Photo by Gavin Bond
The title of honorary Johnnie and Sports Illustrated Senior College Football Writer Austin Murphy’s new book is “Saturday Rules: A Season With Trojans and Domers”. I just picked it up from Barnes and Noble a couple days ago and to no surprise of my own it is a terrific read. I’m just over halfway through it and I must say it is classic A-man prose. He even threw out a John Gagliardi and St. John’s University reference in the first chapter!!
Austin has an unbelievable ability to wind the words of story around his travels that keeps the reader captivated for hours. I find myself using the online dictionary every couple of pages as he skillfully adds further detail to the story through the extensive use of some very obscure words. The beauty of reading one of Austin’s books is that he says everything that you are thinking, but want to say even if you rarely do follow through in today’s politically-correct obsessed society. Austin’s deft ability to weave an uncanny sense of humor throughout the book makes it a most enjoyable read.
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While the book focuses primarily on his extensive coverage of Division 1 football (the good, the bad, and the ugly), it certainly has made me think about what makes Saturdays in the Fall so dearly special to so many of us. Whether you are tailgating at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at the University of Florida for a big SEC tilt or enjoying the Stiftungsfestivities tailgate party in Collegeville it is about enjoying life. No matter if there are ten thousand rabid fans in the Natural Bowl or one hundred-ten thousand folks at The Big House it is about the experience, passion, camaraderie, and love we have for our alma mater.
Do yourself a favor and go pick up a copy of this book. I always say that the true measure of a great book is one which takes you to another place in time, transforming you into the scenery, and however brief, escapes the daily realities of your own life. This one lives up to the bill (as do A-man’s previous two books: “The Sweet Season” and “How Tough Could It Be?” which you can purchase seamlessly on the right hand toolbar here at johnniefootball.com).
