The Opening Kickoff The Tumultuous Birth of a Football Nation [Hardcover]

Reading the authors heavily researched tale of the history of college footballspecifically, the period between 1890 and 1915is like watching an old-fashioned, dramatic movie newsreel&. [I]t is a vivid examination of the sports infancy&. Revsines descriptions of momentous games and quotes from published accounts give the narrative a storybook feel. He examines how numerous issues and ethical questions during the sports early years are still debated today&. An interesting demonstration of how athletics remains today what it was well over 100 years ago: big business.Kirkus Reviews Revsine has written a rich and thorough book, backed by ample research. But hes also a college football fan, whos served up a tale laced with humor and suspense.The Boston GlobeDave Revsines work is filled with jaw-dropping, vividly detailed stories about footballs wild, woolly formative years. If you think Americas football obsession is a recent development, or that corruption in the money-driven college game is only a modern problem, youll be stunned by The Opening Kickoff. A great read. I loved it!Chris Fowler, host of ESPNs Emmy Award-winning College GameDayWith the industry of college football currently at the center of questions about priorities, purity, and purpose, Dave Revsines lovingly crafted The Opening Kickoff is a remarkable and engaging account of the heroes, villains, successes, and scandals in the early years of this sport. The passion and the people of those early years, their feats, their foiblesall contribute to this game taking root in the American heart. No other sport matters as much to fans of each teamand Revsines keen eye for detail, and clear love of the game make this a fascinating journey through an important time. And with messages that resonate today.Bob Ley, host of ESPNs Emmy Award-winning Outside the Lines and anchor of SportsCenterDave Revsines well-researched book on the early days of football is absorbing from opening kickoffl3"