The quarterback for the No. 1 team is often a candidate for the Heisman, but even more so when that team is a traditional power like USC.

Mark Sanchez reaped all the rewards of Saturday’s showdown and is now an up-and-coming challenger in the Heisman race.

He came up big when everyone was watching.  As a result, his performance will stick in the voters’ heads all season long.  They won’t know what he did against Arizona, but they’ll remember the four touchdowns thrown against Ohio State.

As long as USC keeps winning, he’ll remain in the top 3 of the Heisman race.  As to his chances of actually capturing the trophy, that will depend on what happens with the other candidates.

Sanchez does not control the race just yet, but he is waiting in the wings to do so if someone else stumbles.