This is in response to Robert Thomas' letter "Weak Big Ten competition may still mean bowl game," Sept. 12.

That is the most ridiculous statement I've heard in years. The Notre Dame loss was to a non-conference opponent with the only negative effect being on our poll ranking. The BCS Championship Bowl game may be out of the question, but the Rose Bowl is there for the taking with improved offensive line play and fewer costly mistakes. The hope is still there.