Letters

Trojan Missteps

I knew it would be painful to read how my Buckeyes got demolished by USC, but when I opened the magazine, the first picture I saw was Mark Sanchez throwing a pass while a USC lineman practically tackles an Ohio State rusher (35--3 for USC [D�j� Vu for OSU], Sept. 22). The next picture showed USC linebacker Rey Maualuga running back an interception for a touchdown—with his foot clearly on the sideline paint. Come on, USC didn't need any more help!
Chip Thomas, Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas

Austin Murphy wrote of the Trojans, "If these guys could avoid nodding off against the Stanfords and the Oregon States of the world, they'd be dangerous." This was a week before USC fell to Oregon State. Talk about clairvoyance.
Dave Ornauer, Okinawa, Japan

A New Wrinkle

Your article on Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden, Never Can Say Goodbye (PLAYERS, Sept. 22), was exactly right. Neither has a life beyond football, and they are too bullheaded to let go of their jobs. I would suggest they each schedule a meeting with John Wooden.
Ralph S. Brax, Lancaster, Calif.

You made a big deal out of the off-the-field problems of some of the Penn State players. But Paterno's willingness to suspend or cut players who misbehave is a positive thing, unlike the boys-will-be-boys attitude that some other coaches might take toward similar behavior.
David C. Klein, Cherry Hill, N.J.

Take away Bobby Bowden's 31 wins at Division I-AA Howard College (now Samford University), which are counted in his career wins total, and there would be no competition for the Division I alltime wins lead. If that were the case, everyone would be a winner. Florida State and Penn State could move their programs forward, and Bowden and Paterno could spend quality time with their grandchildren.
Joe Doney, Jacksonville

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