What I meant to say was margin of victory was still very much a part of the BCS formula when the book was written.

Sorry for the error.

DM

Thanks for your comments, both pro and con. I take no issue with the theatrics of the story; I realize there is a very big suspension of disbelief pill the reader must swallow. And I sincerely hope the theatrical aspect of the story bears fruit; even now, the novel sits in the slush pile of director Ron Howard (and he can call me anytime to negotiate the film rights). And everyone’s favorite coach, Bob Knight–who has a knack for sports fiction–has a complimentary copy (and a strong opinion, by the way).

I knew a diehard sports fan, such as yourself, would be bothered by several intentional fouls on my part. For openers, I openly mislead by having the Rose Bowl take place in the LA Coliseum (just orneriness on my part). And yes, I kind of condensed the time frame from high school to the NFL draft (I needed to do so to fit the story); but will say, at the time the story was written, strength of schedule was still very much a criterion in the BCS polls. (But yes, the Championship Bowl definitely broke the rules.)

The main intent, having said all of the above, was to entertain the reader with a fast-paced, action-packed tale. Football was a prop–an important prop. You say there is no insight into college football; all I can say in response is I relied heavily on the information conveyed to me by my brother, who walked on at Oklahoma State and played for Jimmy Johnson, by a dear friend who was a manager/trainer at OU for several years, and by another friend who walked on as a DB at OU. I admired (and still do) all three, very much.

Thanks again for taking the time to read ‘Walk-On.’

Your fellow curmudgeon,
D. Mikels