Dixieland Delight: A Football Season on the Road in the Southeastern Conference

by Clay Travis

Book Overview

There is no college ball more passionate and competitive than football in the Southeastern Conference, where seven of the twelve schools boast stadiums bigger than any in the NFL and 6.5 million fans hit the road every year to hoot and holler their teams to victory.

In September 2006, popular sports columnist and lifelong University of Tennessee fan Clay Travis set out on his "Dixieland Delight Tour." Without a single map, hotel reservation,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061431249
• ISBN13: 9780061431241
• Release Date: July 2007
• Publisher: It Books
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.6" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Absolutely hysterical

Sometimes I pick up a book or CD on a whim and soon regret throwing away my money on such a ridiculous impulse buy. Other times, I'm just thankful for the impulse. I knew nothing about Clay Travis when I saw the display for this book in the store, but liked the concept of visiting each SEC stadium in a single season and took a chance. Do not expect to have a greater understanding of SEC football or college football in general after reading this book. Do not expect sociological explanations of fandom or a quality travel guide suggesting places to stay or how to get around the cities in question. Instead, recognize that this is a personal memoir of a travelling season told by an intelligent, passionate fan who has outstanding writing skills and a wicked sense of humor. This book is in some ways the literary equivalent of "Airplane!": the jokes come so fast and furious that for every one that misses the mark, there are a few that cause you to laugh out loud and many others that bring a smile, cause a chuckle, or at least keep it interesting. Travis is pleasantly opinionated, but has plenty of friends to counter his opinions and offer alternatives. Travis could easily get misty-eyed and nostalgic multiple times, but he reserves this for a few well-placed opportunities that don't disrupt the flow of the book. The photos also deserve recognition: he brought a camera along on his trip, and shares with us pictures of the things he describes: boat shoes, the LSU python, and the soon-to-be-immortal Tim Tebow. Minor gripes: First, his fetish for lists can get annoying. Fortunately, he tends to tack these on at the end of chapters to minimize their tendency to stall the book. Still, lists seem like an easy way to make a book...well...book-length. Second, I get the impression that much of this material was previously published in his web column on CBS. Since I never read it before (though I absolutely will now!) this didn't bother me, but I imagine if you are a regular reader much of this will be familiar. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to a football fan, a person who is curious about football fans, people who are interested in learning more about the south, or those who enjoy humorous writings and are willing to read a book involving football. Does that cover just about everyone? If not, I'll recommend it for those people too. It'll be one of the best impulse buys you can make.

Supporting cast is classic

Dixieland Delight is a wonderful read. All at once ironic, nostalgic, reverent, and hysterical, the book highlights the multidimensional author who is Clay Travis: sportsman, politico, lover, and friend. However, the best part of Travis' work might be his lovable sidekicks, especially his intriguing companion during the Florida/South Carolina game who we only know as "Neville." Travis' portrait of Neville -- whom we now know was described in earlier, unedited drafts by Travis as "ruggedly handsome," "brilliant," "possessing piercing brown eyes," and "deeply complex" -- leaves the reader inevitably seeking to learn more about this obviously influential figure in Travis' life. A definite recommendation.

College football fans must read this book

Being a new transplant to the South, I was informed by coworkers that I should read this book in order to better understand the passion that Southerners have for college football. Travis beautifully illustrates rich traditions in the SEC (nothing stands out more to me than Auburn students writing their names in excrement on bathroom walls the day before they graduate), and the importance of tailgating. Upon the completion of this book I cannot wait for the season to kickoff!

The Gospel according to SEC Football

This is it. As a lifelong VOL and SEC advocate, I was taken back to my days on the Hill and in the stands at Neyland. I actually shared those Spurrier nightmares. Still do. And, I am laying down my bicurious orange and white pompons. I am taking my son to the barber tomorrow to cut off them Bama Bangs. Great Job! Great Read!

SEC fan must

This hilarious look at college football left me laughing out loud. Clay Travis manages to explore the hidden side of college football - from Bama bangs to his rating of SEC women - his experiences are highly entertaining and his book only makes me even more eager for football season to start. I can't imagine any SEC football fan (or any football fan) not loving this book.