SANCHEZ WATCH DAY 13

Earlier in the week I speculated that since John David Booty told the world he could start practicing again on Saturday, I assumed that he was back in playing condition and that whoever took the 1st team reps in practice on Monday would be solidified as USC's starter for the showdown at Oregon this week.

But when I said that, my wife brought something important to my attention. Namely, that John David Booty's finger is still, technically, broken.

Why was that significant? Because Pete Carroll's initials are P.C., and he lives up to them by always doing the politically expeditious thing.

Coach Carroll is no dummy. And he knows a QB controversy puts him in a no-win situation.

If he says both his qbs are healthy and he's choosing between them, he faces the wrath of the public the next time anything goes wrong. But, if he can please the public without coming off as committed either way, he's in the clear. And Booty's sort-of ok, sort-of not ok injury along with USC's schedule is providing a way for him to do just that.

All Pete Carroll has to do to avoid a QB controversy is to cite Booty's still broken finger, and start mark Sanchez this Saturday. Why? Because neither JD Booty or Mark Sanchez has a win over a good team this season (USC'S seven opponents to date have a win percentage of .283), and this Oregon game is the Trojan's only crack at a top 10 opponent.

If Sanchez stays hot and plays well in the toughest stadium in the Pac-10, USC will officially be back in the hunt for a BCS Bowl, and the sophomore will be the unquestioned leader of the team. Pete can give his, "John David Booty is a great player, but Mark Sanchez is the guy for this particular team." press conference, and no one outside of Booty's immediate family could complain.

If Sanchez starts at OU and struggles, P.C. just turns around and says, "We're sure excited for John David to get back to helping us again." And magically, Booty's finger will be healed for the Oregon State game on Nov 3.

With Sanchez the overwhelming favorite of the public, the Trojan Family would drop the hammer on Carroll for benching him unless Booty played perfect at Autzen. By playing Sanchez "because of Injury", Carroll is in the clear no matter which quarterback emerges as the clear-cut leader.

They don't call the man P.C. for nothing.