Rey Maualuga has his own Heisman candidate
USC NOTES
The linebacker likes himself after dynamic performance against Ohio State.
On a night when quarterback Mark Sanchez passed for four touchdowns, USC linebacker Rey Maualuga was asked who should be the Trojans' Heisman Trophy candidate.
"You're looking right at him," Maualuga said.
In a game that featured several of college football's best linebackers, Maualuga shined brightest in top-ranked USC's 35-3 victory over fifth-ranked Ohio State on Saturday night at the Coliseum.
The senior from Eureka, Calif., made five tackles despite a broken right ring finger and made the most electrifying play of the night in the second quarter when he picked off a Todd Boeckman pass intended in the left flat and charged down the right sideline for a 48-yard touchdown.
Fellow Trojans linebacker Brian Cushing tied for the team lead with 10 tackles. Clay Matthews had six tackles, including a sack, and forced a fumble.
Ohio State's James Laurinaitis, the 2007 Butkus Award winner, had nine tackles. Teammate Marcus Freeman had seven, including the Buckeyes' lone sack.
Holding the line
USC defensive lineman Fili Moala, who had no tackles in the season-opening victory over Virginia, had four against the Buckeyes, including a sack.
"I took it personal for myself to come out here and really impose my will and do what I do best," Moala said. "And that's rushing the passer and stopping the run."
Wright choice?
Coach Pete Carroll defended his decision to play cornerback Shareece Wright even though Wright was charged last week with felony resisting a police officer in connection with a party that got out of hand over Labor Day weekend.
"With the information we have at this point . . . we'll just wait and figure it out," Carroll said. "I thought this was over. I thought it was a done deal."
Wright also expressed surprise that the San Bernardino County district attorney chose to press charges in the incident. He said only that when police responded to the scene, he went back into the house instead of leaving the premises.
The junior said he was initially worried about being suspended from the team and was thankful for Carroll's support.
"He knows who I am, what type of guy I am," Wright said. "People who know me know that isn't me."
On the run
Sophomore tailback Joe McKnight had the bulk of USC's carries, rushing 12 times for 105 yards before leaving in the third quarter because of what was announced as a migraine.
