Notes on a Scorecard - Sept. 10, 1991

It’s a sign of the times that one of the biggest sporting events of the century will become even bigger because one of the participants has been indicted on a rape charge. . . .

Look for pay-per-view TV sales for the Mike Tyson-Evander Holyfield fight Nov. 8 to go through the roof. . . .

USC-Penn State football games scheduled from 1995-98 have been canceled because of the Nittany Lions’ move to the Big Ten, but some Trojan fans are asking if it is too late to scrub the game Saturday night at the Coliseum. . . .

After its defeat by Memphis State, USC was dropped from the Associated Press rankings for the first time since late in the 1987 season. . . .

Steven Sample was a spectator at the Coliseum last Sept. 15 when the Trojans defeated Penn State, 19-14. He toured the campus in the morning and later said the atmosphere and school spirit that day were among the reasons he left the State University of Buffalo to accept the presidency of USC. . . .

The trade that brought linebacker Winston Moss from Tampa Bay for draft choices could turn out to be among the Raiders’ best. Moss, only 25, was an important part of the defense that held John Elway and the Denver Broncos to 13 points Sunday. . . .

The Phoenix Cardinals are delighted with their new defensive coordinator, Fritz Shurmur--and so are the Rams with Shurmur’s replacement, Jeff Fisher. . . .

Brief honeymoon: New York Giant Coach Ray Handley now is being criticized for more than his shirt. . . .

Biggest surprise of the season has been little running back Mark Higgs of the Miami Dolphins. . . .

The Houston Oilers are playing as well as anyone. . . .

Joe Montana and Phil Simms have been in the NFL since 1979 but never had a conversation until the opening Monday night of this season at the Meadowlands. . . .

Lou Holtz sent letters to all NFL teams, informing them that their scouts would be barred from Notre Dame practice sessions. . . .

University of Houston quarterback David Klingler can establish himself as a heavy favorite for the Heisman Trophy with a big, winning performance against Miami Thursday night in the Orange Bowl. . . .

The UCLA and USC opening home games outdrew those of the Rams and Raiders. . . .

If you watched Mississippi State upset Texas Saturday on TBS, you must still have cowbells ringing in your ears. . . .

The Washington Huskies appear to be stronger than last season, when they might have been the best team in the nation. . . .

In that promised overhaul of the Detroit Pistons, Darrell Walker, Orlando Woolridge, Jeff Martin and Brad Sellers have come and Vinnie Johnson, Tree Rollins, Gerald Henderson, Scott Hastings and James Edwards have gone. . . .

If there were a comeback-within-the-year award, Angel pitcher Jim Abbott, who has gone from 0-4 to 16-8, would be among the candidates. . . .

Wade Boggs didn’t get any of the Boston Red Sox’s 17 hits against Seattle on Sunday. . . . The Mariners are foolish to even think about firing Manager Jim Lefebvre. . . .

Doc Gooden’s shoulder surgery puts New York Met teammate Frank Viola in a great bargaining position despite Viola’s horrible second half and 12-14 record. . . .

The debate in Baltimore is whether to call the new stadium Camden Yards or Oriole Park. Actually, Babe Ruth Park would be a better choice. . . .

There is something strange about tight pennant races being determined by 40-man rosters after teams have played the first five months with 26-man rosters. . . .

Don’t forget the hitting of vastly improved former UCLA outfielder Shane Mack when you’re trying to figure out why the Minnesota Twins have the best record in the majors. . . .

Attendance figures in the American League, which include all tickets sold rather than the number of people at the ballpark, are deceiving this time of year. . . .

I don’t care what the record books will say, Harvey Haddix’s 12 perfect innings are still a no-hitter in my book. . . .

Ryan Sittler, son of Hall of Famer Darryl Sittler, is expected to be a first-round choice in next year’s NHL draft. . . .

This will be remembered as the Jimmy Connors Open, but the brilliance of Stefan Edberg in his U.S. Open championship victory over Jim Courier shouldn’t be overlooked. . . .

The picture of long jump record holder Mike Powell on the cover of Sports Illustrated was taken by photographer Mike Powell, no relation. . . .

Two years ago, fight publicist Bill Caplan weighed 205 pounds. Then he was reunited with George Foreman. Today, Caplan weighs 275.