He’d Love an Interception, Without the Consequences

USC safety Kevin Ellison suffered a season-ending knee injury while intercepting a pass against Arizona State last season, but the sophomore says he finds no special significance in today’s game against the Sun Devils.

“It could have happened at any time against any team,” Ellison said this week.

Ellison’s interception a year ago is worth noting because it exemplifies what the Trojans have been missing the last two games.

USC trailed Arizona State, 21-3, at halftime but came back to take a 31-28 lead in the fourth quarter.

Arizona State was driving when Sun Devils receiver Derek Hagan leaped for a high pass over the middle. Hagan got his hands on the ball, but it fell toward the ground.

Ellison, who had dropped into zone coverage, raced toward the play and caught the ball, securing one of the Trojans’ five interceptions in a 38-28 victory.

“I’m going to use that example forever,” Greg Burns, then USC’s secondary coach, said after the game. “That’s what happens when you run to the ball.”

Ellison suffered torn knee ligaments on the play and had surgery a year ago this week. He was on the field for spring practice five months later and has been a solid performer for a defense that is intent on ending a turnover drought.

“We’re not concerned, but we’re aware we have to create more opportunities because you can cause sudden changes in the game,” Ellison said.

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USC fans might not savor last-second finishes with opponents on the brink of an upset, but Coach Pete Carroll apparently enjoys the experience.

“I’m a little stupid about it, but I like it,” Carroll said. “I think they make for good memories and it gives us things to talk about in the huddle in between big plays and timeouts in a manner to approach those situations with a philosophy that might surprise you

“There’s a lot that goes on there that’s pretty cool.”

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USC is 13-9 against Arizona State dating to 1978 when the Sun Devils joined the Pac-10. The Trojans have won six of the last eight games involving the schools. Arizona State’s last victory was in 1999 at the Coliseum.... USC has no players on its roster from Arizona. The Sun Devils have 43 Californians.... There will be a flyover by an Air Force F-117 jet during the national anthem.... The 2007 class of USC’s Athletic Hall of Fame will be introduced during halftime.

gary.klein@latimes.com