Wow, You Mean Trojans Once Beat Notre Dame?

So Brad Otton and USC are upset because the officials called his incomplete pass against Arizona State a fumble.

Gee, I can remember back in 1978 when Notre Dame was leading the Trojans, 25-24, with about a minute to go and a Paul McDonald fumble was called an incomplete pass. Three plays later USC won on a field goal.

Hey, what goes around comes around.

JOHN PAUL WHITE

Moreno Valley

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Before playing Arizona State, USC Coach John Robinson strongly emphasized the importance of the game with regard to the Rose Bowl race. With less than a minute to play and the score tied, 28-28, USC had a fourth down and less than a yard at the Arizona State 48. Rather than go for the first down, Robinson decided to punt and take his chances in overtime, even though his defense was noticeably fatigued. In overtime, Arizona State scored virtually at will. Robinson and USC got what they deserved.

JOHN HOUGH

Hawthorne

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I was always under the impression that The Times supported fair play and higher ethics. Not so--lately. Chris Miller’s conduct in the phony touchdown the Trojans were awarded against Arizona State left little doubt in one’s mind what his ethics are--he has none. It was as dishonest public behavior as I have ever seen. I am sure he has never heard of golfer Mark Calcavecchia.

And not a word of admission, criticism or admonition from your writer. Obviously they are of the same stripe.

R.V. JESSUP

Glendale

Editor’s note: Reader Jessup is mistaken. Earl Gustkey’s report of the game in last Sunday’s editions says, in part, “USC had made the score 21-14 early in the second quarter when two officials nearest the play awarded Chris Miller a 29-yard touchdown catch from Otton. Replays clearly showed he had dropped the ball in the end zone and caught it on the bounce.”

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The result of the USC-ASU game shows that even Sun Devils can come up smelling like roses.

LLOYD CLARK

Phoenix

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Wouldn’t you know it? This may finally be the year when USC beats UCLA and Notre Dame and it won’t mean a thing.

WALT McHUGH

Rancho Palos Verdes