We Interrupt This Program . . .

After looking at the lists of which colleges have football Programs [“Getting With the Programs,” Aug. 26], I noticed a possible determining factor. Most of the college football “Programs” listed seemed to be those schools that have appeared in news stories within the last few years regarding athletes in trouble with the law or recruiting improprieties.

I guess this is called “a commitment to winning” in some alumni circles.

ANDREW OSHRIN, Long Beach

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I believe Purdue is a Program. Here’s why:

1. Griese, Dawson, Everett, Herrmann, Brees--the cradle of quarterbacks.

2. World’s largest bass drum.

3. Ross-Ade Stadium has never had artificial turf.

4. An ex-football player, Gene Keady, coaches the basketball team.

5. The block P was the first college marching band formation.

Syracuse, Ole Miss and Mississippi State are Programs? Give me a break. Syracuse plays indoors. As for the other two, Faulkner and cowbells? Come on, Chris.

MIKE ROEGER, Fort Wayne, Ind.

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Please get your facts right. UCLA never rented its former home stadium, the Coliseum, from its archrival for 50 years. The Bruins rented the Coliseum from the Coliseum Commission, the same organization that has rented the stadium to USC since the Trojans have played there.

BOB HEBER, Lake Forest