Thursday Night Football Becomes "Must See TV"
7 comments so far
July 14, 2009 by
Remember NBC's "Must See TV" lineup on Thursday nights? That was a nice run of programming, right? Well, Thursdays are suddenly "Must See" again. Only this time it is not a sitcom or hospital drama. It's something much better - football. Gone are the days when playing on a weekday was just for the WAC, MAC and Big East. The ESPN Thursday night lineup of games is chock full of big names and good names.
Big Demand Brings Legit Games
I'm a football snob. I admit it. I think football should be played on the weekend. High School is for Friday nights (personal aside, Friday Night Lights is a great book, good movie and a fantastic television show), college is played on Saturday. And, the pros play on Sundays. That's it, that's the list. But, in this media age, that just isn't how things work.
Now, there are a glut of games during the week. It only makes sense. There is demand, so the networks are wisely filling it with supply, and taking home a profit. Frankly, I hated it. But, I was fine as long as it was the backwater conferences and whatnot beating their heads in on Thursdays. It was sort of like watching some other league. Again, remember, I'm a football snob.
Well, that was in the past. Because look at this lineup from ESPN. Goodness gracious, the great four-letter network in the Connecticut woods knows what it is doing. All the major BCS conferences are represented in that lineup in some way. And by and large, the games feature matchups of quality teams, recognizable names and pretty significant stakes. There are rivalry games and conference title implications. Throw in a little Erin Andrews, and that is one quality piece of entertainment.
Big 12 Flavor
The Big 12 is represented in the mix, big time. Of course, Nebraska has agreed to play Missouri on a Thursday night. Again,no matter how reformed I may get, I have to admit I hate this for NU. I didn't like it when the Huskers last played on Thursday night, in 2003 against Southern Miss. It felt like a trap (until Jammal Lord started throwing bombs, anyway). This year, I don't like that it gives added hype or energy to a Missouri team that might be in need of it. And even though NU has a bye week the week before, I still think that playing on Thursday throws off a team's schedule. Sorry, I just can't like it, Erin or no Erin.
Apparently, Colorado likes Thursdays. They are one of several teams that chose to play multiple games that night. Texas and Texas A&M playing on Thursday night also makes a good amount of sense. It's a juicy rivalry played on a busy football weekend. The Thursday night slot amps it up just a bit more, doesn't it?
So, ESPN's football coverage might just be the new "must see TV". It's a very good line up. But, I just would prefer not to see Nebraska on it. Call me old fashioned.
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Matt Jul 14 09
I figure a team willing to host a Thursday night game (read: when kids may be in class and a community is willing to tie up their city infrastructure on a work day) is the team reeking of desperation for attention/money. The visitor doesn't have to worry much, other than adjusting training schedules and showing up on time.
So, I don't have a problem with Thursday night games, just so long as they're not in Lincoln. Once we start having them in Lincoln, then it's time to worry IMO.
bnahusker Jul 14 09
For the first time since I found Big Red Network, I find myself disappointed in a post.
As much as I know that this site is focused on the printed word of Husker Football, just one photo of Erin Andrews? C'mon Darren! hehehehe
As always, a great slant!
GBR!
Bob
RedDenver Jul 14 09
FYI: the Texas vs Texas A&M game is on Thanksgiving.
I really like the Thursday night games. They're a little football to spice up the week while waiting for the mother lode on Saturday. And besides, how can you not like MORE college football?
P.S. Sundays are for doing the stuff you didn't get done while watching college football. Those over-paid crybabies aren't worth wasting time on.
Andy Jul 14 09
Red,
I enjoy watching the talking heads on Sunday act amazed at these players who 'came out of nowhere', like Barret Ruud or Darren Sproles. Anyone who watched any amount of college football knows these guys didn't come out of nowhere.
Darren Jul 14 09
Red and Andy, I'm with ya. I prefer my football of the "college" variety. And I like it on Saturdays. :-)
BNA (Bob), sorry I didn't fill your EA quota. Maybe try google. I hear there are a few photos of her out there...
bnahusker Jul 14 09
Husker fix or EA fix?
No contest. I have a cute blonde at home. Keep the Power of Red flowing!
GBR!
Bob
caveman99 Jul 22 09
Sorry, but since I live on the East Coast I will take any chance to watch the Huskers on TV. Even if that means a Thursday Night game, I am all for it!!!