Thanksgiving weekend and college football have long been intertwined, with some of the sport’s most storied rivalries taking center stage. For fans, the holiday is more than just turkey and pie; it’s a time for traditions, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments on the gridiron. Let’s dive into how Thanksgiving football rivalries have shaped the culture of the holiday for college football fans.
Origins of Thanksgiving Football
The connection between Thanksgiving and football dates back to the late 19th century, when college teams began organizing games during the holiday to draw large crowds. Harvard and Yale, two of the sport’s earliest powerhouses, played games around Thanksgiving in the 1870s. The popularity of these contests helped establish the holiday as a prime date for marquee matchups.
As college football expanded, teams began building rivalries that would become the bedrock of Thanksgiving weekend traditions.
Iconic Rivalries
Alabama vs. Auburn (“The Iron Bowl”)
Arguably one of the fiercest rivalries in college football, the Iron Bowl often has national championship implications. First played in 1893, this matchup pits Alabama against Auburn in a battle that divides the state. Memorable moments, like the famous “Kick Six” in 2013, have elevated the Iron Bowl to legendary status.
Michigan vs. Ohio State (“The Game”)
Though typically played the weekend before Thanksgiving, Michigan vs. Ohio State occasionally overlaps with Thanksgiving festivities. Since 1897, this matchup has been the pinnacle of Big Ten football. The rivalry features heated competition and numerous games with conference and national title implications. For fans in the Midwest, “The Game” is synonymous with fall’s biggest stakes.
Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State (“Bedlam”)
The Bedlam Series is another Thanksgiving weekend fixture, with Oklahoma and Oklahoma State battling for state bragging rights. This rivalry began in 1904 and has seen its share of drama. Although Oklahoma has historically dominated the series, the intensity and stakes ensure that every matchup is must-see football.
Texas vs. Texas A&M (“The Lone Star Showdown”)
For decades, Texas and Texas A&M clashed during Thanksgiving week in a rivalry that began in 1894. Known simply as “The Lone Star Showdown,” it pitted two of Texas’s most prominent universities against each other, with bragging rights for the state on the line.The game was a staple of college football until 2011, when conference realignment separated the two programs. After 13 years of anticipation, the rivalry finally returned in 2024, reigniting one of the sport’s most storied traditions.
Florida vs. Florida State
A Sunshine State showdown, Florida vs. Florida State is another Thanksgiving weekend classic. Since 1958, these two programs have battled for dominance in Florida and national relevance. The rivalry features legendary coaches like Bobby Bowden and Steve Spurrier and unforgettable moments that shaped college football history.
The Appeal of Thanksgiving Football Rivalries
Thanksgiving football rivalries capture the essence of college football. These games often carry more than just postseason implications; they represent regional pride, historical grudges, and a chance for players to etch their names into the stories of college football lore.
For fans, the timing is perfect. The holiday provides a chance to gather with family and friends, blending the traditions of food, fellowship, and football. Watching or attending these games has become a cherished part of the Thanksgiving experience.
Memorable Thanksgiving Weekend Moments
Thanksgiving football rivalries have produced some of the most iconic moments in college football history:
- Kick Six (2013): Auburn’s Chris Davis returned a missed field goal 109 yards to upset Alabama in one of the most memorable Iron Bowl finishes ever.
- The Play (1982): In a game between Stanford and California, the Golden Bears executed a chaotic, last-second lateral-filled kickoff return to defeat their rival, punctuated by a collision with the Stanford band on the field.
- The Choke at Doak (1994): In one of the greatest comebacks in college football history, Florida State erased a 31-3 deficit in the fourth quarter against rival Florida, ending the game in a dramatic 31-31 tie.
The Future of Thanksgiving Football Rivalries
As conferences realign and schedules evolve, Thanksgiving football rivalries face challenges in maintaining their traditions. However, the passion of fans and the weight of history ensure these games remain a focal point of the college football calendar. From the rekindling of Texas vs. Texas A&M to the continuation of classics like the Iron Bowl, Thanksgiving football is here to stay.
