Book Review

Orange Crushed: A Season on the Brink at America's Biggest Football School

by Darren Epps

This in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the University of Tennessee college football team's monumental collapse includes all the arrests, losses, and firings that made up the most tumultuous season in school history.

A favorite to contend for a spot in the national championship game with a running back hailed as a Heisman Trophy candidate, the Volunteers stumbled to a 5-6 record – their worst mark since 1988. The Heisman hopeful, Gerald Riggs Jr., watched most of his team’s demise from the sideline as the season he waited three years for crumbled under lackluster rushing performances and a season-ending ankle injury. Even head coach Phillip Fulmer endured heavy doses of criticism from fans clamoring for a coaching change.

This unforgettable look at the 2005 season also includes information on what the future may hold for Riggs, Fulmer, and Tennessee football.

Reviews of this book

"Fascinating new book...[by a] gifted young sports writer." – The Huntsville Times

"Anyone who loves college football – whether a Vols fan or foe – must read this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it!" – Max Howell, host, Get Max'd Out, SMI Radio Network

"[This] book [is] a winner even if UT wasn't one." – The Tennesseean

"Darren Epps, who covers the team for the Chattanooga Times Free Press, gives some good behind the scenes stuff." – Atlanta Journal/Constitution