If books are always better than their movie counterparts, you’ll want to read this novel written by a Lakewood neighbor about the “Game of the Century” between Arkansas and Texas.
The book, “The Big Shootout: The Untold Story of the Game of the Century,” celebrates 150 years of college football and 50 years since the game was played Dec. 6, 1969, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. During the matchup, No. 1 Texas overcame a 14-0 deficit and beat No. 2 Arkansas 15-14.
As an Arkansas alumna, who wasn’t even alive when this game was played, it still hurts to think about the loss. But with new stories from Bill Clinton and Arkansas coaching legend Frank Broyles, I think I can stomach reading about the team’s defeat.
For you Texans, narrative accounts about Longhorns coach Darrell Royal are also included.
Author and Lakewood neighbor Mike Looney adapted the book from his 2013 documentary “The Big Shootout: The Life and Times of 1969.” While shooting the film, which won first place for best sports documentary at the Hot Springs Film Festival, Looney kept a diary and captured the unique stories of players, coaches and dignitaries involved in the game.
The book includes a DVD of the documentary, which has a never-before-seen interview with Broyles. In the only interview he gave on the game, Broyles reveals the real reason Arkansas left the Southwest Conference to join the Southeastern Conference.
“The Big Shooutout” is available as an e-book on Amazon, and hardcover copies can be pre-ordered for delivery this fall.
