Chauncey Washington dives for first touchdown against Arizona. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

#6 is #1 today. The USC Trojans rally behind backup quarterback Mark Sanchez to tame the Arizona Wildcats 20-13. USC’s home winning streak up to 1.

Relatively untested Sanchez got his first start Saturday, the week after John David Booty went down with a broken finger against Stanford in a what some have deemed the biggest upset in college football history. This weekend half-time rolled around and the score was tied at 10-10.

Mark Sanchez didn’t appear to be the savior Trojan fans were waiting for. He threw more picks than touchdowns, completing 19 of 31 for 130 yards with two interceptions. But one of those aforementioned completions was 25-yard touchdown pass to Fred Davis, the first in Sanchez’ career.

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Still Sanchez showed the Trojans something their offense had been desperately missing: quarterback mobility. On third and seven, out of passing options Sanchez found a hole and busted for 10 red-zone yards. That run set kicker David Buehler up for his second field goal of the game.

A McKnight in shining armor. The mood was decidedly somber in the coliseum, that is until Joe McKnight’s 45-yard punt return. Couple that with an amazing 59-yard carry and McKnight finished with a career-best 13 carries for 75 yards. Fred Davis remains USC’s silent killer. The tight end again lead the Trojans in receptions with 6 receptions for 63 yards, and 1 touchdown.

I wouldn’t say the quarterback controversy is settled. Mark Sanchez is no more “the guy” than is John David Booty. And with the uphill battles USC soon faces, a betting man would probably wager experience over new momentum.

But who knows…Could a two quarterback system find its way into Pete’s play-book?

Stay tuned next week for bright-red freckled asses. Yes, it should be a good old fashion Leprechaun spanking up in South Bend.

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