5 best college football books to help fill your sports void

3. Overtime by John U. Bacon

Many of our books on this list focus on the game of football as a whole, as writing from a broader spectrum can be easier to appeal to a larger audience and indeed a very diverse audience, of college football fans.

That said, John U. Bacon took specific scope to a new level when he narrowed in on Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh in Overtime. Bacon gained access that is nearly unprecedented in the football world, especially for a head coach such as Harbaugh, and a program such as the Michigan Wolverines.

Overtime follows the team through the ten-game winning streak that saw the Wolverines jump to No. 4 in the nation back in 2018, providing insider information on the mechanics of a successful football program, and what really makes them stand out.

Bacon takes readers inside every aspect of the Michigan football team from in-depth coverage of closed-door players-only meetings to meals and classes. Fans of the college and professional game will recognize some of the book’s subjects, including stars like Rashan Gary, Devin Bush Jr. and many more.

It doesn’t stop at the stars and starters though. The book also delves into the second-stringers, their players and families as well.

Like a few books on our list, Overtime is a story that focuses on the human side of the game and what collegiate players, coaches and staff go through every day. It’s a look inside at the triumphs, the trials and the conquerors who get over them and those who don’t.

This book provides details, depth and focus like potentially none of the others on our list can offer. It’s an impressive look at the program and well worth a read.