This Time, Magic Words Fail McKay

It seemed appropriate that John McKay, the former successful USC coach, would talk to the team before Saturday’s game with Notre Dame.

McKay had the knack of beating the Irish, winning here in 1967, 1971 and 1975, and getting a tie in 1969.

Now an executive with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, McKay said he told the USC players that the Notre Dame game is one they’ll remember long after their playing days had ended.

McKay, of course, had no inkling of what was to come, a 37-3 thrashing by the Irish. He might have said later, “You can forget this one, fellows.”