Letters

I doubt we could beat USC, Auburn or Oklahoma, but that's not the point. Utah may never again finish undefeated and win a BCS bowl game, yet all you found space for was a two-page photo (Leading Off, Jan. 10) of the offensive line warming up?

Scott E. Hockin, Sandy, Utah

During your excessive praise of the Trojans, you overlooked one of the best stories of the year: coach Kirk Ferentz's magic act with the Iowa Hawkeyes. Despite losing his top four running backs--and having his team suffer numerous injuries--he led the Hawkeyes to a share of the Big Ten crown and one of the great finishes in bowl history when Drew Tate threw a 56-yard touchdown as time expired to beat LSU in the Capital One Bowl. Maybe next season, with a healthy backfield and Tate not having to Flutie his way around the field, Ferentz and the Hawks will get the recognition they deserve.

Ryan Gerdes, DeWitt, Iowa

Anniversary Gift

What a wonderful surprise to open my mail box and find Sports Illustrated: Fifty Years of Great Writing which was sent to charter subscribers. My wife protested when I subscribed to SI; now I have to fight her over who gets to read it first.

Wesley E. Rich II, Gainesville,Va.

Heir and Space

I loved Steve Rushin's paean to his new baby daughter, Siobhan (Air and Space, Jan. 10). I remember how his love letter to his then new bride, Rebecca Lobo, turned me to mush. Should Siobhan inherit her mom's athletic skill, I'm betting her nickname will be Sha-Boom!

Mary Bilinkas, Chandler, Ariz.