Are There Any College Football Games On Thanksgiving Day

Are There Any College Football Games on Thanksgiving Day?

Alright, let’s talk turkey – and football! You’re probably wondering if you can settle in after your Thanksgiving feast and catch some college gridiron action. The short answer is: yes, absolutely! There are indeed college football games on Thanksgiving Day. However, it’s not a jam-packed schedule like a Saturday. The tradition is different, and the games are more special. Instead of a big slate, you usually get one or two featured matchups, often involving teams with deep rivalries and a lot of history. Let’s dig into what makes these Thanksgiving Day games so special, which teams you might see, and why this tradition exists.

The Tradition of Thanksgiving Day Football

Football and Thanksgiving have been a match made in sports heaven for a long time. While the NFL has their famous Thanksgiving Day games, college football has also carved out its own place in this holiday tradition. This wasn’t always the case though, the history dates back to the early days of football. Over time, a few specific games became a regular part of the Thanksgiving schedule, creating a cozy and familiar ritual for families all over the country. It’s a time when everyone gathers to watch not just the family, but the games, making it a shared experience that everyone looks forward to.

Why Just a Few Games?

Unlike the weekend, you’ll notice only a handful of college games, rather than a lot of matchups on Thanksgiving. This is because Thanksgiving is primarily a holiday for families to come together. Most college football teams and their fans are also spending time with family or are actively traveling, it is not a regular working day, so not a good day to put up a regular Saturday type game plan. This is why the focus is on a small number of high-profile games, games that fans really want to see, turning them into special events rather than just another game on the schedule.

The Role of Rivalries

Many of the Thanksgiving Day college games feature intense rivalries, such as in the Battle for the Egg Bowl, often played between Mississippi State and Ole Miss, or sometimes, the always captivating match between Texas A&M and Texas when they were both in the same conference. These rivalries add an extra layer of excitement and meaning to the games. These are more than just games; they’re bragging rights battles, traditions passed down through families, and they often have a big impact on the season. This is why Thanksgiving is a fantastic day for these important games to take place.

Typical Thanksgiving Day College Football Matchups

While the exact teams playing on Thanksgiving can change from year to year, there are a few rivalries and matchups that fans have come to expect. These games frequently involve teams from major conferences, often with national championship aspirations. Let’s look at some usual suspects:

• Mississippi State vs. Ole Miss (The Egg Bowl): This is one of the most heated rivalries in college football, a very popular game in Thanksgiving Day. The game is played the evening after Thanksgiving, the night of black Friday, and frequently decides bragging rights for the whole year in the state of Mississippi. The rivalry goes back over 100 years and is one of college football’s most storied rivalries. It is a game that is often not just watched in Mississippi, but nationwide.
• Texas A&M vs. Texas (Formerly): Before Texas and Texas A&M were in different conferences this was a staple game that college football fans looked forward to for years. This game, often played on Thanksgiving Day, had a major historical significance, adding an extra layer to this matchup. This is a game that college football fans hope returns to the Thanksgiving Day schedule soon.
• Other Potential Matchups: While not as consistent, other teams from major conferences may be featured on Thanksgiving in a certain year. You might see a Pac-12 team or a team from another Power Five conference, for example, a game between a major school from the Big 10 or the ACC. It all depends on the television schedule and the conference matchups for a given year.

Why These Games are Special

Thanksgiving Day college football games feel different from the regular Saturday lineup. Here’s what makes them so special:

The Holiday Atmosphere

There’s a festive, relaxed vibe to these games. Families are often still together and can enjoy the game as a group. It’s a good time to relax after the Thanksgiving meal and enjoy some fun sport. This environment makes the games special. You usually are not busy trying to run errands or go to work, making a perfect moment to just enjoy some football.

National Television Attention

Because there are fewer games on Thanksgiving, these games get a lot of attention. National television networks often give them top billing, ensuring a huge audience. This added visibility can mean a lot to the teams playing, making it a great stage to showcase what these teams are all about. It is a chance for players to show off their skill to the entire country and have a spot in the national spotlight.

A Break From Shopping

For many, Thanksgiving is a day to relax, but also means preparing for Black Friday shopping the next day. With the games going on it offers a nice alternative to preparing for shopping. Watching these college football games is a perfect way to relax and enjoy your day and be with your family at the same time. You can have great food, watch some great football, and make some great memories.

