Letters

Easy Does It

If your projections are correct (COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW, Aug. 20), USC will not play a single top 15 team this year. The Trojans' most feared opponent, Notre Dame, hasn't won a bowl game in 13 years. As long as teams are rewarded for wins over un-ranked opponents, the schedule will often determine who plays for the national title.
Robert Gallant, Midland, Mich.

Just hours after your preview issue hit the newsstands, Emmanuel Moody, one of the three USC tailbacks featured on the cover, announced that he was transferring to another school. Does this establish a record for the fastest jinx in SI history?
Steve Ross, Sherman Oaks, Calif.

I realize that your chart listing the top rushing tandems in college history, in your story on Darren McFadden (Best Back in the Land, Aug. 20), was limited to running backs. But it is worth noting that West Virginia quarterback Pat White (1,219) and running back Steve Slaton (1,744) combined for 2,963 rushing yards last season. Their total surpasses those of all the running back combinations on your chart except for that of USC's Reggie Bush and LenDale White in 2005.
Steven Z. George, Gainesville, Fla.

Joe Paterno must really want the alltime win mark. According to your rankings of 119 Division I colleges, Penn State this season will play the teams ranked 119th (Florida International), 118th (Buffalo) and 114th (Temple).
Paul Merkh Jr., Haddon Township, N.J.

There is a perception in college football that the Pac-10 is an inferior conference, consisting of USC and the nine dwarfs. Case in point: Your prediction for the Pac-10's in-conference record is a cumulative 41--49. Apparently SI thinks the conference is so bad that there will be four games in which both teams lose!
Rich Fong, Seattle

EDITOR'S NOTE: Also, the Big 12's cumulative in-conference record was predicted as 47--49. SI regrets the errors.

Switched Hitter

I enjoyed Richard Hoffer's essay on Rick Ankiel's transition from pitcher to every-day player (PLAYERS, Aug. 20). But even though Babe Ruth was the greatest player to make that switch, another Hall of Famer, with a connection to the Cardinals, might have been worth mentioning. Stan Musial pitched in the minor leagues before he injured his shoulder and turned himself into a first baseman and outfielder.
Don Volk, Jacksonville

Correction