Is Time Running Out on USC’s Larry Smith?

USC’s Larry Smith could learn a lesson in clock management from Miami Dolphin Coach Don Shula. Shula showed his expertise by using his timeouts while his opponents, the Cleveland Browns, had the ball. This gave Dan Marino the time he needed to come back and win the game.

In more than five years at USC, Coach Smith has never used the clock properly. On countless occasions he has left the field with a handful of timeouts and no last-minute points.

It should have cost the Trojans the game against San Diego State, but, ironically, it helped them secure a tie. Maybe Larry Smith and Lou Holtz know something I don’t.

CHRISTOPHER WING, Pasadena