USC’s Rey Maualuga conjures memories with hit

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USC linebacker Rey Maualuga landed one of the most memorable hits of his career two years ago when he crashed into scrambling UCLA quarterback Patrick Cowan with a helmet-to-helmet hit that elicited sympathy moans from fans and television announcers.

It was late in the game so I was standing on the sideline where the collision occurred. I could not believe that Cowan popped to his feet as if nothing had happened. I marveled again this week when I watched the play on YouTube (check it out below).

On Saturday, Maualuga zeroed in on UCLA quarterback Kevin Craft in almost the same location, but this time he delivered the hit late, after Craft completed a pass.

Craft was down momentarily, but he too got to his feet.

USC was assessed a 15-yard penalty, on top of the eight-yard gain.

-- Gary Klein