Notes on a Scorecard - Sept. 3, 1991

How do you like the football season so far? . . .

I could understand USC losing to Memphis State--in basketball. . . .

Of course, Trojan Coach Larry Smith always has trouble with MSU, whether it is Michigan State or Memphis State. . . .

The failure of the USC offense in the second half with redshirt freshman Reggie Perry at quarterback and injured Mazio Royster not at tailback was easier to fathom than the collapse of the highly regarded defense, which allowed a 97-yard touchdown drive. . . .

Curtis Conway has to be used more. He is explosive enough to return a kickoff 100 yards--only to have it nullified by one of the Trojans’ many penalties--but was ignored on offense until called upon to run a flanker reverse with only nine minutes remaining. . . .

This was a much easier opening game for Memphis State than last year when it was tied by Arkansas State , 24-24. . . .

USC finally has someone who can kick off into the end zone, freshman Cole Ford, but he may not get too many opportunities this season. . . .

Best thing about the game for the Trojans was that it wasn’t on live TV. . . .

It’s up to UCLA against Brigham Young Saturday in the Rose Bowl to prevent the first opening-game sweep of the four major Los Angeles pro and college football teams. . . .

Maybe the Indianapolis Colt management should make Eric Dickerson angry again. The new, happy Dickerson gained only 64 yards in 15 carries against the mighty New England Patriots. . . .

The finger pointing and jiving of the Ram defense Sunday wasn’t typical of a John Robinson-coached team. . . .

With a (Joe) Bugel and a (Tom) Tupa, the Phoenix Cardinals figured to make some noise. . . .

The Raider secondary looked awfully slow--or was it that the Houston Oilers were awfully fast? . . .

The Raiders should blitz more often. . . .

The wit of Pete Axthelm was missed Sunday. . . .

Rare admission from Miami Dolphin Coach Don Shula: “I haven’t spent enough time saying thank you to the good ones.” . . .

Brad Daluiso didn’t play high school football, kicked for one year in junior college after playing soccer, made the UCLA team as a walk-on, wasn’t drafted by the NFL, signed as a free agent with Green Bay, was traded to Atlanta and kicked a field goal for the Falcons’ only points against Kansas City Sunday. . . .

Without Barry Sanders, the Detroit Lions’ offense is zero. . . .

Former Ram Gaston Green rushed for 116 yards on opening day for the Denver Broncos--and didn’t fumble. . . .

The most unusual thing about Randall Cunningham’s knee injury is that it wasn’t sustained on artificial turf. . . .

Troy Aikman was terrific against the Cleveland Browns, but we’ll know more about him Monday night when the Dallas Cowboys play host to Washington. . . .

The New England Patriots have equaled their victory total of 1990. . . .

Attention Houston Cougar Coach John Jenkins: Joe Gibbs showed class by having his quarterback sit on the ball in the last couple of minutes of the Redskins’ rout of the Lions. . . .

Florida State does everything in a big way. The Seminoles had a punt return for an apparent touchdown against Brigham Young nullified because of three clipping penalties. . . .

Three of the top six in the Associated Press poll are from Florida. . . .

Grass course specialist Tight Spot answered the questions about his ability to go a distance by running the final quarter in 23 2/5 on his way to victory in the 1 1/4-mile Arlington Million. . . .

What can anyone do at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics as an encore to the 1991 track and field World Championships? . . .

Among those rooting the hardest for Bob Johnson after the removal of his brain tumor are Bob Miller and Ira Fistel, who announced hockey games at the University of Wisconsin when Badger Bob coached there. . . .

Between USA network and CBS, are you getting enough U.S. Open tennis? . . .

If the Angels are trying to impress their new manager, it isn’t very noticeable. . . .

Detroit Manager Sparky Anderson says the tight defense of his infield is being overlooked. . . .

The disintegration of the American League West pennant race should help the Toronto Blue Jays, who play their last 23 games against teams from that division. . . .

Of the AL West also-rans, Seattle has the most incentive--the first winning season in the history of the franchise. . . .

It’s amazing that the Tigers and Oakland Athletics were able to squeeze in 10 innings in less than five hours the other day?