Hit still resonates with some

Several images from UCLA’s upset victory over USC two years ago are painfully etched in Trojans fans’ memories.

Bruins quarterback Patrick Cowan scrambling for long first-quarter gains. Linebacker Eric McNeal tipping and then intercepting a fourth-quarter pass. The final score, 13-9, glowing on the Rose Bowl scoreboard.

On the positive side, few will forget the bone-crunching fourth-quarter hit that USC linebacker Rey Maualuga put on Cowan, an image that has seemingly been replayed endlessly on television and the Internet.

“People will send it to me on my e-mail, and say, ‘Hey, check this out,’ ” Maualuga said this week. “Like I haven’t seen it a million times.”

Maualuga began collecting what is expected to be a haul of postseason awards and recognition on Thursday when he was announced as a member of the American Football Coaches Assn. All-America team.

“It’s overwhelming,” Maualuga said, adding, “It’s not all about me. My teammates and the guys pushing me,” also deserve recognition.

Maualuga, a 6-foot-2, 260-pound senior from Eureka, Calif., has a team-leading 68 tackles and also has two interceptions for the fifth-ranked Trojans, who conclude the regular season against UCLA on Saturday at the Rose Bowl.

Maualuga vividly recalls leveling Cowan two years ago. The third-down play occurred with about six minutes left as Cowan ran to his right toward the Trojans’ sideline. Maualuga crashed into Cowan in a helmet-to-helmet collision.

“I had to put it on myself to make something happen,” Maualuga said.

Cowan, who sprung to his feet without hesitation, this week declined to comment on the play.

“Hats off to him,” Maualuga said, recalling Cowan’s resiliency after the play. “Nothing against him. It was just a hit.”

Quick kicks

Safety Kevin Ellison (knee) completed the full practice and said he would play against UCLA. Coach Pete Carroll said a decision on whether Ellison might start ahead of Will Harris would be made at game time. . . . Fullback Stanley Havili, still nursing two sprained ankles, practiced and said he would play.

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gary.klein@latimes.com