Mark Sanchez Will Start for USC; Aaron Corp is Number 2

The quarterback competition is finally over at USC—temporarily final.  Pete Carroll said Mark Sanchez will start the opener against the Virginia Cavaliers tonight.

There had been some doubt that Mark Sanchez would be ready in time for Saturday’s opener. On August 10^th, Sanchez dislocated his kneecap in a warming up drill and missed the last two weeks of Fall Camp, including two controlled scrimages and the annual Mock Game at the Coliseum.

A top recruit four years ago, the redshirt junior returned Monday to quarterback the first unit. There were questions about Sanchez’ conditioning and bringing his skills back up to speed. He threw two interceptions at Tuesday’s practice. But Tuesday evening, the team doctor officially cleared Sanchez to play Saturday.

After watching Sanchez perform as the team went through drills in half pads today, "Turnover Wednesday," Coach Carroll made the announcement.

"We’re official that Mark’s going to start."

But with his conditioning still in question, Sanchez may be on a short leash. Should he appear to struggle on Saturday, the No. 2 quarterback needs to be ready.

But who is the No. 2 quarterback? Ever since Sanchez dislocated his knee, the competition between Mitch Mustain and Aaron Corp intensified. Coach Carroll held off making a decision to give the two quarterbacks as close a look as possible.

Today, Carroll gave the nod to redshirt freshman, Aaron Corp. Carroll felt that Corp had a better command of the Trojan offense than Mitch Mustain, the much-heralded transfer from Arkansas. Also, Corp’s mobility and speed gave him an edge over Mustain.

However, Carroll made it quite clear that the decision was a temporary one. The competition between Corp and Mustain will continue over the coming weeks.

The injury bug is quickly vanishing at least for the moment. The Trojans are now the strongest they have been all during Fall Camp.

Earlier in the week, cornerback Cary Harris returned from a sprained shoulder. Today cornerbacks Shareece Wright and Brian Baucham returned for a full practice. Wright is expected to play on Saturday and may even start.

Full credit is due to the athletic medicine staff at USC for the quick recoveries of Mark Sanchez and the other first unit players. Also, strength and conditioning coach, Chris Carlisle, deserves some mention for his work with place kicker, David Buehler, who has been kicking 50-yard field goals with consistency.

On Thursday, the Trojans will put in a 90-minute workout before boarding their charter flight to Virginia. Thunderstorms and showers are expected in Charlottesville Thursday. A partly cloudy day is the forecast for Saturday.