Northwestern: No Hay, but It’s OK to Bet Farm

When Michigan beat Ohio State, putting Northwestern in the Rose Bowl, I told myself that USC would drop from a 21-point underdog to a 14-point underdog. Imagine my surprise to read that USC is a four-point favorite! This is a team whose best games were a come-from-behind tie against Washington and a one-point victory over Stanford, while Northwestern was defeating Notre Dame, Michigan and Penn State.

If I were a gambling man, I would take Northwestern and the four and bet the farm.

GARY A. ROBB

Los Angeles

*

Some years back, when Northwestern was in the depths of its humiliation, John Robinson, whose Trojans were awaiting the outcome of the Michigan-Ohio State game to see who their Rose Bowl opponent would be, was asked who he would rather play.

His response: “Northwestern.” This was a cheap shot at a fine school hopelessly overmatched in athletics, and some of us have long memories.

Well, John, here come the Wildcats. Your wish has finally come true.

Hope you choke on it.

JIM LEE

Redlands

*

Dear Jim Murray,

A friend of mine sent me that sarcastic column you wrote to Northwestern Coach Gary Barnett. Cute, real cute.

You call Northwestern the Harvard of the Hayfields. I hate to be the one to break the news to you, but Northwestern is located in Evanston, Ill., and the nearest hayfield is about 30 miles from campus. Invest in a map.

But what can we expect from someone who probably thinks Michigan is in the middle of an arbor?

BILL CORCORAN

Chicago