19th Hole: The Readers Take Over

ICE BREAKERS
Sirs:
Congratulations to Mark Mulvoy on his analysis of the new season (Hockey 1973-74, Oct. 22). I was very happy to sec that we agree on the best team. The report on the Montreal Canadiens should set the Boston and New York hopefuls back where they belong. Even with the loss of three superstars, the Habs are still No. 1. Thanks for straightening things out.
JACK MORRISON
Lynn, Mass.

Sirs:
Buffalo and Detroit in a battle for fifth place? Toronto and Detroit maybe, but not Buffalo. The Sabres are going to be No. 1 this year, and their only battle will be fighting off the fans after they win the Stanley Cup. Toronto is improved, but not enough. The Maple Leafs will have to go a lot farther than Sweden to find a goalie as good as overweight Roger Crozier or a line as good as the French Connection. You're going to cat your words about the Sabres, believe me.
D. TUTKO
Buffalo

Sirs:
Shame on Mark Mulvoy! His article on Bobby Clarke was most interesting and his predictions may be right, but let's give credit where credit is due. In analyzing the Buffalo Sabres, Mulvoy makes no mention of Don Luce, who is one of the hardest workers on the team and centers one of the most effective checking lines in the NHL—Luce, Craig Ramsey and Larry Mickey (now injured). They certainly were part of the reason Buffalo had the third-fewest goals-against last year.
R. R. BEDNAREK
Depew, N.Y.

Sirs:
Thanks for the tine articles on Bobby Clarke and the Flyers. Finally the Western Division teams arc challenging the East for the treasured Stanley Cup. The Broad Street Bullies arc off to a superb start toward establishing themselves as a top contender for the cup. The goals arc pouring in and the defense has been almost impenetrable.
STEPHEN D. HALLOWELL
Jenkintown, Pa.

Sirs:
Let's have some stories (or at least one) on the amazing Atlanta Flames. They have beaten Boston and Montreal. This year or next they will take it all.
ROSE NELSEN
Hamilton, Ontario

RANK BREAKERS
Sirs:
John Underwood's article And the Meek Shall Inherit...(Oct. 22) was terrific. I am glad that someone finally has pointed out the power of Missouri, although its upsets of SMU and Nebraska, along with its 6-0 record, speak for themselves. Al Onofrio has done a good job of building Missouri into a powerhouse, in the Big Eight and in the country.
MARK MILLER
Woodridge, Ill.

Sirs:
It came as a welcome surprise to read in SI of the magnificent job Pete Elliott has done in bringing Miami swiftly to the top. While in junior high school I was fortunate enough to be associated with Mr. Elliott, playing on the local football team with one of his sons. I heartily agree that he has "a touch of class."
PETER B. FOX
Menlo Park, Calif.

Sirs:
In reference to the remarks about Miami Fullback Woody Thompson in John Underwood's excellent article, my son played against Woody in high school in Erie, Pa. Woody weighed 215 pounds at the time, and Pat 185. Pat successfully blocked Woody, who was then playing tackle, three out of four times, but Woody creamed Pat on the fourth. In response to an inquiry from his coach, Pat was unknowingly prophetic when he said, "Against him, Coach, three out of four isn't bad. Play the films of the first three very slowly."
BERNARD QUIN
Willingboro, N.J.

Sirs:
Miami came up with a fortunate victory over Texas, but the Hurricanes ran into trouble when they faced a tough Houston team. The Cougars beat them decisively 30-7. Watch for Houston on Jan. 1.
JAMES BRAUN
Houston

THE SECOND TEN
Sirs:
Week after week you print articles about college football teams and yet you continue to overlook the best team in the nation. Ohio State is rated No. 1. Ohio State also has Archie Griffin, the most consistent runner on any winning high-ranked team. He presently is listed among the top five in the nation in rushing.
TIM KEARNS
Columbus, Ohio