The battle at quarterback for USC
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Q&A with Mitch Mustain
With spring practice set to begin in two weeks, USC quarterbacks Mitch Mustain and Mark Sanchez are preparing for what is regarded as the most high-profile position battle in college football. Times reporter Gary Klein spoke with each player about the impending showdown. Today: Mustain, a third-year sophomore who redshirted last season at USC after starting eight games during a controversy-filled 2006 season at Arkansas.
Question:They call this a competition and say it's going to be a competition. Do you view it that way?
Answer: I certainly think I'll get a fair shot, but I don't think it's ridiculous to say that Mark's the leader. For good reason he is. I consider him the leader in the race and I think Aaron [Corp] does and I know the coaches do. But I think it is wide open and I think we'll all get a fair shot at it.
Q: How do you overcome that? If there's a leader, a guy who's been here, what do you think it's going to take to win the job?
A: I definitely have to get better and I have to be consistent in what we do. Know what we do, know how to run it, know how to execute it without making mistakes. I think that will be the biggest thing, if I can continue to improve and be consistent.
Q:If you're consistent and Mark doesn't have a terrible spring, are you prepared for the fact that you may not win the job?
A: Mentally I am. Who knows? It's definitely something coming in a year ago that I accepted. I knew it was going to be a probability and so I prepared myself for that. In that case I'll be the backup and continue to get better. Not hope for the worst for Mark but definitely be ready if my opportunity comes up.
Q: Before you made your decision to come to USC, you cited Matt Cassel and said even USC's backups were successful. You said that if you came out here and did not end up starting it would still be worth it. Do you still feel that way?
A: I think it's set in on me a little more now how hard that is to do -- to be able to sit back for the three years I have left. But at the same time I'd definitely agree with that even more now than I did. I love the school, I've had a great time and I love the program and so I would definitely not have any problem sticking around and continuing to get better and wait for my shot.
Q: Do you feel like you have gotten better?
A: Most certainly.
