Spring Break CA-RI

I am in sophomore in college and planning a road trip with my two friends for spring break. I was wondering what is the best way to plan a trip from West to East coast for the last week in March. We have about 8-9 days, and want to take the southern route, down to LA then through Nevada, Texas, Mississippi, Atlanta, then up I-95 back to Providence, RI. Has anyone done a southern route from Cali to the East Coast? Once we get to the east coast it isnt a problem since we can just take 95 up. Any one have any suggestions about the best way to plan this? Any information would be helpful.