Maualuga expects reversal of fortunes

Beneath Heritage Hall, at the end of a hallway adorned with images of USC’s All-American football players, a huge aerial photograph of the Rose Bowl is plastered to the wall.

“OWN THE ROSE BOWL” is emblazoned above the photo that was shot during the 2004 Rose Bowl game between USC and Michigan.

USC has not followed the directive in its last two games at the venerable stadium, losing to Texas and this year to UCLA.

But after the Trojans completed a rain-soaked workout Saturday, sophomore linebacker Rey Maualuga eyed the photo with determination to end the two-game streak when USC plays Michigan in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day.

Maualuga played in the 2006 Rose Bowl game against Texas two days after his father, Talatonu, died following a long battle with cancer.

“It sort of had an effect on me -- not a whole lot but it did,” said Maualuga, who made only one tackle in the Trojans’ 41-38 loss to the Longhorns. “I’ve learned to put that issue aside coming into this game.”

This season, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound Maualuga has worn eye black during games with the acronym “RIP” and the word “DAD.” He said he would honor his father privately Friday -- his father’s birthday -- and also Jan. 2, the one-year anniversary of his death.

In between, Maualuga said he intended to help the Trojans finish the season on a winning note.

“I know he’s going to be up there watching and that will make it special,” he said.

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The Trojans donned full pads for the first time since their 13-9 loss to UCLA and seemed to revel in the opportunity to scrimmage, especially in a downpour.

“That is a little different from what we’re used to,” receiver Patrick Turner said. “I’m used to the rain, coming from Tennessee, but I’ve never seen it rain like this out here.”

Coach Pete Carroll said the Trojans had intended to run 30 plays at the end of the workout, but eclipsed that number over the course of two drills.

“It’s always good to work in these conditions because you never know,” he said.

The Trojans are hoping that the rain did not cloud the perception of 11 recruits, four from out of state, who attended the workout as part of their official visits this weekend.

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Carroll said the first five bowl workouts were especially productive for freshman running back Allen Bradford and freshmen receivers Vidal Hazelton, David Ausberry and Travon Patterson, who worked extensively with the first-team offense.

“Now we switch gears,” Carroll said.

After taking today off, the Trojans will begin daily workouts that will mimic an open-week schedule. USC will be off Dec. 23-25 before returning for its final six practices.

gary.klein@latimes.com