Ayanbadejo Makes Name for Himself

Calling it “definitely the best game of my life,” linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo on Saturday recorded four sacks, most by a Bruin in a little more than four years, to lead the defense that harassed USC into five fumbles and two interceptions.

The Bruins had six sacks in all during the 34-17 victory at the Rose Bowl, Ryan Nece and Anthony Fletcher getting the others.

The showing by Ayanbadejo, a senior facing the Trojans for the last time, was the best in that regard since Donnie Edwards had 4 1/2 on Sept. 10, 1994, against Southern Methodist. The other showing came right after the game, when a shirtless Ayanbadejo faced the stands and broke out a muscleman pose, biceps flaring.

“Our whole defense was fired up,” cornerback Marques Anderson said, “but Brendon especially.”

It was tough not to notice.

“I don’t know if this is the most hyped up I’ve ever been for a game, but it’s the best I’ve ever played,” Ayanbadejo said.

“I feel so good about this game. Every sack I got, I got right to the quarterback because I beat the man in front of me. Not because the coach called a stunt or something. Because I actually whipped the man in front of me.”

*

Tackle Brian Polak, a question mark all week because of a sprained ankle and knee, not only started against the Trojans but played the entire game. “The training staff did a great job,” he said. “I was practically living in there the last few days. [The leg] was still hurting a little bit, but nothing like it was Monday.”