Can Bruins Even Defend Themselves?

With his team trailing by 11 points at halftime, ABC reported that Karl Dorrell was “optimistic and encouraged by his team’s performance.” At game’s end, the Bruins had committed four turnovers, given up 429 yards rushing and lost by the same 11 points.

I am reminded of the man who fell from the top of the Empire State Building. On the way down, someone shouted to him, “Are you OK?”

He replied, “I’m great so far.”

Ken Haymaker

Woodland Hills

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Maybe Cal State Northridge and UCLA should trade mascots this year because those defenders in the powder blue uniforms are certainly the best Matadors in town.

Larry Yells

Hermosa Beach

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UCLA picked up right where it left off last year. But hey, just because it suffered another defeat due to miscues, dropped passes, inexcusable fumbles, and inexperienced players doesn’t mean that they can’t play with the big boys deeper into the season ... the high school season.

I’m sorry, that’s a slap in the face to the high schoolers.

What in the world were the Bruin players and coaches doing within the blue walls of Spaulding Field last spring and during the dog days of summer, playing bid whist?

Mark J. Featherstone

Windsor Hills

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As a Bruin and a Democrat, I don’t know what frightens me more: The prospect of four more years of George Bush or four more years of Karl Dorrell.

Look for Michael Moore’s new film: “Fahrenheit 2-9.”

John C. Germaine

Tucson

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I am a devoted citizen of the Trojan nation. With USC off for a week, I kicked back to watch the UCLA and Notre Dame games. Sadly, what should have been an enjoyable day for me, as both teams lost their openers, turned sour.

By the fourth quarter of the UCLA game, I actually felt pity for the poor, befuddled Bruin faithful. I remember the pain of the Paul Hackett era at USC -- and the grim years that preceded it. Don’t lose faith, gutty little Bruins. Dorrell will be fired in a year or two and then only three years or so of rebuilding, and you’ll be back. Fight on!

John Smart

Los Angeles

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After seeing one or two defensive series by the Bruins against Oklahoma State, why would Larry Kerr wait until halftime to put eight or nine players in the box? Hello, McFly, is anybody home?

I thought giving up my season seats on the 40 several years ago when Bob Toledo was coach was difficult, but now just watching on TV hurts.

Dan Griffith

Stateline, Nev.

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I believe the UCLA defense got a bum rap. The Bruins held Oklahoma State to three points in the second half. The offense scored only three points in the second half. The defense learned something. The offense didn’t.

Had the offense done its job, the defense would be looking OK.

Dick Sorenson

Tarzana