Perfect Rivals

by Jeff Carroll
Perfect Rivals cover
Good Books rating 4.25
History
Technical
  • ID: 5865
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780345523150
  • Publisher: ESPN
  • Published: 2010-08-31
  • Reviews: 3

Perfect Rivals delves into the storied rivalry between the Miami Hurricanes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish, two college football powerhouses with contrasting cultures. The book begins with Miami's dominant 58-7 victory over Notre Dame in 1985 and spans six years of intense competition, including three games with national championship implications. The rivalry was fueled by cultural tensions, epitomized by the controversial 'Catholics vs. Convicts' slogan, which highlighted the perceived differences between the two programs. Author Jeff Carroll provides a vivid narrative, focusing on key figures such as coaches Jimmy Johnson and Lou Holtz, and players like Miami's Steve Walsh and Notre Dame's Tony Rice. The book captures the drama, controversy, and excitement of this era in college football, offering a detailed and engaging look at the games and the personalities that shaped the rivalry.

Reviews
World of Books · 2025-10-24
Good 4.00

The book is celebrated for its action-packed narrative and the author's unique storytelling style, which blends hip hop horror, sci-fi, and fantasy elements. It's a book that stands out for its creativity and engaging content.

Jeff Carroll's Perfect Rivals is a book that stands out for its unique blend of genres and engaging narrative. The author's ability to weave together elements of hip hop horror, sci-fi, and fantasy makes the book a thrilling read. The action-packed narrative keeps readers on the edge of their seats, while the author's creative storytelling style adds a layer of depth and intrigue. The book is not just about the rivalry between the Miami Hurricanes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish; it's a journey through a world that is both familiar and fantastical. Readers who enjoy a mix of genres and a fast-paced story will find Perfect Rivals to be a highly enjoyable read. The book's creativity and engaging content make it a standout choice in the realm of sports literature.

Quick quotes

    Jeff Carroll is a writer and a filmmaker. He is pioneering what he calls Hip Hop horror, Sci/fi and fantasy. His stories always have lots of action and a ...

    College football is a sport of rivalries—and no two teams were ever more perfectly matched than the Miami Hurricanes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

    In fact, there were so many great memories in such a short time, a book was written about it - Perfect Rivals by Jeff Carroll (I've read it and ...

Goodreads · 2025-10-24
Great 4.25

The book is highly praised for its engaging narrative and deep dive into the historic rivalry, making it a favorite among readers. The majority of readers have given it high ratings, indicating its overall quality and appeal.

Perfect Rivals has garnered a lot of positive attention on Goodreads, with a significant number of readers giving it 4 and 5-star ratings. The book's engaging narrative and deep dive into the historic rivalry between the Miami Hurricanes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have resonated well with the audience. Readers appreciate the author's ability to bring the past to life, making it a compelling read. The book's popularity is evident from the high ratings and positive reviews, indicating its overall quality and appeal. It's a book that not only informs but also entertains, making it a great choice for football enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Quick quotes

    The book had me reliving a time in my life where I was a high school football player leaving JV games on Saturday morning and ...

    College football is a sport of rivalries—and no two teams were ever more perfectly matched than the Miami Hurricanes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

    In fact, there were so many great memories in such a short time, a book was written about it - Perfect Rivals by Jeff Carroll (I've read it and ...

Reading and Thinking Football · 2020-07-10
Excellent 4.50

The book provides a detailed look at the rivalry between Miami Hurricanes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane for football enthusiasts. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the history and culture of college football.

This book is a treasure trove for football fans, especially those who appreciate the rich history and intense rivalries of the sport. The author does an excellent job of capturing the essence of the rivalry between Miami Hurricanes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish, providing a nostalgic trip down memory lane. The book is not just about the games; it delves into the culture, the players, and the moments that defined these teams. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the history and culture of college football. The narrative is engaging and well-researched, making it a compelling read for both casual fans and hardcore enthusiasts.

Quick quotes

    The book had me reliving a time in my life where I was a high school football player leaving JV games on Saturday morning and ...

    College football is a sport of rivalries—and no two teams were ever more perfectly matched than the Miami Hurricanes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

    In fact, there were so many great memories in such a short time, a book was written about it - Perfect Rivals by Jeff Carroll (I've read it and ...

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