SMUPhil wrote:Bergermeister wrote:In the world of big-time college football, Thanksgiving gatherings are centered around going to the game (whether it be on Thursday, Friday or Saturday) - not going to grandma's house. Big time college students, band members, parents and fans want to go support their team - have turkey at the tailgate. We don't have that mentality. SMU uses Labor Day weekend, Fall Break, Thanksgiving as excuses for not attending, whereas the biggies center their festivities around the game. (I've counted the # of students in the student "section" on the weekend of a fall break game - double-digits). I can imagine the conversation: "Oh, we can't do that, it's Thanksgiving." Face it, supporting the team is just not up there on the list of priorities - for a good many.
You do make some good points, but keep in mind Texas Tech has their season opener (and Kliff's debut game as HC) in-state against an old SWC rival, and they aren't sending even a pep band to the SMU game. Aren't they a 'biggie?' And that's not even a holiday weekend.
Labor Day.

Students usually don't go home on Labor Day like they do on Thanksgiving so there is a difference.
I'm glad we are not having a home game on Thanksgiving because in the past the attendance has always been lousy. Half the time the other school did not even send a pep band.