Happy Thanksgiving everyone, enjoy the turkey. Me personally, I'm counting the minutes until tomorrow afternoon. Right now, I'm just like you, hanging out with the family watching football and eating leftovers. However, in 16 hours, everything changes. It's not a holiday anymore. It's LSU vs. Arkansas, and for the first time since I can remember there's a ton riding on it (Okay, the 2002 game decided the SEC West Champion, but it didn't seem the same).
This is the biggest game in the history of "The Boot." Arkansas is scratching and clawing for national respect. Undeservedly, they're getting pushed out of the national championship picture. LSU is fighting for a possible at large BCS bowl game. Not just any BCS game, the Rose Bowl. It's a big deal.
Make no mistake about it, this game is massive. There's never been any such thing as "LSU vs. Arkansas." Yeah, the SEC and CBS have tried to turn this into a real rivalry by putting it the day after Thanksgiving on national TV. There's even a 200-pound trophy to go with it. But it just hasn't took. Why would it have?
LSU has been a top 15 program for the last five years. Arkansas has never seemed to get over the 7-5 hump under Houston Nutt's tutelage. Apparently the hiring of Gus Malzahn as offensive coordinator has fixed that.
So, is this the beginning of a new major rivalry? Maybe. But for three hours on Friday, that's the last question on anybody's mind. All that matters is can McFadden run on LSU's front four. Can JaMarcus Russell find receivers streaking open over the middle?
Who knows what happens with the LSU and Arkansas programs in the future. Honestly, right now, who cares? This is a top 10 showdown between two big time teams. McFadden might be the best running back in America. LSU might have the best talent in America.
Personally, I"m worried. Arkansas is that good this year. However, this just might be the reincarncation of last year's Peach Bowl. LSU is that good. So, sit down with your left-over turkey sandwich and enjoy a hell of a game. Geaux Tigers!