Letters to Sports: Playing the blame game in USC-Notre Dame debacle
Bill Plaschke writes: “If the Trojans truly want to return to greatness, the goal is to make the CFP. Not beat Notre Dame. Not even beat UCLA.” This is 100% false.
As a USC alumnus (1965) and long-time fan, those are the only things that matter. I’ve often said that if USC beats UCLA or Notre Dame, the coach deserves another season. Abandoning this great tradition in favor of a CFP, undoubtedly artificial and focused on profit, would be an unforgivable sin.
Christmas Park
Rancho Palos Verdes
A USC football national championship without playing Notre Dame rings hollow — a title with an asterisk, a meal that never satisfies, a taste you can’t quite erase. It may shine in the record books, but it will always seem unfinished to those who know what true college football tradition demands. Earth to Lincoln Riley: An undefeated season is still a loss without playing the Fighting Irish. What’s next? If UCLA becomes competitive, then there won’t be a crosstown game?
Jeff Black
Los Angeles
So the Fighting Irish have a 53-37 lead in the series, have won 3 in a row, 7 of the last 8 and 11 of the last 15 games. However, Bill Plaschke now claims that Notre Dame is running away from the series and is afraid of “Ole SC”. To paraphrase the late Jim Healy, Plaschke is on the Leonard Tose Highway!
Jerome M. Jackson
The Second
Notre Dame is the Burger King of college football – always in its own way. Backdoor agreements with the corrupt [CFP] From guaranteeing a playoff spot if they finish in the top 12 to refusing to join a conference so they can pocket all the bowl game money, the Irish are treated like college football kings. Glad USC told Irish toddlers they can’t eat ice cream for breakfast!
Mark S. Roth
Vista Beach
“USC and Notre Dame recognize how special our rivalry is to our fans…” A joint statement from the athletic directors of both schools. Really? Fake news!
Wayne Muramatsu
Cerritos
No USC-Notre Dame football game! Who’s next to be left off the Notre Dame football schedule, Navy? Oh wait, the Irish can’t afford to abandon the Navy. This could hurt their chances of making the playoffs.
Ted Bartscherer
Pasadena
