Notes on a Scorecard - Oct. 24, 1994

How wacky was the Saints’ 37-34 victory over the Rams on Sunday in New Orleans?. . . Jim Everett wasn’t mentioned until the 15th paragraph of the Associated Press’ game story. . . .

Everett’s spot of revenge was lost in the commotion over kickoff returns for touchdowns of 92 and 98 yards by teammate Tyrone Hughes, a 98-yard run with a fumble by the Rams’ Toby Wright, and something really bizarre, a 103-yard punt return by the Rams’ Robert Bailey. . . .

The day after USC’s Cole Ford put nine consecutive kickoffs into the California end zone and had none returned, Hughes was able to take advantage of the new NFL rules that work against the kicker. . . .

NFL Films will have a treasure in the clip that shows Bailey coming out of the end zone and running the length of the field untouched while the Saints, who thought the punt had been whistled dead for a touchback, strolled to their bench. . . .

Perhaps Everett, who had a pretty nice day staying on his feet and throwing the ball, will get a little more attention when the Saints play the Raiders Nov. 20 at the Coliseum and the Rams Dec. 4 at Anaheim Stadium. . . .

In recording their first Coliseum victory of the season, the Raiders were unusually efficient against Atlanta. . . .

They didn’t commit a turnover after their first scrimmage play and were penalized only 31 yards, compared to 70 for the Falcons. . . .

About all the coach, Art Shell, and the quarterback, Jeff Hostetler, appeared to exchange on the sidelines were handshakes. . . .

The play calling was the Raiders’ best this season and their new starter at tailback, Hundred-Yard Harvey Williams, had his workload increased. . . .

If you are a believer in the law of averages, the Denver Broncos’ narrow victory over the San Diego Chargers didn’t come as a surprise. . . .

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John Robinson tried to downplay USC’s victory over Washington on opening day. . . .

“We’re not a good team right now,” the coach said Sept. 3. “I think we will be in November.” . . .

The Trojans appear to be a trifle ahead of schedule, having devoured California, 61-0, on the third Saturday of October at the Coliseum. . . .

Their next game is in November--on the 5th at Pullman against Washington State after taking a week off. . . .

The most remarkable statistic of a young team that is becoming more efficient every week is that it hasn’t committed a turnover in the last 15 quarters. . . .

Now for the quarterback situation. . . .

If it’s a controversy, it’s the kind that most coaches would like to have. . . .

Rob Johnson probably will start against Washington State--remember, his injured ankle will have an extra week to heal--but Robinson won’t hesitate to summon Brad Otton again if necessary. . . .

Otton, the sophomore transfer from Weber State, has shown uncommon poise and a strong, accurate throwing arm the past three games. . . .

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The Pacific 10 Conference race that appeared to be narrowing down to Arizona and Washington State now includes USC and Oregon. . . .

The Trojans and Ducks must be encouraged by the way UCLA’s Wayne Cook was able to pass against the Desert Swarm defense in Tucson. . . .

In fact, the Bruins would have been competitive down to the wire if their secondary hadn’t broken down on some key third-down situations. . . .

Getting his kicks was UCLA punter Darren Schager, who averaged 48 yards on seven punts and kept pinning the Wildcats deep in their territory. . . .

Pac-10 Game of the Week: Arizona at Oregon. . . .

Wisconsin, which lost to Minnesota, has gone from one of the most surprising teams in the nation to one of the most disappointing. . . .

Don’t expect Scott Bentley, the Florida State kicker who appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated before he ever played in a college game, to make any magazine cover again. . . .

Colorado running back Rashaan Salaam has moved to the head of the class of Heisman Trophy candidates, at least for the moment. . . .

Funny, but Ohio State Coach John Cooper, who poured it on against Purdue, never seems to get the opportunity against Michigan.