COLLEGE FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : USC : Robinson Looking for Defensive Help

A couple of weeks ago, John Robinson said he could form a media all-star team and, with two days’ practice, could score on his varsity defense on the first drive of a game.

The regularity with which opponents are scoring on their first or second possessions has Robinson’s entire staff stumped. Here’s how it has gone:

Washington, second drive: Two plays, 86 yards for touchdown.

Penn State, first drive: Five plays, 80 yards for touchdown.

Baylor, first drive: Six plays, 80 yards for touchdown.

Oregon, first drive: Eight plays, 43 yards, field goal.

Oregon State, first drive: Four plays, 79 yards, touchdown.

Stanford, first drive: Thirteen plays, 65 yards, field goal.

Penn State scored on its first three drives, Baylor, Oregon, Oregon State and Stanford on their first two. Yet USC is 4-2 and has outscored opponents, 54-39, in the second half.

Said Robinson: “I will accept any suggestions--written, fax, oral--anything for how we can stop teams on the first drive. I have no pride left, no ego, and I’ll take any suggestions.”

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For decades, California was dominated by USC and UCLA. From 1950-1989, it was a combined 12-67-1 against the Trojans and Bruins. But since 1990, Cal has posted a 6-2-1 mark against USC and UCLA.

A victory over USC Saturday at the Coliseum would give the Bears a season sweep of USC and UCLA for only the second time in 36 years.