Bill Plaschke writes“If the Trojans really want to get back to greatness, their goal is to be in the CFP. Not beating Notre Dame. Not even beating UCLA.” This is 100% wrong.
For the 1965 USC graduate and longtime fan, that's all that matters. I've often said that if USC beats UCLA or Notre Dame, the coach deserves another season. To abandon this great tradition in pursuit of a perhaps artificial and profit-oriented CFP would be an unforgivable sin.
Noel Park
Rancho Palos Verdes
A USC football national championship without the Notre Dame game rings hollow—a title with an asterisk, a meal that never satisfies, a taste that can never be completely washed away. He may shine in the record books, but to those who know what the true traditions of college football require, he will always seem unfinished. Earth to Lincoln Riley: An undefeated season is still a loss without a game against the Fighting Irish. What's next? If UCLA becomes competitive, will there be no intercity games?
Jeff Black
Los Angeles
As such, the Fighting Irish have a 53-37 series advantage and have won 3 games in a row, 7 of their last 8 and 11 of their last 15 games. However, Bill Plaschke now claims that Notre Dame is running away from the series and is afraid of Ole SC. To paraphrase the late, great Jim Healy, Plaschke is on the Leonard Tows Highway!
Jerome M. Jackson
Second
Notre Dame is the Burger King of college football and always gets what it wants. From backdoor deals with corrupt officials [CFP] by guaranteeing a playoff spot if they finish in the top 12, or refusing to join a conference so they can pocket all the bowl money, the Irish are treated like college football royalty. I'm glad USC told Irish kids they can't eat ice cream for breakfast!
Mark S. Roth
Beach view
“USC and Notre Dame understand how special our rivalry is to our fans…” Joint statement from the two schools' athletic directors. Really? Fake news!
Wayne Muramatsu
Cerritos
No USC-Notre Dame football game! Who will be cut next from Notre Dame's football schedule, Navy? Oh wait, the Irish can't afford to give up the navy. This could hurt their chances of making the playoffs.
Ted Barcherer
Pasadena
