxford, he rolled the dice on 4th down, leading to a game-winning touchdown from Brock Vandagriff to Barion Brown.

The upset over a top-10 team was a bright spot in an otherwise awful year for football.

5. Big Blue Nation

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Nov 23, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats fans watch the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images / Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Through thick and thin, Big Blue Nation remains the most passionate and loyal fanbase in sports. Take a moment to appreciate being part of a community that shows up and shows out, no matter what.

As you gather around the dinner table, we hope you and your family have a wonderful time. Happy Thanksgiving from everyone here at WBN!

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