Description
Book SynopsisFeatures the story of Villanova's 2005 season and of how coach Andy Talley and his team negotiate this territory. This work offers a view of the class system that exists in college football, conditions that paradoxically threaten a sport that has only grown in popularity.
Trade Review“This is a great look from the inside on what makes [Andy Talley] and the Wildcats tick. It’ll give you a new appreciation of the sport on that level.”—Mike Kern, sports report and columnist for the
Philadelphia Daily News“From late August through early January, major college football at the BCS level dominates the headlines and highlights even though the majority of schools have little chance of cashing in on the millions available. This book takes the reader closer to the reality of college football, from the cost to the level of play to the desire of the coaches to do things the right way.”—Todd Archer, reporter for the
Dallas Morning News"John Feinstein has set the standard for these all-access, season-long-college-sports books, but Moss can play in his league. This is an intelligent, informative, and humane look inside a side of college football that fans seldom see."—Wes Lukowsky,
Booklist"This year promises to be different for local readers. . . . Moss’s new book is all about the political issues of its subject matter. . . . There is a lot more going on in the world of football that makes for interesting reading than the usual annual fare."—Gary Laney,
Lake Charles American Press"Villanova football fans . . . and anybody else with an interest in I-AA football or the local sports scene should pick up the just-published book
A Season in Purgatory, subtitled
Villanova and Life in College Football's Lower Class. Author Tony Moss, who spent the 2005 season with Andy Talley's team, has a good eye for the big picture and the telling detail.”—Mike Jensen,
The Philadelphia Inquirer"In chronicling a year following the Division I AA football team at Villanova University, where basketball is the dominant sport, Moss makes a clear and convincing case for the plight of these universities."—Randy Hearn,
AethlonTable of ContentsAcknowledgments
Author’s Note
Preface
Chapter 1 – Huddling
Chapter 2 – The Coach
Chapter 3 – Gearing Up
Chapter 4 – The Big Time
Chapter 5 – Lightning Striking Again
Chapter 6 – The Fourth Estate
Chapter 7 – Recovery
Chapter 8 – Bitten By the Spiders
Chapter 9 – Academically Speaking
Chapter 10 – Coming Home
Chapter 11 – The Prospect
Chapter 12 – Outlaw in Charm City
Chapter 13 – Reaching for the Top
Chapter 14 – The Rivalry
Chapter 15 – Endgame
