LA Times: Loss to Cal Remains a Burden to Leinart

By Gary Klein, Times Staff Writer
USC's Matt Leinart has only one blemish on his record as a starting quarterback, the Trojans' triple-overtime defeat at California two years ago. "That loss is always going to be with me," Leinart said Tuesday. In a few days, Leinart will return to Memorial Stadium as the Trojans try to extend their 31-game winning streak that began after the loss to the Golden Bears. Leinart, 34-1 as a starter, is a far different quarterback from the one who had three passes intercepted Sept. 27, 2003.
He also is statistically better than he was at the same point last season, when he won the Heisman Trophy. On the strength of three consecutive strong performances, Leinart has passed for 2,771 yards and 23 touchdowns with six interceptions. After nine games last season, he had passed for 2,068 yards with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions. "Everything about him is better. Every single aspect," Coach Pete Carroll said.
Leinart said his season turned on the Monday after the Notre Dame game when he unburdened himself of outside pressures and expectations. "I just kind of hung out and just kind of put things in perspective and said, 'You know, I only got so many more shots to do this, so I've got to take advantage of them,' " he said.
Leinart, who bypassed the opportunity to turn pro after last season, said he has started to realize that he is nearing the conclusion of his college career. "Every day, I try to soak something in and have fun with my team and coaches and be around here because I know it's coming to an end," he said. "But hopefully we can go out as winners like we have the last couple years."
Freshman linebacker Rey Maualuga did not attend practice after returning home to Northern California late Monday night to be with his father, Talatonu, who is gravely ill with cancer, Carroll said. Maualuga received an emergency call from home, went to the football office and left immediately for the airport, Carroll said. Maualuga also did not attend a practice two weeks ago so he could travel to Eureka, Calif., to be with his family. "I told him … this is way more important than anything else that's going on," Carroll said. Carroll said he did not know whether Maualuga would rejoin the Trojans in time for the game at Cal. "We'll just wait and see what happens," Carroll said.
The Los Angeles City Attorney's office is still awaiting a report from the Los Angeles Police Department regarding an incident in which Maualuga allegedly punched a man last week. Maualuga was arrested and booked on suspicion of misdemeanor battery. He is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 22.
Running backs Reggie Bush and LenDale White participated in most drills, but Carroll said both were "banged up," and would ease back to full speed….Linebacker Keith Rivers (hamstring) said he expected to receive clearance from doctors to practice today.