Notes on a Scorecard - Jan. 1, 1996

I thought Zack Crockett had about as much chance as Davy Crockett or Sonny Crockett to run wild for the Indianapolis Colts against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. . . .

Thumbs up to Indianapolis Coach Ted Marchibroda, a gentleman who won a lot of friends in L.A. when he served on George Allen’s Ram staff from 1966-70. . . .

One reason the Colts ended the long postseason road losing streak of domed stadium teams is that they were able to perform in balmy San Diego. . . .

It sure beats having to play in Buffalo in December. . . .

Seven Super Bowls have been played in domes, but none has involved a dome team. In fact, no dome team has played in a Super Bowl. Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington was Minnesota’s home during its four Super seasons. . . .

Look for the Detroit Lions to make a bid for Northwestern Coach Gary Barnett. . . .

Teams that pass 66 times, such as Miami against Buffalo; 54 times, such as Atlanta against Green Bay; 52 times, such as Detroit against Philadelphia; or 46 times, such as San Diego against Indianapolis, usually are eliminated from the NFL playoffs. . . .

Green Bay and Philadelphia were impressive winners, but San Francisco has won its last six second-round playoff games by an average of 24 points and Dallas its last three by an average of 20. . . .

Lambeau Field in Green Bay has more of a college atmosphere on Sundays than any other NFL stadium--including the Carolina Panthers’ 1995 home at Clemson. . . .

The Eagles gained 37 more yards on pass interceptions than the Lions, who have Barry Sanders, did rushing. . . .

NBC commentator Paul Maguire belongs in the first-down measurement guessers’ wing of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. . . .

I can do without the inevitable camera shots of cheeseheads at Packer games. . . .

Look-a-likes: Former USC Trojans Mike Holmgren and Craig Stadler. . . .

Controversial Miami linebacker Bryan Cox, who was protected on the sideline, could have used a couple of bodyguards on the field in Buffalo. . . .

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If you like USC and, or, Oregon today, consider that the Pacific-10 Conference is 0-3 in bowl games this season and has been outscored by 47 points. . . .

When John Robinson talks about USC returning to early-season form, he means the NCAA record-low turnover pace the Trojans were on after six games. . . .

Keyshawn Johnson should hope that he doesn’t get too many chances to return kickoffs against Northwestern. . . .

It’s refreshing that the Rose Bowl has continued to flourish without corporate sponsorship. . . .

Anyone who picks against Lou Holtz when he is an underdog, is asking for it. . . .

Despite the presence of three service academies, the Notre Dame schedule wound up as the toughest in the nation. Irish opponents were 67-37-5 during the regular season. . . .

I’ve seen telethons that didn’t last as long as the Orange Bowl halftime show. . . .

Nebraska, which is capable of killing the clock with its running attack, should be able to extend its bowl winning streak to two over Florida in the Fiesta. . . .

Commentator Terry Donahue was too low key during his debut on CBS’ Sun Bowl telecast. Some of his observations were on the mark, but he needs to show more enthusiasm and humor. It didn’t help that the game, Iowa over Washington, was a wipeout. . . .

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Who thought the Phoenix Suns would be starting the new year with a losing record?. . . .

Or that Cleveland guard Bobby Phills would score 43 points in a double-overtime victory over Portland, Danny Ferry would make important three-point shots in each overtime period, and the Cavaliers would win 15 of 20? . . .

Still, the Chicago Bulls might win their division by more games than the Cleveland Indians did. . . .

It hasn’t happened often, but North Carolina lost in basketball and won in football on Saturday. . . .

Unbeaten 3-year-old filly Exotic Wood not only is unbeaten in five starts, she has been ahead at every call. . . .

The Dodgers, who still need a left-handed starting pitcher, should be aware that there are a couple in the next county who remain open to offers. . . .

Excuse of the week: After losing to Massachusetts at Honolulu, some USC players complained that the injury that took Minutemen All-American center Marcus Camby out of the game early ruined the Trojans’ game plan.