The road to a USC National Championship just got a little more interesting.
Mark Sanchez, the front-runner to replace John David Booty as the head quarterback of the Trojans had to be carted off the field yesterday during practice.
Sanchez fell hard on his left knee and had to be helped off before x-rays could be taken. Results of these x-rays are not yet known.
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Interestingly enough, second on the depth chart for USC at the QB position is former Arkansas Razorback signal-caller Mitch Mustain.
Mustain, as you may recall, left the SEC school rather disgruntled that he was not given the opportunity he believed he was owed.
After going 8-0 as a starter as a true freshman, Mustain was relieved by Casey Dick and only played one series in the last four games of the regular season.
Mustain was frustrated with the lack of playing time and sought a team built on passing where he may have an opportunity to compete.
Well, if Sanchez is on the shelf for any significant period of time then all eyes will be on the former high-school Gatorade National Player of the Year.
Mustain debuted in college football, ironically, against the Trojans of USC in a 50-14 loss.
USC opens its season in Charlottesville, Va. against the Cavaliers on August 30th.
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3 months ago
Mustain left Arkansas because he thought he'd play in the Gus Malzahn offense. Malzahn, remember, was his high school coach and an expert in a pass-oriented, no huddle system. Nutt hired him as OC before the 2006 season, and many thought it was a move to ensure he got Mustain and WR Damian Williams to stay in state.
Instead, he played in a slightly-changed version of the regular old run-heavy Houston Nutt offense where the more experienced RBs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones got the spotlight.
Mustain actually has more game experience than Sanchez does, but it was all in a drastically different offense. He may not know the Trojans' offense as well, but the bright lights won't faze him.
I'm not a USC fan, but here's hoping it's nothing serious for Sanchez and he makes a full recovery. Injuries suck.
from 3 months ago
Mustain would still be at Arkansas if...I won't go there, but so many of the media accepted the spin given out by the PTB trying to save face at his former University. Many in Arkanas followed the events surrounding MM's transfer and are convinced that this young man will reap success because he has been tested and chose the high road when others placed blame and lied. A healthy Mitch will win over his critics and play at the next level.
3 months ago
This will be interesting. If Mustain gets to begin the season as the starting QB and then proceeds to have the record he had as a starter at Arkansas (8-0 which given it's USC is not unlikely), he may take the job and keep it for the rest of his career. It would be ironic as it looked like he made a really bad decision to go there when he was named number 2 of the depth chart in the spring. This will be quite the turnaround if it happens that way.
from 3 months ago
It was more a case of Darren McFadden was 8-0 with Mustain handing off to him than the other way around in 2006, but I understand your point.
from 3 months ago
Agreed David, just look at Mustain's stats those games, not impressive.
3 months ago
I'm hoping he's fine, but inside I'm jumping up and down...we get USC early in the season, even if it's only a sprain and he's out for 4-5 games, that's both OSU games! Could be a changing of the guard in the Pac-10.
3 months ago
Its almost like his injury is scripted, Mitch Mustain is Pete Carroll typical pro style qb. USC's opponents probably had a better chance against Sanchez. I think was only a matter of time before Mustain took over anyway.
from 3 months ago
A matter of time? Not sure if you have seen how the fall camp practices and scrimmages have gone without Sanchez, but lets just say that difference between Sanchez and the other QB's is drastic. Corp has out performed Mustain, even wide rec. converted to 3rd QB for practice reasons is doing better than Mustain. People give the kid way too much credit for 8 games that McFadden won, its crazy! I like all of our QB's, but sometimes I feel like I am the only one who is honest about there performances. USC NEEDS Sanchez to make a run for the NC.
3 months ago
He dislocated his kneecap and starts re-hab on Monday. Sounds like pretty good news, considering what could have been. (ie, ACL)
3 months ago
This put a really really damper mood on my day.
Although I have faith in Mitch, and know personally that he has the charisma to lead USC to a great season, I think Sanchez would have been awesome.
I do not like this mix up so close to the season. It is my senior year and i really want another National Championship, but I don't want to get greedy.
3 months ago
I wish Mark Sanchez a speedy recovery for the Ohio State game. If Ohio State beats USC without their #1 QB, they won't get any credit by the critics.
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