Best hits of the year

Rey Maualuga and Lawrence Jackson punish ASU's Rudy Carpenter.

Last year's crushing hit by Rey Maualuga on UCLA's Patrick Cowan became a wildly popular YouTube video. This year, there've been a lot more bone-jarring clips by the Trojans' ruthless defense, and we thought you might enjoy some of the best available online.

Remember that not every clip makes it to YouTube (no good USC-UCLA ones have been posted yet, and there were a few that stood out), but if you know of any good ones missing from this list you can add a link in the comments. Also remember that not every network turns a blind eye to YouTube, so enjoy these while they last.

Rey Maualuga on Cal's Justin Forsett.

Shareece Wright pounds Washington's Jake Locker on the sideline. It was penalized for being out of bounds, but the video replay makes it clear he was right on the edge.

Taylor Mays denies Cal's Craig Stevens.

Shareece Wright T's up Idaho's Deonte Jackson.

Kevin Ellison lays the wood on Cal's Robert Jordan. You may recall Ellison's hit against Cal's DeSean Jackson last season.

Sedrick Ellis sacks ASU's Rudy Carpenter. The hit isn't punishing, but the play is notorious for a bogus unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of Ellis highlights on YouTube this year despite the fact that he's the best defender in the Pac-10 -- not even his sweet sack against Notre Dame. You can watch USC's promotional video for Ellis by clicking here, or see how badly he rattled Brady Quinn last year by clicking here [warning: expletive visible in link].

Comments

[Bobak]

Hey Adam, any word on why the Coliseum lights went out so early after the UCLA game? The band was still playing and I was just outside (only 20 minutes after the end of the game) when half the lights were turned off. Was this the Commission getting some revenge? I've never seen this happen before.