Stars of an Earlier Autumn is a statistical history of the first 68 years of a sport that has become an icon in its own right. Within these pages, readers will relive the accomplishments of players, coaches and teams of yesteryear—many never before uncovered or under a single-cover. Legendary figures like Red Grange, the Four Horsemen, Slingin’ Sammy Baugh and Jim Thorpe come alive with their statistical triumphs; coaches like Knute Rockne, Amos Alonzo Stagg and Pop Warner all had successful careers—but did they win the most games? The events of the early days were ones whose memories were captured by a nation through print and spoken word—with no television highlights. Not only will the statistics reveal the stories on the field; there will be stories that presenting unusual that happened off it. As the game progressed down through the ages, many of these same players would be remembered for their contribution with the selection of all-time teams or induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. Another highlight will be many selectors that have named a national champion or have complete polls—many them will be new to today’s fans and media; as these selectors have not been published in one place. STARS is truly a trip down college football’s memory lane; an adventure that many people will enjoy and learn of the history of their favorite game. The statistics found in STARS will provide fans, schools and even the media with the opportunity of seeing the accomplishments of yesteryear… TODAY!
Tex Noël is a college football stathistorian with over 30 years researching college football statistics. In addition his findings have been published in the annual NCAA and NAIA college football records books; college and conference media guides and releases and newspapers across the country. Currently, he serves as the executive director of Intercollegiate Football Researchers Association, which publishes a complimentary monthly newsletter, Th e College Football Historian.
Stars covers college football history from it’s inception in 1869 to the start of the modern poll era in 1936. There are facts and stats in Stars that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. We have all heard about the legends; Jim Thorpe, Red Grange, the Four Horseman, etc. Stars sheds a new light on the legends of the Leatherhead era, by providing hard to find statistics on these players. I always figured in-depth statistics on these legends had been lost forever.
Don’t let the title fool you. Stars just doesn’t cover star players of the era. Stars has over 500 pages, and it never gets old or repetitive. Each page brings to life a mostly forgotten era of college football. Tex Noel has published hundreds of compilations on early national champions, early era polls, rule changes, rivalries, coaches, unusual games, unusual plays, etc.
Around sports research circles Tex Noel is known as the college football stat guy. His work is unprecedented, and Noel brought his best work forward for Stars. Noel is also easily accessible; he’s willing to share his interest in college football history to anybody, whether there in the media, or just an average fan. His passion for the game supersedes ego; a rarity in the field of sports research and writing.
For $9.99 you can buy an e-version of Stars that comes in .pdf format, or for $42 you can buy a hard copy. It all depends on your preference. I liked the e-version because it was easily searchable, and you can’t beat the price.
Stars is simply a one of a kind resource.
Andrew McKillop