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The Utah-BYU rivalry game is getting a little more national attention because it is the only game of the week that features two ranked teams. That is some nice exposure for the Mountain West Conference, but it's not the only rivalry game worth watching.
On Thanksgiving, here are a few matchups to be thankful for as you settle into the couch this weekend recovering from gluttony.
Thursday offers Texas at Texas A&M. Interesting stat that the Aggies are just 2-7 in their last nine home season games. Be thankful this game should be over by halftime with the way the Longhorns have been playing lately; you won't miss much if you nap in the second half.
On Friday, Alabama and Auburn tangle in the Iron Bowl. Alabama needs to be thankful for the offense Mark Ingram provides. The running back remains in the Heisman mix, averaging 6.8 yards a carry.
Also Friday, Pittsburgh plays at West Virginia and Nevada plays at Boise State. West Virginia is thankful for the chance of destroying Pitt's BCS chances with a win much like the Panthers did to West Virginia two years ago. Boise State, meanwhile, has to be thankful for that cushy WAC schedule. Nevada? Tough. Is it worth tuning into? Better not be if the Broncos want to tout their BCS value.
Onto Saturday, a day that offers up more delectable treats than your leftovers.
Clemson at South Carolina: We're all thankful for Steve Spurrier, his wise cracks and visor-throwing ways make even meaningless
North Carolina at North Carolina State: Thankfully, these teams playing in football means basketball season is underway.
UCLA at USC: The Trojans are thankful for their reputation, otherwise there's no way they would be ranked as high as they are after the season they've had. UCLA be thankful, you have a good chance for a fourth-straight win.
Florida State at Florida: The Gators have beaten FSU for five years in a row and a different outcome isn't expected on Saturday since it will be the last home game for Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. Florida fans should be thankful for Tebow. FSU fans should be thankful the rivalry game means another disappointing season is about to end.
Arkansas at LSU: Tigers are thankful for another game to let them forget what happened last week. Losing to Ole Miss? Nahh, didn't happen.
Georgia at Georgia Tech: Georgia is thankful this season is almost over. It has gotten ridiculed and embarrassed by good teams (Florida) and bad teams (Kentucky). Just when all seemed lost, the Dogs lost something else, UGA VII who died of a heart attack last week.
Arizona at Arizona State: ASU is thankful it gets Arizona on the road. The Wildcats are 5-1 at home but just 1-3 on the road. Everyone else in the Pac-10 would be thankful for an ASU win to help clear up the bowl picture for the conference.
Alabama ended Auburn's six-game winning streak in the Iron Bowl last year with a 36-0 win. Can the Tigers exact some revenge and end the Tide's national title hopes?
