The Game

It was November 1967. That's the earliest I can remember choosing to be contrary with a group of people just to ensure a diversity of views. It's also when I fell in love with USC Trojan Football. I was eight years old. With the exception of one well to do graduate of SC, everyone else who lived in our neighborhood considered themselves "gutty little bruin" fans. That was the year both teams came into the game undefeated and ranked 1 & 2 in the country. USC was coached by John McKay and UCLA by Tommy Prothro. The big stars were Gary Beban for the Bruins and OJ Simpson for the Trojans. While Beban went on to win the Heisman Trophy that year, Simpson and the Trojans won the game, breaking the hearts of the Bruins, and everyone else in our neighborhood with a 67 yard touchdown run late in the second half. It was beautiful. Last Saturday I was reminded of that as I watched the annual renewing of what is known in Los Angeles as "The Game." For the uninitiated, if you are a Trojan fan, there are not a lot of things better in life than watching a USC tailback, (take your pick... mike garrett, oj simpson, clarence or anthony davis, charles white, ricky bell, marcus allen, lendale white, reggie bush) run through, over, and around the UCLA Bruins. As I watched Reggie Bush, I was amazed. You had the feeling he could go for a touchdown every time he touched the ball. The guy is an incredible college running back. Time will tell whether he has what it takes to make it in the pros. But like most other phenoms, Reggie could not do it alone. He needed help. And he had plenty. A Heisman Trophy winner at quarterback, great receivers, a strong defense, and an awesome offensive line. One of the truisms about great football running backs is that they need a great offensive line. That usually means big, fast...and unknown. For USC those are guys like Fred Matua, Ryan Kalil, and Taitusi Lutui (seen here). Guys that clear out the opposing defenses and open big holes to run through. These are the men in the trenches. I like guys in trenches. They have been the backbone of our country, steelworkers, miners, mechanics, millworkers, shipbuilders. Guys whose hands show the scars of life. They are the behind the scenes, unnoticed, I've got your back, get 'er done folks. Brown bag guys. People you turn to when you have a job that you need to finish and you know they will come through for you. Who are the guys in trenches for you? Think about it. dave Final Note ~ As a big fan of PAC-10 Football over the years, I am amazed that the league has no team playing this year in any major bowl game other than the Rose Bowl. When a team like Oregon can go 10-1 and not get a chance to play in one of those games, something is wrong. The commish of the league needs to get out there and get the league some better exposure. Maybe the Cotton Bowl is ready for a change.