War As They Knew It by

The late 1960s and early 1970s were a time of profound upheaval in America, marked by the Vietnam War, racial tensions, and widespread protests. College campuses became hotbeds of activism, and two of the greatest football coaches of all time, Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler, found themselves at the center of this storm. Hayes, the archconservative coach of Ohio State, feared for America's future, while Schembechler, his protégé and rival at Michigan, sought to keep his team focused despite the distractions. Their rivalry, set against the backdrop of political and social turmoil, is a fascinating exploration of how two iconic figures navigated a changing world. Michael Rosenberg weaves together the stories of Hayes and Schembechler with the broader context of the era, revealing how their differing perspectives on politics and protest shaped their careers and their relationship. From Hayes's admiration for General Patton and friendship with Nixon to Schembechler's connection to President Ford, the book offers a unique lens through which to view the intersection of sports and history.

Reviews

Target · 2025-10-24

sobering 4.25

The book offers a sobering and fascinating look at two iconic coaches and a different generation. It is praised for its insightful portrayal of the era.

Target's review of 'War as They Knew It' highlights the book's sobering and fascinating portrayal of the rivalry between Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler. The reviewer appreciates the book's insightful look at the cultural and political upheaval of the time, providing a deeper understanding of the era. The book is praised for its ability to capture the intensity of the rivalry and the broader context in which it took place, making it a compelling read for those interested in sports history.

Quick quotes

War As They Knew It is a sobering and fascinating look at two iconic coaches and a different generation.

The book offers a sobering and fascinating look at two iconic coaches and a different generation.

It is praised for its insightful portrayal of the era.

Star Tribune · 2020-03-30

fascinating 3.75

The book covers the '10-year war' between Ohio State's Woody Hayes and Michigan's Bo Schembechler, providing a fascinating look at two iconic coaches and a different generation. It is recommended for sports enthusiasts.

The Star Tribune's review of 'War as They Knew It' emphasizes the book's coverage of the intense rivalry between Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler, which spanned a decade. The reviewer finds the book to be a fascinating look at two iconic coaches and the unique cultural and political landscape of their time. The book is recommended for sports enthusiasts who appreciate a deeper understanding of the historical context behind the rivalry.

Quick quotes

The book covers the '10-year war' between Ohio State's Woody Hayes and Michigan's Bo Schembechler.

It provides a fascinating look at two iconic coaches and a different generation.

The book is recommended for sports enthusiasts.

The New York Times · Jonathan Chait · 2008-11-21

compelling 4.00

The book provides a vivid account of the Michigan and Ohio State football rivalry during the Vietnam years, offering a unique perspective on the era. It effectively captures the intensity of the rivalry and the broader cultural context.

Jonathan Chait's review in The New York Times highlights how Michael Rosenberg's book 'War as They Knew It' vividly portrays the intense football rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State during the Vietnam years. Chait appreciates the way Rosenberg weaves the political and social unrest of the time into the narrative, providing a rich context that enhances the story. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling read that offers a unique lens through which to view the era, making it a standout for sports and history enthusiasts alike.

Quick quotes

Rosenberg's book is a vivid account of the Michigan and Ohio State football rivalry during the Vietnam years.

The book effectively captures the intensity of the rivalry and the broader cultural context.

It's a compelling read that offers a unique lens through which to view the era.

Appears in Lists

College Football: The 50 Greatest Books on the Sport