Notes on a Scorecard - Dec. 2, 1991

Now John Robinson knows how the Oregons, California and Washington State felt when they played his USC teams. . . .

It was only a matter of time before the Washington Redskins would overpower the Rams Sunday at Anaheim Stadium. . . .

CBS commentator Merlin Olsen on his old team: “The Rams expected to lose.” . . .

Perhaps only the Phoenix Cardinals have less of a home-field advantage than the Rams do at the Big A, which sounded like RFK West. . . .

Blue-and-gold banner hanging from the upper deck above the north end zone: “Please Georgia Sell The Team.” . . .

Oh well, at least Tony Zendejas is still perfect. . . .

Scott Davis of the Raiders is making some of the most important blocks of field goal attempts since Bill Russell of the Celtics. . . .

The Raiders will need to rediscover any semblence of a passing attack Sunday when the opponent is Buffalo, not San Diego or Cincinnati. . . .

Eric Dickerson’s importance to the Indianapolis Colts cannot be understated. . . .

Jerry Glanville has helped to turn one of the dullest teams in the league, the Atlanta Falcons, into one of the most entertaining. . . .

The New York Giants should walk out on Ray Handley. . . .

Put aside an hour or two this week to digest all the NFL playoff possibilities. . . .

There should be fewer prevent defenses and more two-minute offenses. . . .

If Mike Morgan signs with the Chicago Cubs, as expected, the Dodgers probably will go after Frank Viola or Tom Candiotti. . . .

It is possible that the Dodgers will have the best outfield and the worst infield in the National League. . . .

Instead of Kal Daniels, how about Chris Gwynn at first base? . . .

Those who still rave about Eddie Murray’s defense have long memories. . . .

Lou Piniella points out that the Reds led the league in home runs last year and only 11 of them were hit by Eric Davis. . . .

Say what you want about Andre Agassi, but he was the only American who came through in the Davis Cup finals against France in Lyon. . . .

Yannick Noah for captain of the year. . . .

For decades now, we have been hearing about how the United States will be the next great power in soccer. Well, it has happened. In women’s soccer. . . .

The Skins Game is the best gimmick in sports. . . .

Of course, John Daly would be worth watching at a driving range. . . .

Simon Brown had flu, but it is doubtful that any healthy welterweight could have stayed with aggressive, accurate-punching James (Buddy) McGirt Friday night in Las Vegas. . . .

Michael Nunn still has the talent to beat ordinary fighters. Whether he has the work habits and determination to beat good fighters is questionable. . . .

The Lakers’ nine-game winning streak, which began after the announcement of Magic Johnson’s retirement and one defeat, should be remembered as one of the most improbable in NBA history. . . .

Who was the last Laker to wear No. 32 before Magic? Cazzie Russell, who was given the number after he gave up his No. 33 to newly acquired Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1975. . . .

News item: Larry Krystkowiak, Moses Malone, Alvin Robertson and Dale Ellis are fined by the Milwaukee Bucks for missing practice Nov. 29. Reaction: Did those who showed up get a bonus. . . .

Nevada Las Vegas beat Louisiana State Saturday, but favored Tark The Shark finished third in the sixth race at Hollywood Park. . . .

Like many coaches, LSU’s Dale Brown does a better job with ordinary players than with talented ones. . . .

If you need a mind-reader, contact the NHL, where the basis for most suspensions is whether the guilty party displayed an intent to injure. . . .

I thought the Kings would be putting their hockey sticks to better use this season. . . .

Wearing an eyeshade, Steve Spurrier looks more like a golfer than a coach on the Florida sidelines. However, there are few, if any, better college coaches. . . .

As Notre Dame discovered, there are more enjoyable ways of spending a Saturday night in Honoulu than playing football against the University of Hawaii. . . .

Of Miami’s Orange Bowl opponent, Coach Dennis Erickson said: “Nobody beats Nebraska decisively.” On Sept. 21, Washington beat Nebraska, 36-21.