Robinson Goes for Tie and May Have Gotten More Than He Wanted

Let me see if I have this right.

Notre Dame plays Washington at Husky Stadium, scores a touchdown in the final minutes to pull within one point, gambles on a two-point conversion for either the win or the loss, makes it, and wins the game.

Southern Cal plays Washington at Husky Stadium, scores a touchdown with less than one minute to play to pull within one point, decides to kick the sure one-point conversion to tie the game, makes it and is satisfied with a tie.

I guess that is why the USC media guide says, “Don’t call us Southern Cal any longer.” They prefer to be called the Women of Troy.

RALPH J. NOVOTNEY JR.

Woodland Hills

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John Robinson, you have just tainted the heart and character of a gutsy Trojan team coming back from being down 21-zip. You have besmirched a great university full of winning tradition. There is no excuse for a USC team to go for a tie instead of a win. We leave that to Notre Dame when it played Michigan State several decades ago. There is something more important than money and making the correct intellectual Rose Bowl decision at stake. That something is called Trojan Pride.

LARRY HARRIS

Manhattan Beach

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Three years ago, John Robinson came to USC and promised a return to “smash-mouth football.” The Trojan running game is a disgrace and sister-kissing ties so we can back into the Rose Bowl are not my idea of a promise fulfilled.

BRUCE JAGAROSOVICH

Carson

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Tie on, for old SC,

We’ll tie the game, just wait and see.

Tie on for old SC,

Don’t go for two, a tie’s for me.

Tie on for old SC,

Men go for two, just ask Army.

Tie on for old SC,

Coach has no guts, nor much glory.

WOODY WALSI

Sierra Madre

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To Coach John Robinson, sincerest thanks for bringing USC football back from the brink of oblivion. Our latest setbacks are nothing more than an indication that there is room for improvement. At least people are saying USC football and national championship in the same breath. I never would have envisioned that USC would be at this level in less than three years since your return.

AL BERNSTEIN

Northridge