COLLEGE FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : USC : Salmon Was Ready to Kick

Coach John Robinson, talking about strong safety Mike Salmon, the backup kicker who made field goals of 36 and 38 yards last Saturday against Washington State:

“Here’s a guy who hasn’t kicked since high school, and he couldn’t wait to get in there and kick. If it was me, I’d have been scared to death. Saturday, he wanted to go to the Coliseum at 3 and start practicing.”

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Robinson, on the new NCAA rule prohibiting players playing to the crowd with demonstrations such as end zone dances:

“I’ve always believed that a demonstration in the end zone is a selfish act. To me, making a great play and looking at your buddies, that’s great. (My problem is with) the guy who turns to the crowd like he’s just killed the bull, particularly when he hasn’t done a thing all day.

“Most of the great players have dignity about them, whether it’s Joe Montana or anyone. They get excited, but they’re not ridiculous.

“They put in a rule, but they made the penalty way out of line. It’s 15 yards, and that’s game-changing. The NFL made it a five-yard delay of game, and that’s more appropriate.”