His dining room table sprawls out into the living room, awaiting 25 to 30 guests. An abundance of food, a big-screen television and a pool table await. And don?t get in the way of the big screenwhen football comes on.
Sound like a perfect Thanksgiving? For Maryland football coach Ralph Friedgen, the holiday is all about being with loved ones and watching football. And sometimes the two don?t mix.
“I?m trying to watch the game, and I?ve got three daughters, my wife and her friend, and they?re arguing over things and I?m trying to watch the game,” Friedgen joked earlier this week. “Just go somewhere else.”
Above all else, Friedgen will be tuned into the Miami-Boston College game at 7:30 p.m. today. With a Miami win, Maryland still has a shot at a berth in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game Dec. 2 in Jacksonville, Fla.
Friedgen didn?t hide the importance of Thursday?s game.
“Pretty big,” Friedgen said. “I know Boston College hasn?t played well on the road, and I imagine this will be a pretty emotional game for Miami.”
Friedgen doesn?t plan to gather his team to watch the game, rather allowing them to spend their holiday however they wish.
“I think the holiday is too special, so I?m not going to organize that,” Friedgen said.
But there is one stipulation ? spend Thanksgiving with people you care about.
“Thanksgiving is a special day, and I want our kids to enjoy it,” Friedgen said.
Friedgen has arranged for out-of-town players to spend the holiday at his house or at the homes of local Terps. Wherever the players are, they?ll be tuned into tonight?s game.
“I never thought I?d root for the Hurricanes this much,” junior tight end Joey Haynos said. “I grew up rooting for Boston College, but in this case, you?ve got to root against them, definitely.”
Miami (5-6) has a lot on the line. With five wins heading into the game, the Hurricanes have bowl hopes up in the air. Like Maryland (8-3), Boston College (9-2) has a chance to play in the ACC championship.
Whether or not Miami can do the Terps a favor, Friedgen said there is plenty to celebrate this Thanksgiving.
“I?m very thankful,” Friedgen said. “We?ve been pretty fortunate in the games we?ve won. In previous years, we haven?t been as fortunate. I think we have a lot to be thankful for.”
