USC loses a rivalry, but blame game still going strong

Bill Plaschke writes, “If the Trojans truly want to return to greatness, being selected for the CFP is the goal.

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USC and Notre Dame won't line up against each other next year as the rivalry game has been paused.

(RIC TAPIA Getty Images)

Not beating Notre Dame. Not even beating UCLA.” That's 100% wrong.As a USC alum (1965) and longtime fan, those are the only things that do matter. I have often said that if USC beats UCLA or Notre Dame, the coach deserves another season. To give up this grand tradition in pursuit of the arguably artificial and profit-driven CFP would be an unforgivable sin.

NOEL PARK

Rancho Palos Verdes

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So the Fighting Irish own a series edge of 53-37, have won 3 in a row, 7 of the last 8, and 11 of the last 15 games.

Yet 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 Tose highway!

JEROME M. JACKSON

El Segundo

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A USC national football championship without playing Notre Dame rings hollow — an asterisked title, a meal that never satisfies, a taste you can’t quite wash away. It may shine in the record books, but it will always feel unfinished to those who know what real college football tradition demands. Earth to Lincoln Riley: an undefeated season is still a loss without playing the Fighting Irish. What’s next? If UCLA becomes competitive, then there will be no crosstown game?

JEFF BLACK

Los Angeles

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