Customer Reviews

Southern Fried Football: The History, Passion, And Glory

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

`Southern Fried Football' is the definitive reference tool for fans of SEC and ACC football. The book has a comprehensive timeline, lists of the greatest Southern teams and players, and a section on coaches.

Tony Barnhart is a great writer, so I was a little disappointed to find so many lists. While the sections on rivalries and game day traditions are very readable, the list of `100 Players That Made A Difference' is not.

More than anything else, traditions are what transform Southern college football from mere sport to religion. This book will give readers a crash course in these traditions.

Defiantly a must have for SEC and ACC football fans, but Barnhart's writing skill is not well represented here.

Do you remember wallace Butts, The Bear, Florida vs: Georgia, Ga Tech vs Tenn. Auburn vs: Alabama, Gen. Neyland and punt on Third? If you do you must love and cherish Southern Football as I do.The mistique of Johnny Vaught and Ole Miss teams that bullied SEC teams in the 60's, and Pepsodent Paul who revived LSU. Why could Bear dominate Tennesee and Penn State in Bowls and the regular season, but couldn't deal with Notre Dame? Was Shug Jordan a superior coach in spite of many losses to Coach Bryant? Steve Spurriern is brilliant, but can he stick it out in the SEC? All of these issues and many, many more are raised in this outstanding book -- I couldn't put it down! I think you will find it to your taste. Lovmtns153@cs.com

It's always football season in the South, and anyone interested in the game and its pre-eminent spot in Southern culture will find this book indispensable. The author, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's college football editor and ESPN commentator, is the nation's leading expert on the subject, and he doesn't miss anything. There are lists and legends, people and places. And the varied presentation style will appeal to those who like to prop up their feet for awhile, or those who also like to get their sports by channel surfing or clicking and pointing. From John Heisman to Bobby Bowden, Georgia-Yale in '29 to the "Swamp" in Gainesville, Fla., this is an enjoyable tour de force.

I love reading about football traditions regarding some of the finest NCAA coaches ever. I know Woodie Hayes and Bo had their moments, but SEC history is also deeply rooted.
The progression of the book is very even and it talks about all of the teams and their traditions. Alabama does seem to get plenty of space (for the Bear) and I thought Vince Dooley got a big part as well with UGA. To any SEC fans, this book is a must if you need to understand some of the "old" feelings between two schools.
I actually read this book in a single day. Once I started, I could not put it down. It was that good!

I expected a little more from this book, but it wasn't bad. I liked the Georgia stuff since that's Tony's gig, but it was a little lacking on some of the other southern football "powerhouses." If you're looking for a comprehensive look at the most powerful conference in the country, try out the Tailgater's Guide to SEC Football. It's killer. In all, a nice addition to the collection. I give Barnhardt 3.75/5.00.

"Southerrn Fried Chicken" is "must" reading for all diehard college football fans.

Southerners will gobble the information and adecdotes quickly and Yankees will ingest the contents more slowly.

All in all this volume is compendium of what makes footbal a passion and way of life in the South.

As an Alabama gal transplanted to South Carolina who cut her teeth on Bear Bryant and Shug Jordon, I LOVED THIS BOOK!

While the information collected gives the reader a wealth of facts, I was looking for the stories and story telling Barnhart can weave. Fans love to engage in arguing about great teams and great players while sitting around the living room. This reads more like a dry text book covering southern football.