Notes on a Scorecard - Oct. 20, 1994

John Robinson smiled and jotted down the suggestion from a couple of sportswriters. . . . “Have players shadow box in dressing room like fighters so they will work up a sweat and be ready for the first quarter.” . . .

The USC coach said he might as well try it before the California game Saturday at the Coliseum because nothing else has worked. . . .

The Trojans’ last five opponents have scored a touchdown or field goal on their first possession and the other, Washington, got a touchdown on its second possession. . . .

USC has been outscored, 71-40, in first quarters despite compiling a 4-2 record. . . .

“I have absolutely no explanation for it,” said Robinson, whose 1993 team outscored opponents, 90-52, in first quarters. “We’re just trying not to make it into something bigger than it is.” . . .

Robinson can’t say enough good things about the recent play of his All-American tackle, Tony Boselli. . . .

“Boselli is playing as well as anybody I’ve ever been around,” Robinson said. “He has taken his game up a notch. He reminds me of Jackie Slater, a good tackle who became a great one.” . . .

Athletic Director Mike Garrett has this banner displayed above the entrance to Heritage Hall: “GEORGE OLAH Nobel Prize Winner FIGHT ON!” . . .

It was an emotional time Tuesday at Heritage when Coach George Raveling spoke to the Trojans’ basketball news conference on a speaker phone from USC University Hospital, where he is recovering from serious injuries suffered in an automobile accident. . . .

“The response has been incredible,” Raveling said. “I’ve gotten more than 400 floral displays, plants and fruit baskets. They’re not even sending them up to the room now, they’re keeping them refrigerated downstairs. I also have received more than 4,000 cards and letters.” . . .

“I was in intensive care one day when I woke up and saw (Georgetown Coach) John Thompson. He had flown all the way out here to see me. I wasn’t supposed to have visitors, but I guess the security guard was afraid to say no to him.” . . .

Raveling said he wanted to thank all the people who have tried to lift his spirits. . . .

He also said how much he missed the sportswriters and began to cry. . . .

*

Penn State quarterback Kerry Collins is that rarest of species--a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate who isn’t getting hyped enough. . . .

In leading the top-ranked Nittany Lions to six consecutive victories, he has completed 88 of 130 passes for 1,451 yards and 14 touchdowns. He has thrown only three interceptions and is No. 1 in the NCAA Division I-A passing rankings. . . .

But another member of the Penn State backfield, tailback Ki-Jana Carter, has received more publicity than Collins. . . . Kerry is one of five Nittany Lions named Collins. Included are brothers Aaron, Jason and Phillip Collins. . . .

Clearly, Gary Bettman and Bob Goodenow hate negotiating sessions as much as Richard Ravitch and Donald Fehr. . . .

I didn’t realize how much I missed hockey until I watched those Kings’ playoff games from 1993 on Prime Ticket. . . .

USC forward Lorenzo Orr is engaged to Lisa Leslie, the former Trojan All-American center who is playing pro basketball in Italy. . . .

Ivy League schools don’t award athletic scholarships, but Pennsylvania might have the nation’s best backcourt in Jerome Allen and Matt Maloney. . . .

The UCLA men’s and women’s teams will make their first public appearance Nov. 6 on Family Day at Pauley Pavilion. . . .

The Clippers lead the NBA in one department--luncheons. The one at Anaheim recently was a sellout and there will be another Nov. 9 at the Biltmore. It’s co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Sports Council and L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce and tickets are still available. . . .

*

As long as Roberto Duran (94-10) keeps fighting opponents like Heath Todd, his victim in the sixth round on Tuesday, it won’t be long until the four-time world champion gets his 100th victory. . . .

Davey Lopes deserves a chance to manage in the major leagues. . . .

Fred Claire should re-sign third baseman Tim Wallach, who had a terrific season for the Dodgers. . . .

Aqueduct drew only 6,695 fans on opening day Tuesday and concern is being expressed for the future of the racetrack in New York. . . .

If I’m staging a World Cup or an Olympic Games, I want somebody from L.A. running it. . . .

Rice’s victory over Texas proved that anything can happen in college football on any given Sunday.