Bruins and Trojans Can’t Let Go

The game is over, but the words continue.

USC and UCLA are still exchanging barbs, days after the Bruins’ victory at the Rose Bowl that extended their winning streak in the series to eight games.

Actually, they were exchanging them moments after the conclusion, Trojan Coach Paul Hackett telling his counterpart, Bob Toledo, that he was upset at the final play of the day, quarterback Cade McNown’s 23-yard run.

And UCLA, after saying the Trojans would be the best defense it faced all season, had a change of heart.

“No,” guard Andy Meyers said, “I think Cal’s was the best. They look a lot like Cal on film, but I don’t think they’re as physical.”

Hackett was irked by McNown’s sprint on third and nine at the Bruin 37. Instead of taking a knee to run out the clock, McNown faked a pitch to the left and ran right. According to Toledo, Hackett told him immediately afterward that he hoped McNown had done that on his own, and Hackett was clearly bothered about it later.

Said Toledo on Monday: “We threw six passes in the second half. And if he is concerned about that one play, he’s got a problem. That’s his problem. There’s a lot more plays he should be concerned about.”

For the record, Toledo said McNown “basically” did call the play on his own.