Matt McGloin goes from undrafted rookie to big Thanksgiving stage when Raiders visit Cowboys

Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin (14) passes as Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Zach Brown (55) applies pressure during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013. (AP Photo/Beck Diefenbach) (The Associated Press)

Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin (14) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013. The Titans won 23-19. (AP Photo/Beck Diefenbach) (The Associated Press)

ALAMEDA, Calif. – Matt McGloin's rapid ascent from undrafted rookie to starting NFL quarterback is headed to the big stage.

McGloin will make his third career start on Thanksgiving Day for the Oakland Raiders in front of a national television audience against the Dallas Cowboys.

McGloin has had an impressive start to his NFL career despite failing to get invited to the scouting combine or get drafted when he left Penn State. He became the fourth quarterback since the 1970 merger to throw three touchdown passes and no interceptions in his first start, a 28-23 win at Houston.

He then threw the go-ahead touchdown pass with 6:10 remaining last week against Tennessee before watching the defense give up the late lead in a 23-19 loss to the Titans.