Pac-10 in need of bailout plan

Rumors continued that the NCAA had devised a bailout program for the rapidly weakening Pacific-10 Conference that would have the league’s various flowerhouses taken over by the more solid Mountain West Conference. Or perhaps by the Ivy League.

The calamity suffered by USC against Oregon State proved the wisdom of UCLA’s marketing slogan: “The football monopoly in L.A. is officially over.” Yes, the new power in town is Occidental (2-0), which just notched a 38-28 win over the men of Menlo College.

USC hasn’t played Oxy since 1934 and it’s easy to see why. The Trojans obviously haven’t gotten over some of the beatings they suffered against the Tigers, including shutouts by Oxy in 1895, 1903 and 1905.

Elsewhere, Rutgers (1-3), San Diego State (1-3), Florida International (1-3) and the University of Texas at Overthrown Paso (1-3) all recorded victories, ending their dreams of winless seasons.