A Tough Loss for USC, in Quite a Few Ways

Rodney Peete’s feeble performance against Notre Dame probably shattered his prospects of winning the coveted Heisman. But it wasn’t his fault.

His supporting cast, especially the offensive line, was also culpable. The same is true of the architects of the game plan. Peete is most effective when the opposition doesn’t know whether he is going to pitch out, pass or run. Yet there wasn’t one quarterback draw by the Trojans, virtually no option plays and few rollouts.

Were the coaches trying to conserve Peete’s energy--in view of his previous illness? And how much did the shoulder injury hamper him in the second half?

SHELBY SANKORE

Phillips Ranch