Weather Getting Nasty Around USC

Coach Hackett:

It’s not the uninspired play against mediocre teams I question. Nor is it the mindless drive-killing penalties. Shoot, it’s not even the predictable play calling. I’ve come to accept that those things, much like Heisman trophies used to be, are our new tradition at USC. What I do have trouble understanding though is that there are over 200,000 kids playing youth soccer in the state of California, and we can’t recruit one of them to kick field goals?

John Robinson is UNLV’s problem now, let’s hope you’re someone else’s after this season.

JIM PATTON, Hermosa Beach

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Haven’t we already seen this pathetic script played out over the past 12 years at USC? Weren’t we supposed to have one of the top recruiting classes in the Pac-10? Weren’t we supposed to have a Heisman-caliber quarterback? Isn’t Sultan McCullough the fastest back in the history of the school? Weren’t we supposed to have one of the top defenses in the nation?

Well, guess what. Did somebody forget to tell Hackett that you have to have an offensive line that can block? Did he also forget that if your team piles up 100 yards in penalties instead of rushing yardage that you will lose to even the most pathetic opponents?

Get rid of Hackett and Mike Garrett. They have embarrassed our proud tradition enough.

MARC RICHES, Westlake Village

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You have to be impressed with the character of the athletes playing football at USC these days.

Even though they remain leaderless, underprepared, unmotivated, unfocused and mentally weak while consistently underachieving year after year, they still incredibly retain that certain air of superiority and self-esteem greater than all outdoors.

JACK VON BULOW, Temple City