Letters: Lane Kiffin might not want to read this

Although the Washington State loss is bitterly disappointing for the USC faithful, in the long run, it may be a positive step in the right direction because it revealed, in unequivocal fashion before a large home crowd, the epic failures of Lane Kiffin. In an era dominated by the spread offense created by Chip Kelly, Kiffin clings helplessly to his laminated play chart like a deer in the headlights.

The contrast between Kiffin, who has handcuffed the offense, and Clancy Pendergast, who has unleashed a revitalized, monster defense, could not be more startling. Repeatedly getting the ball to Marqise Lee on a reverse, or sideline or swing pass, so that he can try to single-handedly to beat the other team’s defense, is no more likely to be successful than Kobe Bryanttaking over a Lakers game and trying to score one on five against the opponent.

Tom Lallas

Los Angeles

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With the New York Yankees’ season nearing its end, their public-address announcer, L.A. native Paul Olden, should hurry back to his hometown to reprise his iconic moment from 35 years ago and ask USC football fans, “What is your opinion of Kiffin’s performance?” Their response will make Tommy Lasorda’s look decorous in comparison.

Doug Thomson

West Los Angeles

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In the aftermath of Saturday’s stunning home defeat, the Trojans purportedly held a players-only meeting to clear the air (which may or may not have occurred, depending on whom you believe) even though Lane Kiffin flat-out rejected the idea, claiming, “those never work.”

Well, I have news for you, Coach: Neither do bubble screens!

Steve Ross

New York

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I was thinking of changing from DirecTV to cable so I could get the Pac-12 Networks. Now I’m thinking seeing less USC football may be better. Thanks, DirecTV.

Michael McDonald

Arcadia

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It’s becoming very obvious to many USC fans that there are only two people who believe that Lane Kiffin is a really good coach: Kiffin and Pat Haden. The rest of us are left to wonder how many losses will it take before Haden makes a real decision on the future of USC football?

Joe Martinez

El Segundo

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Being unable to pick a quarterback isn’t Kiffin’s problem. Being a quarterbacks coach with two talented players both utterly lost at the position is. Haden’s plan — to let Kiffin reap the disaster he’s sown before leaving — seemed brilliant. But the price for USC may just be too high.

Craig Tepper

Santa Monica

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Can someone explain to me how a head coach can be “completely shocked” by a passing attack when he’s the one calling the plays? This “passing attack” consisted of 21 passes with none over 19 yards. Kiffin must be in total denial. It is the darkest time in my 52 years of following USC football.

Gary Cocayne

Santa Monica

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Don’t blame Lane Kiffin for punting with six seconds left in the first half. It was his plastic card that told him to do it.

Terry Foley

Norco

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Lane Kiffin has done the impossible. He has succeeded in making Ted Tollner look like an exciting football genius.

Mark Lewis

Sherman Oaks

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After seeing Lane Kiffin’s sideline demeanor, he makes Karl Dorrell look positively dynamic.

Al Herbert

Glendale

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I have never felt more angry as a Trojans fan. Not because of the bad play-calling, but because of the booing “fans.”

Nice job of freaking out our team and our future recruits.

Torrie Rosenzweig

Los Angeles

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I agree with Mr. Livdahl’s suggestion in last week’s letters that USC hire North Dakota State Coach Craig Bohl. Coach Bohl does appear to be a more creative and interesting coach, who gets the most out of a small-school roster.

As an NDSU grad, I just had to point out that this football powerhouse is located in Fargo, not Bismarck. Fargo is located 200 miles east of Bismarck, a short 21/2-hour drive (no traffic in North Dakota).

Rod Tahran

Manhattan Beach

No time to rest

Why rest players when they play at home? Let them rest on their time and go to the stadium to play. The Dodgers should’ve swept the Diamondbacks, need to sweep the Giants, charge into the playoffs, and let their opponent in the World Series know “We’re here.” But play like they played last night and they don’t pass Go.

Damiana Chavez

Los Angeles

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How did the Dodgers lose three in a row to Cincinnati? Oh, that’s right, the Reds are a good team with a winning record. They are quite different than the dregs upon which the Dodgers have been bottom feeding during their “historic run.” The Dodgers will no doubt win the NL Worst, but the playoffs are more than likely going to be a totally different story. So I wouldn’t get too arrogant and annoying, Dodgers fans, at least not any more so than most of you already are.

Howard Helveston

Fullerton

Sour science

With all the gnashing of teeth, publicity and expenditure of money by the NFL because of the proven danger of concussions, to sanction, publicize and hype the so-called “sport” of boxing is not only ludicrous but immoral.

Boxing is, I believe, a contest in which the aim is to cause unconsciousness by concussion.

The most important thing Bill Dwyre, the L.A. Times and all newspapers can do is not print one word about boxing.

Arthur A. Fleisher II

Northridge

Bolted

New coach, new offensive coordinator, a new, invigorated Philip Rivers, but, ultimately ... same old Chargers. Leave it to that same old motley crew to blow a 28-7 lead and snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

Just when us Chargers fans thought it was safe to.... Oh well.

Rick Solomon

Lake Balboa

A thank-you KISS

Thank you! Here I am starting off my morning with the usual worries about paying the rent and kids’ eduction and Syria, and then this.

I had to laugh out loud at the mere thought of Tim Tebow playing for the very guys that brought you such hits as “Strutter” and “Room Service.” Love him or hate him as a player, Tebow is the guy you want your daughter to bring home. The “possibilities to make millions” in the Arena Football world (sorry, let’s have some respect for the old AFL and not use that label here) is just comical.

Jeff Heister

Chatsworth

It’s OK in OC

What four words do Orange County sports fans most want to hear right now?

a) Mike Scioscia is fired

b) The Rams lose again

c) Goalies and skaters report

Andrea Wastri

El Segundo

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Wow. The Angels dip into the Salt Lake roster and go 15-5. Maybe they should have gone to Plan Bee a lot sooner.

Glenn Doggrell

Irvine

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