How to Find the Thanksgiving Day College Football Schedule

So, how can you figure out exactly which games are on this year? Here are some great ways to make sure you don’t miss out on the action:

Check Major Sports Networks

ESPN, Fox Sports, and CBS Sports will almost always have the broadcast schedules for the year. These websites are very good at highlighting the upcoming events on Thanksgiving. Pay close attention to these networks since they often announce their Thanksgiving lineups a few weeks in advance, so you can make your viewing plans. These websites are usually the best spots to start your search for the Thanksgiving schedule.

Use Online Sports Schedules

Websites like NCAA.com and other sports news sites offer game calendars. These will list all the college football games, including those on Thanksgiving. Make sure you select the proper week to see all of the scheduled games for that week. This is another good resource that will allow you to see who is playing and what time the game will kick off. Make sure that the websites are legitimate sources.

Follow Social Media

College football accounts on social media (Twitter, Instagram, etc.) often announce game schedules. Following these accounts, can help ensure that you never miss out on important game information. Usually, you can find out the times and tv channel that you will be able to watch. These can provide instant updates for you to follow so that you can be in the know the moment the schedule comes out.

Beyond the Game: What Makes College Football Special

The Thanksgiving Day games are special, but all college football has a certain magic to it. It’s more than just a game; it’s a community event, a tradition, and a way of life for many. College football is filled with amazing and exciting traditions.

The Passion of the Fans

College football fans are some of the most dedicated and passionate fans you’ll ever see. They bring that passion to every game, creating an unmatched atmosphere. The tailgates are legendary and the crowd is always full of life, energy and so many emotions. If you love football, you will love the passion of college football fans. The passion is what makes college football games so much more special.

The Rivalries

As previously mentioned, these rivalries are unlike anything else in sports. These games aren’t just about winning, but about bragging rights and local pride. These are often games that date back to the early 1900s and that tradition has been carried down for generations. The intensity in these rivalry games can be unmatched. They often are a chance for players to prove their worth and play for much more than just a win.

Traditions and Pageantry

From marching bands to mascots, college football is known for its unique and sometimes strange traditions. Every university has their unique traditions that are deeply rooted in the school’s culture. These traditions add a unique flavor to each game and school. This pageantry is what college football is all about. It is what separates it from other sports leagues and makes it so unique and special.

How to Enhance Your Thanksgiving Day Game Viewing

To really make the most of your Thanksgiving Day college football experience, think about some fun things to make it more enjoyable. Here are some ideas to elevate your viewing experience:

Create a Tailgate at Home

Even if you’re not at the stadium, you can bring the tailgate atmosphere to your home. Put out some game-day snacks, wear your favorite team’s colors, and maybe even have a friendly competition with friends about who can predict the most plays correctly.

Involve the Family

Get everyone involved! Have a family game day, teach younger family members about football, or create family traditions of your own surrounding the game. This can help bring your whole family together for some fun and memories. It doesn’t matter what the game outcome is, memories can be made and remembered for a lifetime.

Make Some Special Snacks

Instead of just the typical Thanksgiving leftovers, prepare some special game-day food. Nachos, wings, and chili are all good choices. Having special snacks makes the game feel like a special event. With the right environment, snacks, and family/friends, watching college football on Thanksgiving Day can become one of your favorite traditions.

A Look Forward to Future Thanksgiving Games

As you can see, college football is an important part of many people’s Thanksgiving holiday. The tradition will likely continue for many years to come. The games on Thanksgiving offer a unique opportunity to gather with family and friends, watch great football, and enjoy what college football has to offer. With the right atmosphere, traditions, and people, you can have a fantastic Thanksgiving and enjoy great football. Every season, fans will be looking forward to who the networks will decide to highlight and showcase on Thanksgiving. College football will always have a spot in the traditions of Thanksgiving.

The games on Thanksgiving are a nice way to gather with family and enjoy some sports action. From long-time rivalries to future matchups, Thanksgiving Day will always be a special day for college football. Enjoy the traditions and make your Thanksgiving football game an annual event to look forward to!