Little School. Big Stage. Hillsdale's Holmes and Veldheer shine for Raiders on Thanksgiving.

Jared Veldheer (68) and Andre Holmes (18) had big days for Oakland. Twitter Photo from @joshuabakker

They played college football at a school with 1300 students. The biggest home crowd they ever entertained was just over 3000 strong but Hillsdale College grads Jared Veldheer and Andre Holmes were big stars on the NFL Thanksgiving stage this afternoon.

Veldheer made his first start of the season at left tackle after triceps surgery and drew Pro Bowler DeMarcus Ware. Being fresh in Week 13 surely aided Veldheer but he looked to be in his own Pro Bowl form holding Ware to 1 solo and 2 assisted tackles on the day.

After a 4th quarter 35 yard reception that put Holmes over 100 yards for the day, CBS commentator remarked, "Andre Holmes has definitely seen his NFL career arrive today." Studio host Bill Cowher gave Holmes and Hillsdale a nice shout out in his halftime remarks as well. Holmes would finish the day with 7 catches for 135 yards. Coming into the game, he had made 3 catches all season.

Hillsdale wasn't the only GLIAC represented by prime time players today. Grand Valley product Brandon Carr made a key interception for the Cowboys late in the game and Jeff Heath of Saginaw Valley recovered Oakland's desperation onside kick during the game's last minute.