Sanchez at the helm of the Cardinal team. Image via USCfootball.com

Some 17,000 USC fans showed up at Saturday morning’s Trojan Huddle, and what a game it was. The 97-play scrimmage continued all the way into double-overtime, culminating with backups Mustain & Corp’s White team win over (primarily) Sanchez’ Cardinal club, 39-36. Despite the loss, Sanchez came out a winner, playing his entire game against a solid first team defense that included the likes of Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing and Taylor Mays.

Redshirt junior and heir-apparent to USC’s coveted QB position, Mark Sanchez hit a commendable 16 of 24 for 203 yards and three touchdowns, two on short passes to both running back CJ Gable and tight end Rhett Ellison, and one amazing 37-yard TD strike to receiver/returner Ronald Johnson in the corner of the endzone. That said, Sanchez had the only interception of the game, on an ill-rehearsed “what the hell” flea-flicker pass that landed right in the hands of linebacker Luthur Brown. Still the fact they even attempted it seemed reminiscent of the football-trickery sometimes employed by the likes of Leinart, Bush and Jarrett.

But the surprises weren’t over there…as the Trojan Huddle progressed it became clear it was going to be a big day for the (not so) little guys.

Mitch Mustain was fairly productive against the second string defense, that is when he could find time for productivity behind his second string O-line. Mustain completed the Spring scrimmage 6 for 10 with 111 yards and two touchdowns, regretful that he didn’t get more chances to throw. Nearly half of Mustain’s yards came from a 12-yard pass to redshirt freshman wide receiver Brandon Carswell, who spun a reverse and went to town, creating a 55-yard touchdown play.

The greatest surprise of the day must have been No. 3 quarterback, redshirt freshman Aaron Corp. He seemed to offer some glimpses in to the type of future QB he’s set to become. Corp had the best day out of all the passers, completing 13 for 16 (81%) for 158 yards and 2-TDs. Corp’s last pass, a 25-yarder to receiver Travon Patterson, won the game for the White team. Patterson, who was the no. 4 flanker coming into the game, made his case for playing time come fall, with 6 catches for 111 yards. Damian Williams came up second with 56 yards including a 16 yard-TD. Patrick Turner (49 yds), Hazelton (40 yds) and Jimmy Miller (29 yds) caught four apiece.

Then there was redshirt freshman Chris Galippo. Watching Galippo during the game you would have no idea that the 265-pound middle linebacker sat out the majority of last season, suffering from recurring back problems that eventually led to surgery. With a game high nine-tackles, 6 for loss including three sacks and two fumble recoveries, one of which he returned 34-yards for a flip into the end zone, Galippo looked like he never missed a beat. Maualuga followed up with seven first team tackles, with cornerback Shareece Wright and safety Taylor Mays on his tail with six each.

The only lackluster performance, positionally speaking, came from the Trojan runningbacks. Sure there was no Joe McKnight, but with the talent the Trojans posses at tailback, they should’ve been able to create something…memorable. Stafon Johnson was pretty much the only back with a convincing running game. Johnson had 58 yards, including a 24-yard run and a 1-yard TD on some 13 carries. C. J. Gable, although he couldn’t get it together for many rushing yards, did manage to score twice: on a 4-yard run and an 8-yard reception. Allen Bradford, who had impressed the coaching staff the most during Spring drills, unfortunately had nothing going, while Marc Tyler most likely earned himself more time on the bench, fumbling twice, one that was returned for a touchdown.

Overall though, I would have to say the 2008-2009 Trojans are looking good.