A Season in Purgatory: Villanova and Life in College Football's Lower Class

by Tony Moss

Book Overview

At a school where basketball is king, the Villanova football team battles opponents both on and off the field. Low on cash and recruiting power, the Division I-AA Wildcats must constantly justify their existence to a prestigious academic institution and the students and alumni who bemoan the team's "minor league" status. This story of Villanova's 2005 season is an inside account of a football program wading through the political mire to bring glory to a school largely indifferent to its efforts. Through the Wildcats' experience, Tony Moss explores the inner workings of college football, particularly the chasm between Division I-A, home of the most visible, successful programs, and Division I-AA, where crowds are smaller but competition is just as intense. As alumni and faculty question the cost of funding sixty-three football scholarships and a full-time coaching staff, Moss leaves us to decide whether the struggle is worth the cost to schools outside the spotlight and whether the game has any inherent value apart from the bottom line. Tony Moss is NFL editor and columnist for The Sports Network, a wire service in suburban Philadelphia. His writing appears regularly on Web sites of newspapers such as the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Boston Globe, the Charlotte Observer, and the Miami Herald. He has been a weekly guest on ESPN Radio's V Show with Bob Valvano.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 080325959X
• ISBN13: 9780803259591
• Release Date: October 2007
• Publisher: Bison
• Length: 333 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.7" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

A look behind the scenes

A Season in Purgatory provides a behind the scenes look into Villanova football. Although it chronicles the 2005 season, which was a bit disappointing, the insight is very enjoyable. Sometimes the details provided are too much of a look behind the curtain and it exposes some of the human shortcomings of players and coaches alike. For those who have played football, you'll be nodding your head at all the on and off field revelations. For bystanders, it offers a look at the normally not seen situations that impact a season and a program. Politics, personalities and finances all take a major part in the impact on the football program, and sometimes too much of a part. The book examines some of the past history of the Villanova football program, but only on a superficial level and in a non-linear disjointed manner. It would have been nice to have had an introduction that detailed some of the storied history of the program and the national exposure that Villanova had. It does do a nice job of describibg the question of whether to move up in division play to get back to playing nationally ranked teams. Although that decision was negated, the discussions could be on the table again. And in light of winning the 2009 National Championship, an addendum to future printings would be a plus. Overall, this is a fun read for any Wildcats fans, or those wanting a peek inside college athletic programs.

A Season in Purgatory

A good read for any football fan. The NCAA's arrogance and greed promulgates the continued struggles of 1-AA schools vs. the big money of 1-A. ESPN should afford more coverage to the top tier 1-AA teams as they are easily competitive with lower level 1-A schools such as those in the WAC.

A great look from the inside

Using a perfect blend of storytelling weaved in with the history of Villanova's football team, Tony Moss' readers become a fly on the wall throughout the Wildcats' 2005 season. Moss does an excellent job of tracing Villanova's history as it attempted -- and failed -- to join the ranks of 1-AA, while also showcasing a bunch of student athletes who work just as hard as larger, more popular programs. Unlike other books, Moss is able to blend history with present events with ease, presenting a story with excellent flow to it. Moss also does a great job of getting the reader inside the locker room, making them feel as if they were with Villanova throughout the season.

A Season In Purgatory - Villanova & Life In College Football's Lower Class

Tony Moss' account of NCAA I AA Football is wonderful book. Sports books aren't always the best in terms of writing but this was an exception. I found the book to not only tell a good story but also entertain the reader by the writing style. The examination focuses on Villanova but it really is much more than a story about one year in the life of a college football team. Readers who love football will find Tony's book to be not only entertaining but also a fairly honest picture. Why do schools consider moving up to Division I? What financial pressures exist playing at the I AA level? What challenges to I AA teams have relative to recruiting, gaining media exposure etc. are all covered. Very good book for fans of college football.