USC’s Sanchez good to go vs. Cavs, with Corp likely to play some
Southern Cal quarterback Mark Sanchez is expected to be healthy enough in his recovery from a dislocated kneecap to start the Trojans’ season opener against Virginia, although he could be rested for stretches of the game.
“There’s still some question how long Mark can play. We need to three-to-four weeks before his conditioning comes back,” USC coach Pete Carroll said. “You get tired and stay tired. Some of it will depend on how we manage the game.”
Thus either Aaron Corp or Mitch Mustain should see brief periods of action. Carroll has not said who the official No. 2 quarterback is but added the position will be up for grabs on a weekly basis.
While Mustain may be the most physically gifted quarterback on the roster, he has looked lost at times as he continues to struggle with his progressions, often throwing interceptions that Carroll calls “game-crushers.” Thus Corp, a redshirt freshman, likely would be the No. 2 for the opener because he is a better game manager at this point.
“We want to find out who is ready to handle the game and make good choices and give us a chance to win,” said Carroll. “We’re not looking for our quarterback to be spectacular and carry the whole load. We never have.”
Meanwhile, Sanchez looked comfortable directing the offense Monday in his first full practice since the injury as the Trojans began game-week preparations for Virginia.
“We’ve really narrowed down what we want to get accomplished in this game plan and that helps from a quarterback’s standpoint,” he said. “Less to study and less to remember.”
Sanchez admitted he was not in optimal shape.
“I need to run a little bit, but I felt OK,” he said.
Carroll said doctors would examine Sanchez’s knee Tuesday night following practice in what Carroll hopes to be the last step in clearing Sanchez for the opener.
As for how Sanchez’s lack of mobility would affect the game plan, Carroll said some plays would need to be taken out.
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Eddie
Better for them if they can put away Virginia early so that they don’t risk anything too much with Sanchez before the Ohio State game.
Certainly doesn’t hurt they have two super-talented guys behind him though.
August 26th, 2008 at 7:37 pm