Trojans Taking a Hit on 21

Just when USC would like to forget the number 21 exists. . . .

California, here they come.

This strange trouble all started last season against the Golden Bears, when the Trojans blew a 21-point third-quarter lead in a 32-31 loss at the Coliseum.

The turning point occurred when a 58-yard touchdown run by Petros Papadakis was called back because of a personal foul committed by Larry Parker away from the play.

Now the Trojans have blown consecutive 21-point leads in losses to Notre Dame and Stanford.

That’s three botched 21-point leads in a span of 15 games.

With Coach Paul Hackett talking about searching for rabbits’ feet this week, maybe No. 21 Malaefou MacKenzie should choose another jersey while they’re at it.

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Cal is seeking to sweep the Los Angeles teams for the 11th time in history, and only the second time in the last 41 years--the most recent was in 1991. Cal beat UCLA, 17-0, on Oct. 16. . . . The Arizona State game Nov. 6 at the Coliseum will be a day game, with the exact kickoff time to be determined when television plans are completed next week.