Trojans’ Opening Victory Not All That Controversial

Chris Dufresne is off base with his article advising Coach Paul Hackett: “Don’t Delay, Name Palmer the Starter” [Aug. 31]. The kid was only three for six passing and replays of the game show he was lucky with two of the three.

Palmer’s 42-yard pass to Parker was short. A better defender--and we’ll see plenty after the next two games--would have either blocked or intercepted the pass.

If Palmer is indeed the future, give Hackett an opportunity to see more of the kid in action during the next two games. Naming him the starter now could adversely affect the Trojans’ season. Failure against San Diego State would have a rippling effect on the rest of the schedule. We need wins. We don’t need a quarterback controversy.

MITCHELL LANE

La Canada

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Who can really hack it? It’s apparent that J.A. Adande [“This Game Plan Has a Few Flaws”] and Chris Dufresne have some difficulty with success.

In the face of a truly heated game--118 degrees on the playing field--our reporters focus on what aspect of the victory? A self-inspired, so-called “quarterback controversy!”

Other choices? The incredibly effective effort of the defense in holding Purdue scoreless in the second half; the steadiness of the offensive line and successful running game; the physical, mental and spirited attitude of the players--the results of a successful coaching staff. All far more worthy of their attention and focus.

We don’t need “issues-oriented” stories on the sports page. Enough already of the opinions! Leave that to the Washington pundits who opine about that with which we already have sufficient disgust.

JOHN GRANDE

Glendale

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Last weekend, the television cameras proudly showed the thermometer on the field at the Coliseum, which registered in excess of 115 degrees. Oddly enough, no one even hinted at the obvious. Giving it the old college try, having school spirit or even winning one for the Gipper should not include putting one’s life at risk.

Will one of our young athletes have to die before universities accept their responsibility in providing a safe environment in which to play one of this country’s most violent games?

It’s time to stop scheduling early season games in the heat of the day.

Being rated first in the nation, and receiving television revenues, are both reasonable goals. However, the pursuit of these objectives can be obtained without knowingly scheduling games in such a way as to jeopardize the welfare of our 20-year-olds.

Muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness, headaches, vomiting and IVs at halftime are all serious warning signs. What were the team physicians doing in the face of such obvious medical symptoms? This game gave new meaning to the term “boilermaker.”

RICHARD S. DIAMOND

Santa Monica

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Hey, Trojans: Did you notice we got top billing in The Times on Monday on the sports page? Of course, it was Monday--a slow news day--and UCLA did not play over the weekend, and we did not have any NCAA action of note for The Times to expand upon. Still, let’s enjoy it while we can, because it won’t last.

I can see the headline in November now: “Bruins lose to cross-town rival!”

ROBERT SWANSON

Newport Beach