The title refers to the fact that most of the Patriot League does not offer athletic scholarships to their players (a rarity in college sports).

Feinstein chose the Patriot League over the Ivy League (which also doesn't offer athletic scholarships) as the book's subject, because he felt the Ivy was well-known and wanted to focus on a league with less prestige.

The book is written in similar format to many of Feinstein's other season chronicles, such as "A Season On The Brink". It details the season, while introducing the reader to individuals who are followed more closely throughout the book.