Mitch Mustain or Aaron Corp: Who Should Start USC’s Opener at Virginia?

On Sunday night, I ended my report on the USC scrimmage at the Coliseum by saying that I would pick Aaron Corp over Mitch Mustain to replace Mark Sanchez as the starting quarterback for the opener against the Virginia Cavaliers.

Now this may be a moot point since Mark Sanchez could very well complete his rehab by next week.  He has been walking and doing some light jogging with a knee brace.  He has also been throwing to stationary targets.  Tomorrow he begins throwing to receivers on the move.

Although his progress has been exceptional up to this point, Sanchez must be ready to practice with the first team offense by next Tuesday if he hopes to start against Virginia.  That’s just one week away.  His chances are probably 50-50 that he will make it.

If he doesn’t make it, who do you think should start in his place: Mustain or Corp?  Whenever Sanchez does make it back, whether it’s for the Virginia game or for Ohio State, who should be the number two quarterback: Mustain or Corp?

Here are the stats that I listed in my report on Saturday’s scrimmage.  Mustain: Six of 12 for 118 yards with one interception that was run back for a TD.  Corp: 12 of 16 for 64 yards and one interception.  Mustain also had a 26-yard TD pass.

At yesterday’s practice (without full pads), Aaron Corp had a fine practice and hit Damian Williams for a 20-yard touchdown, and he later hit fullback Stanley Havili for a 15-yard touchdown.

Mitch Mustain also had two TD passes, one to Havili and the other to Ronald Johnson.  Both covered 30 yards.  Josh Pinkard, subbing for the injured Cary Harris, intercepted a Mustain pass.

At today’s practice, it was Garrett Green, the former backup safety turned backup wide receiver turned reserve quarterback, who led a touchdown scoring drive as the team practiced overtime situations.

On Sunday, Green hooked up with Jordan Cameron for the longest play of the day, a 50-yard touchdown.  Saturday at the Coliseum, Green went six for 10 for 63 yards with a touchdown and an interception that C.J. Gable should have caught.

That brings up yet another possibility: Should Garrett Green receive any consideration in the head-to-head quarterback competition?

My take on it is this.  Green actually has one more year of experience with the Trojan offense than either Mustain or Corp.  Of the three, Green also has the best composure under fire.

He has better mobility than Mustain as does Corp, but Green lacks Corp’s top speed.  However, Green will stay in the pocket long enough to go through his progressions and remains cool and collected when the defense brings the heat.

That’s my take on Garrett Green.  What’s yours?

Injury update: Joe McKnight hyperextended his elbow Saturday night and did not practice.  Joining McKnight on the sidelines were Mark Sanchez, Michael Morgan, Matt Meyer, Trey Henderson, Chris Galippo, Michael Reardon, and Cary Harris.

The offensive line got some good news yesterday.  Returning to the wars were O-lineman Tyron Smith (knee/ankle), tight end Blake Ayles (concussion), center Alex Parsons (concussion), and offensive guard Jeff Byers (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever).

Pete Carroll was extremely pleased to have Byers return.  He is not only the most experienced but is also the inspirational leader of the O-line.

A reminder: Thursday’s mock scrimmage at the Coliseum will begin at 3:30 p.m.  See you there.