Notes on a Scorecard - Nov. 23, 1994

It is remarkable how well the Notre Dame Fighting Irish perform for Coach Lou Holtz the week of the USC game, in his classroom and on the field. . . .

None has failed the quiz on the rivalry, according to Jerome Bettis of the Rams, who played for Holtz. . . .

And none has lost to the Trojans. . . .

“Every year, Coach Holtz gives the rookies a packet on the history of the USC series,” Bettis said. “Then they’re tested. Anyone who flunks the test isn’t supposed to suit up for the game, but it seems like everyone always passes.” . . .

As a freshman in 1990, Bettis passed with flying colors and then gained seven yards in his only carry in the Irish’s 10-6 victory over USC at the Coliseum. . . .

In 1991, he rushed 24 times for 178 yards and two touchdowns in a 24-20 victory at South Bend, Ind., prompting Trojan Coach Larry Smith to call Bettis the greatest college fullback he had seen. . . .

In 1992, he rushed 18 times for 89 yards and a touchdown in a 31-23 triumph at the Coliseum. . . .

In 1993, the only thing that stopped him from making it four in a row was the NFL draft. . . .

He bypassed his senior season and, as a 1,429-yard rusher for the Rams, split NFL rookie-of-the-year honors with his former Notre Dame teammate, quarterback Rick Mirer. . . .

“For me, the USC and Michigan games were always the biggest on our schedule,” Bettis said. “The rivalry with USC is tremendous. And I’m from Detroit and had to decide whether to go to Notre Dame or Michigan. Originally, I wanted to attend Oklahoma, but they were put on probation.” . . .

Since Holtz replaced Gerry Faust before the 1986 season, the Irish have extended their winning streak over the Trojans to 11 games. . . .

“Holtz is a great motivator and disciplinarian who wants things done his way,” Bettis said. “But USC’s talent is improving and Notre Dame’s is slipping.” . . .

So how does he see the outcome of Saturday’s game at the Coliseum? . . .

“Notre Dame by three points in a squeaker,” Bettis said. . . . *

Ram players have donated 250 turkeys to the Watts-Willowbrook Boys and Girls Clubs and another 250 to the Orange County Community Development Council Human Services Department. . . .

I hope Ahmad Rashad was just kidding Sunday on NBC when he said he didn’t know the Oregon fight song. . . .

Rashad, the former Bobby Moore, owns eight Duck pass receiving and rushing records. . . .

The Raiders’ newly versatile offense will be tested Sunday at the Coliseum by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who rank second in the AFC in fewest points allowed. . . .

Not unlike golf’s seniors, the women’s professional tennis legends tour that begins next year will have more big names than the regular tour. . . .

Arizona’s Martin Keino, son of Kip, the 1968 Olympic 1,500-meters winner, won the NCAA cross-country title. . . .

UCLA had a great recruiting year in track and field, perhaps the best in the nation for both the men’s and women’s teams. . . .

For the record: Jeff Fisher graduated from Taft High in 1976 and Kevin Kennedy in 1972. . . .

*

Forum Boxing vice president John Jackson disagrees with the World Boxing Council’s decision to ban WBC title fights in California until April because of the passage of Proposition 187. . . .

“We think that’s an improper way to protest,” Jackson said. “We’ll continue to invite Mexican boxers to fight here. It isn’t fair to deprive boxers of a chance to earn a living.” . . .

Forum Boxing is arranging the undercard for the Riddick Bowe-Larry Donald bout Dec. 3 at Caesars Palace. The main event will be televised by HBO, the earlier fights by Channel 9. Included is an attractive super-bantamweight bout between unbeaten Marco Antonio Barrera and former WBA bantamweight champion Eddie Cook. . . .

Gabriel Ruelas says, “My plan is to be one of the best 130-pound champions of all time, like Azumah Nelson.” . . .

Only two of the dozens of current world champions have fought in 15-round fights--WBC light-heavyweight Mike McCallum and IBF bantamweight Orlando Canizales. Four of George Foreman’s bouts were scheduled for that distance, but ended early. . . .

Lennox Lewis is expected to resurface early next year opposite Tony Tucker or Lionel Butler. . . .

Famous last words: The lettering on the robe of James Toney and the shirts of his handlers Saturday in Las Vegas said, “Losing Is Not An Option.” . . .

A hockey labor agreement that includes a salary cap has been reached--in the International Hockey League.