Buzz Lightyear Costume Brings Halloween Fun to College GameDay as Pete Thamel Dresses Up
GameDay arrives in Bloomington
College GameDay traveled to Bloomington for the game between the Indiana Hoosiers, the defending national champions, and the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The Saturday broadcast also fell on Halloween, giving Pete Thamel a chance to join the festivities.
The opening was described as unusually subdued after a week of controversy involving Pat McAfee. A highlight came when McAfee led a birthday salute to Nick Saban, who then spoke about the importance of treating others kindly.
Thamel brings Halloween fun
ESPN college football reporter Pete Thamel appeared in a full Buzz Lightyear costume during a report near the start of the show. He closed by invoking Buzz’s familiar phrase while talking about Texas Tech’s offense.
Thamel said the goal for coach Joey McGuire was to go “To infinity and beyond!” with the offense. His costume and sign-off added a comic moment to the Halloween edition of College GameDay.
McAfee controversy shadows broadcast
The coverage followed criticism of McAfee’s reaction to a lighthearted Instagram video made by University of Utah students. The article says he called the environment in Utah hostile and drew criticism after comparing himself with slain political activist Charlie Kirk.
The report suggested Indiana may have been a less contentious setting for the show, but presented that as speculation. McAfee did not appear in a Halloween costume, while the broadcast’s birthday segment for Saban emphasized kindness.
Key points
- Pete Thamel appeared as Buzz Lightyear on College GameDay in Bloomington.
- The show covered Indiana’s matchup with Minnesota on Halloween.
- Thamel used Buzz’s catchphrase while discussing the Texas Tech offense.
- The broadcast followed criticism of Pat McAfee’s response to a student video.